Latest news with #InternationalTeaDay
Daily Record
08-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Kilmarnock Tartan Tea Party raises vital funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
The Park Hotel and local peer support group, the Killie Heartmates, joined forces to host the event A popular Kilmarnock hotel and local cardiac exercise group throw a Tartan Tea Party to support Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS). CHSS's inaugural Tartan Tea Parties took place across the country on Wednesday, May 21 for International Tea Day, raising much-needed funds for people affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions, as well as long covid. The charity has encouraged as many people as possible in the region to take part in the Tartan Tea Party, from groups of friends and family, playgroups, nurseries and schools to sports clubs, community groups and businesses. The Park Hotel and local peer support group, the Killie Heartmates, joined forces to host their Tartan Tea Party to support Scotland's leading health charity, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, raising £1,283. Sheena Thomson, from Killie Heartmates, said: "Given Killie Heartmates is a peer group of CHSS, we value their advice and support and we try to do everything we can to return the support. "When the Tartan Tea Party was announced we felt we wanted to take part and try and give something back for all of the support we've had over the years. "We spoke with the Park Hotel and asked if we could do something together to raise important funds and the morale of those who depend on CHSS because they do a fantastic job. 'The day went really well. We had about 90 people there which was brilliant and everybody got into the spirit of things and enjoyed themselves. The Park Hotel were also first class with us and we want to thank them too." Gordon Anthony, the general manager of the Park Hotel, said: "We've been working with the Killie Heartmates for a few years now. "The group are regular users of the hotel and we're their t-shirt sponsor. "Sheena and John are an amazing couple. The Killie Heartmates is a fantastic group so we try to help them as much as we can." The event was supported by Scottish baker, author, GP and Great British Bake Off finalist, Dr James Morton. He said: "The Tartan Tea Party is such a wonderful opportunity to bring people together to support each other and to be there for those who have been through such hardship. "I believe we'll all know someone who has suffered from one of the many conditions that CHSS can help with, and this is our opportunity to talk about it, spread the word about the great work CHSS is doing and why you should support them." CHSS supports people across the country living with its conditions to live their lives to the full. The charity is on hand to provide advice and support through its free Advice Line service, stroke nurses, online health information, support groups, supported self management courses and much more. CHSS aims to reach 175,000 people living with its conditions by 2028 through its Community Healthcare Support Services. Funds raised through activities such as the Tartan Tea Party are essential in supporting this goal. Louise Macleod, Community Fundraiser at CHSS said: "We're delighted to see so many people, like Killie Heartmates and the Park Hotel, taking part in our inaugural Tartan Tea Party and hope everyone had an amazing day. "At CHSS, we say 'never underestimate the power of a cup of tea'. Living with or supporting someone with one of our conditions can be challenging and events such as the Tartan Tea Party are crucial to create time for people to get together, share support and advice as well as have fun."
Borneo Post
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Chinese tea goes down a treat at Swiss mountaintop ceremony
A tea artist from China demonstrates the brewing of Chinese tea during a cultural event 'Tea for Harmony: Yaji Cultural Salon' at the summit of First in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. – Xinhua photo BERN (May 31): On a crisp spring afternoon, nearly a hundred tea lovers from around the world gathered not in a traditional teahouse, but on the windswept peak of the Grindelwald-First mountain in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland. The fragrant aroma of jasmine and roasted oolong mingled with the alpine air in a cross-cultural celebration of International Tea Day, held on May 21. At an altitude of over 2,100 meters, the event called 'Tea for Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon' featured traditional Chinese tea ceremonies alongside musical performances, including on the guzheng (Chinese zither), violin, Swiss alphorn, and accordion, as well as yodeling. Swiss violinist Marvin Naef's rendition of the traditional Chinese piece Jasmine Flower was a highlight of the event, earning sustained applause from the audience. Tea artists from China also demonstrated the brewing of renowned Chinese teas from Fujian Province, including Dahongpao and jasmine tea. Participants gained deeper insights