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Hostess Marie Canton, pours water for the tea. Pictured are, from left, Kathy Gregg, museum board member and a volunteer; Perry Leonard, volunteer; Nancy Hall, museum board member and volunteer; Jan McCanless, Charlotte Turner and Patty Ansbro. — Karen Kistler

Tea attendees get and enjoy refreshments. They are from, left, Debra Cook, Kathy Gregg, Perry Leonard, Nancy Hall, Jan McCanless, Charlotte Turner, Patty Ansbro and Erin Ansbro. – Karen Kistler

Museum volunteers, Debra Cook, left and Kathy Gregg, enjoy some tea during the afternoon event. — Karen Kistler

Marie Clanton, right, who serves as hostess for the tea, places sandwiches and desserts on the table. To the far left is museum volunteer Patty Ansbro and her daughter Erin Ansbro. – Karen Kistler

Marie Clanton presents a door prize to Patty Ansbro, top left as others look on, at right, Erin Ansbro and far left, Charlotte Turner and right Jan McCanless. — Karen Kistler,

Karen Kistler

karen.kistler@salisburypost.com

SPENCER — Making friends over a cup of tea is one thing that takes place at a event held at the N.C. Museum of Dolls, Toys and Miniatures in Spencer.

Hosted by Marie Clanton, the teas, which were originally started in 2017, were held at the museum’s former location, using a Downton Abbey theme. 

Clanton, who said she loved Downton Abbey and was serving as an events coordinator for Beth Nance, executive director of the museum, came up with the idea for the teas.

“We had a wonderful group that came,” she said.

The teas then moved to Clanton’s home until she sold her house in Spencer and the event halted until the new museum opened offering a space that would accommodate a group, and Clanton said, “we talked about getting it going again.”

With the new large space available, Nance said, “it’s nice to be able to continue the tradition.”

Friendships developed among the group that gathered.

“We are friends,” said Jan McCanless, one of the regular tea attendees. “We have a good time together.”

Clanton said that the teas give them the opportunity to get together; however, in addition to gathering at tea times, they have also been going out for lunch periodically.

On Jan. 16, an all new afternoon tea series began and is held every Thursday from 2-4 p.m. at the museum, 440 South Salisbury Ave., Spencer. Ages 13 and older are encouraged to attend and enjoy the time together.

The agenda for each week, Clanton said, includes tea and snacks and a time to socialize. When everyone is finished with refreshments, she draws for a door prize and sometimes has questions for a chance to win an additional prize.

“It depends on how much time we have and how many people we have,” she said.

Entertainment is also provided and as Clanton noted, they aren’t watching “Downton Abbey” now, but British films would still be a part of the afternoon as they watch shows such as a British comedy titled “Keeping Up Appearances” and a detective series “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.”

The attendance for the group has been slow getting restarted, noting the bad weather that caused several cancellations as a possible factor. However, Clanton said, “we brought some new members into the museum. We want to get more people interested in the museum” and have had some coming from Charlotte, Lexington, Raleigh and Winston-Salem.

Nine people gathered for the March 13 afternoon tea, which was set up with a St. Patrick’s Day theme and enjoyed refreshments, most of which were made by Clanton, including various cakes, cookies and cucumber sandwiches and a variety of teas. 

Several individuals were there for the first time. One, Debra Cook, who is a volunteer at the museum, said she was there working and was invited by Clanton.

“It just looked so nice and I love teas and I love decorating and all the above,” said Cook. Plus, she added that she loves everything English, “the old stories, the old TV programs, anything.”

For those returning, like Charlotte Turner, she said that she comes to the tea for multiple reasons.

“It’s just a lovely break in the afternoon, in the entire week really,” she said. “I love being with the other people. The food is delicious, and the fellowship is great too.” 

McCanless echoed that sentiment as she said, “I just love it. The camaraderie is great, Marie is very welcoming and a good hostess, and the food can’t be beat.” 

“I think it means a lot to the museum to have a weekly group that comes, and they are able to enjoy the exhibits here,” said Nance, “but really to enjoy the fellowship with Marie and the other community people who come on a regular basis.” 

The weekly events provide an opportunity to relax, enjoy tea and time with others, she added. “Really, that’s what it’s all about. It’s community.”

And “we enjoy one another,” said Clanton.

Those interested in attending the tea are asked to reserve a spot by calling ahead to 704-762-9350. Cost, which can be paid upon arrival, is $5 for museum members and $10 for non-members plus the cost of museum admission.