Ormiston House

Mother’s Day High Tea

Ormiston House — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:54:30 +0000

Even a shower or two amongst the sunshine could not dampen the spirits of the many families and groups that celebrated Mother’s Day with a High Tea on the verandah of the house.

Once again this special event was fully booked and many more additional visitors were able to enjoy a Devonshire Tea in the marquee. It was wonderful to see the children playing on the lawn of the house, while the adults enjoyed a relaxing afternoon tea.

Young volunteer Jessica Stroja entertained guests with her lovely piano playing, and our volunteer photographer Lynette Rees took portraits of guests. The Australian Lace Making Guild has a fascinating display of lace and gave demonstrations of lace making.

All images are copyright Lynette Rees Photography 2012, specialising in portraiture and events in the Redlands

Highland Celtic Celebration

Ormiston House — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:49:23 +0000

The annual celebration of the Scottish and Irish heritage of Ormiston House was blessed with perfect weather this year and the huge crowd that attended was treated to a varied and entertaining programme provided by over 200 performers. Over 1,000 visitors and volunteers watched from the marquees on the front lawn while enjoying their lunches and Devonshire teas, including five coachloads of visitors from as far afield as the Gold Coast.

Kathleen Proctor Moore was sadly unable to perform, but Gregory Moore stepped ably into her place. One of the original Ten Tenors, Greg toured New Zealand, Australia and Canada in the acclaimed Scotland the Brave. Greg charmed the appreciative audience with his wonderful renditions of old favourites as well as some beautiful songs from his new album.

From the splendid marching and playing of the two pipe bands, the Murrumba Scotch Terrier Mascots, Scottish and Irish dancers and the Scottish Volunteer Corps displays, there was something for everyone. Bayside Harmony singers and the Ladies Drum Corps completed the full programme.

The Ormiston Garden Club created a colourful display of hanging baskets and potted plants in a corner on the back verandah of the house, and there were many stalls and craft displays to interest the many visitors.

All images are copyright Lynette Rees Photography 2012, specialising in portraiture and events in the Redlands

150 year Celebration Concert a great success!

Ormiston House — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 06:29:07 +0000

The 150 year celebrations for historic Ormiston House were rounded off magnificently with a hugely successful concert on 30 September 2012.

Over 500 patrons relaxing on the lawn of the house were treated to a wonderful line-up of great performers and a varied program that had something for everyone. Crooner Craig Martin set the tone with his smooth singing, followed by soprano Milica Ilic, who has flown up from Sydney that morning where she was performing the lead in Lucia de Lammermoor for Opera Australia. Local singer Scott Muller, who is now of of the Ten Tenors, sang two numbers from popular shows.

Local mezzo soprano Elizabeth Lewis, tenor Kang Wang and baritone Shaun Brown completed the line-up of singing stars, with local musicians violinist Camille Barry and diminutive 8 year old cellist Yena Gook winning over the audience with their superb playing.

The Music Theatre students from the Queensland Conservatorium wowed the crowds with their two sets of music from the shows, including a stirring selection from Jesus Christ Superstar.

The pre-concert entertainment provided by the Redland City Concert Band, Mandolins of Brisbane and the Redland Sporting Club Pipe Band was greatly enjoyed by the audience.

Although rain threatened earlier in the day, the afternoon provided perfect weather for outdoor performances with calm, overcast but dry conditions.

All Images are copyright of Lynette Rees Photography 2012, specialising in portraiture and events in the Redlands

Mercedes Benz Concours d’Elegance

Ormiston House — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 07:09:57 +0000

A fascinating display of Mercedes Benz cars of all ages was the centre of attention for the many visitors to Ormiston House on August 12 2012. The beautifully turned out vehicles filled the lawn, interspersed with equally well-turned out picnic tables as the car owners enjoyed the afternoon in the winter sunshine. Musical entertainment was provided by the Redland Sporting Club Pipe Band and a fashion parade for the ladies rounded off a super day for all.

All images are copyright Lynette Rees Photography 2012, specialising in portraiture and events in the Redlands

Rolls Royce Car Day

Ormiston House — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 06:49:21 +0000

Visitors to Ormiston House on July 22 2012 were treated to a spectacular display of Rolls Royce cars on the lawn in sparkling sunshine. It was a most enjoyable day for car owners and visitors alike, with over 50 cars on show . Many people relaxed with picnics in the warm sunshine or Devonshire Teas on the verandah, while listening to musical entertainment with the wonderful backdrop of Moreton Bay.

All images are copyright Lynette Rees Photography 2012, specialising in portraiture and events in the Redlands.

Edwardian Tea Party, July 2012

Ormiston House — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:13:25 +0000

Another successful Edwardian Tea Party on July 25 was enjoyed by almost 70 ladies, resplendent in their colourful hats and elegant dresses. The ladies were treated to a feast of wide selection of cakes and savoury delicacies on tiered plates, served with tea or coffee in china redolent of yesteryear. Musical entertainment was provided by Miss Jessica Stroja on the 1870′s piano on the drawing room of the house. The wide verandah overlooking Moreton Bay provides a very fitting location for our popular tea parties, and since the word has spread these special events fill up very quickly. So, if you and your friends fancy dressing up and enjoying an elegant morning or afternoon tea, look out for the dates of next year’s parties, and book your places without delay.

All images are copyright Lynette Rees Photography 2012, specialising in portraiture and events in the Redlands.

Ferrari Concours

Ormiston House — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:48:35 +0000

The Ferrari Concours planned originally for July 15 was postponed to July 29 due to inclement weather. It was eventually held under beautiful blue skies and over 300 visitors were treated to a wonderful display of these great cars. It was a very successful day enjoyed by car owmers and public alike, highlighting again the national reputation gained by Ormiston House as a superb venue for car club events.

All images are copyright Lynette Rees Photography 2012, specialising in portraiture and events in the Redlands.

Vintage Car Day

Ormiston House — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 10:51:51 +0000

The Vintage Car Day on June 24 was a tremendous success, with 50 cars displayed in all their splendour on the front lawn of the house. Many of the members exhibiting their cars were in period dress and enjoyed their own picnics, which added to the occasion and gave the whole day a wonderful atmosphere. Almost 400 members of the public visited during the afternoon to inspect the cars and take Devonshire teas on the verandah.

All images are copyright Lynette Rees Photography 2012, specialising in portraiture and events in the Redlands.

May Edwardian Tea Party

Ormiston House — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 05:11:50 +0000

Once again, this special event on the verandah of the house was thoroughly enjoyed by over 50 ladies elegantly dressed for the occasion. A tasty array of delicate sweets and savouries on tiered plates, and tea and coffee served in fancy china cups and saucers added to the atmoshere reminiscent of past eras.

The guests were entertained by Ormiston House Volunteer Miss Jessica Stroja, who played the grand piano in the drawing room of the house. Many guests took advantage of the sunny morning and strolled across the lawn, or wandered leisurely through the rooms.

These themed tea parties have proved very popular, with the July event already fully booked.

All photos are by Lynette Rees Photography, specialising in portraiture and events in the Redlands.

Mother’s Day

Ormiston House — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 05:03:50 +0000

Mother’s Day High Tea at Ormiston House was a sell-out, with almost 200 people booked for a High Tea, with a further 80 people enjoying Devonshire Teas on a perfect Sunday afternoon. We apologise to the hundreds of people who missed out this year; it proved to be an extremely popular venue for Mum’s special day.

It was lovely to see so many children playing on the lawn in the sunshine, while the adults relaxed on the verandah and in the marquee. We hope you will join us next year.