The Strawberries and Wine event is a highlight of the parish summer calendar every year. This year it fell on the solstice, Wednesday 21 June. The children were on the final countdown to their summer holidays and with the promise of strawberries and cream, and a later than usual bedtime, it is always one of their favourite evenings of the summer term.
This year once again the Rectory garden looked stunning. It really is a secret hideaway in the middle of Ranelagh and we are very grateful to Sonia and Greg for opening up their home and garden for this event every year. The weather co-operated and thanks to the June heatwave this year’s event was held on the most beautiful balmy of summers evenings.
Parishioners and the school community gathered to enjoy the best Irish strawberries with lashings of cream, and a glass or two of wine for the grown-ups. The children enjoyed the garden, while their parents socialised or met a few new faces. Myself and my two children helped out this year serving strawberries. The children acted as runners, in and out to the kitchen to top up supplies in the garden, they had great fun with their friends!
The evening was rounded off as always with the traditional raffle. The highlight of the evening for the children is helping Sonia to pull tickets out of the hat. Screeches of delight follow when someone they know has their name called out, and if the prize is edible, it’s usually divided up amongst friends and consumed on the spot! Thank you Sonia and Greg, along with the organising team, for a fabulous Midsummers evening! Katie Jakkulla