into Chinese tea culture by learning about jasmine tea varieties, production techniques, and brewing methods, while savouring the delicate flavours against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and drifting clouds. They were also impressed by the evolving tea culture that now blends traditional Chinese methods with Western elements such as coffee, milk, and spirits. Participants try Chinese tea during a cultural event 'Tea for Harmony: Yaji Cultural Salon' at the summit of First in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. – Xinhua photo 'The blend of nature, music, and tea created a memorable and immersive experience at this event,' said Sabine Foehn, head of International Sales at Lake Lucerne Navigation Company. Remo Kaeser, chief marketing officer for Jungfrau Railways, praised the pairing of Wuyi Rock Tea with the fresh spring water of Mount First. 'Mount First is also full of rocks, with clear spring water flowing over them – there's nothing better than brewing Chinese Wuyi Rock Tea with this water,' Kaeser said. Co-hosted by the China National Tourist Office Zurich, the China Cultural Center in Bern, and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Fujian Province, the event is one of the highlights of the 2025 China-Switzerland Year of Culture and Tourism. Folk artists perform during a cultural event 'Tea for Harmony: Yaji Cultural Salon' at the summit of First in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. – Xinhua photo Liu Haisheng, head of the China National Tourist Office Zurich, highlighted the symbolic choice of Mount First for the celebration. 'China's tea culture, with thousands of years of history, is deeply rooted in daily life. Through this tea ceremony and cultural exchange, we aim to share the warmth and friendship of the Chinese people with the world,' Liu said. He noted that Mount Wuyi – known as the birthplace of black and oolong tea – is revered as a sacred site in Chinese tea culture. On April 19, 2024, Mount Wuyi in southeast China's Fujian Province and Mount Grindelwald-First in Switzerland were officially twinned as 'sister mountains', symbolising a cultural bridge between Chinese tea heritage and the Swiss Alps. People pose for a group photo during a cultural event 'Tea for Harmony: Yaji Cultural Salon' at the summit of First in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. – Xinhua photo Liu emphasised that this pairing connects the historic Chinese 'Ten Thousand-Mile Tea Road' with the Swiss Alpine peaks, reflecting a shared commitment to cultural exchange and mutual understanding through tea. At 2,166 metres above sea level, the peak of Grindelwald-First – a hotspot for connoisseurs and adventurers alike – offers breathtaking views of the north face of the Eiger, and access to spectacular hiking trails. – Xinhua China Chinese tea Grindelwald-First mountain Switzerland Xinhua
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
WATCH: Music and smiles at Crown Gardens tea day
Senior citizens at Crown Gardens Recreation Centre enjoyed International Tea Day with stakeholders, including the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), the private sector, higher education institutions, SAPS and locals on May 21. They were treated like kings and queens, with waiters on call. The day's presentation included many items. Speaker after speaker talked about ageing gracefully, empowerment in your later years, and watching out for scams. Activities for the day included health checks, legal advice, podiatry, chiropractic, social services, massages, fun games and entertainment. Welcoming the guests and outlining the purpose of the day, Carmen Winnaar from the CoJ said International Tea Day is observed annually on May 21, according to the United Nations. They adopted the resolution on December 21, 2019. Ward 54 Clr Marais Stuart said this day is special for the seniors. VIDEO 'This day is also in honour of the late Felicia, who wanted to do Tea Day with the residents of the south. In memory of her, we did this. Thank you to the team who put all this together. You must all have a lovely day and enjoy yourselves; there are cakes to indulge in,' he said. On the topic of CoJ's 'A City that Cares', Meshack Maluleke, regional manager of Social Development in Region F, emphasised that senior citizens are the best, and the city appreciates them. 'As a caring city, we will give you access to services. We will support you in your needs. Get healthy and exercise to live longer. We urge you to register for rebates. You paid tax for many years in your lives, now it is time for the city to give back,' he said. Maluleke also implored the young people to be volunteers at old-age homes. 'You must be friends with them to assist whenever they need help; be mindful of them,' he noted. Sponsors and partners of the day included Lee's Beauty Clinic, Lois du Plessis (singer and actress in House of Zwide), SPAR Ormonde and Ridgeway, Sasol Swartgoud, Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) Region F, Community Development, social development and sport and recreation Departments, Pick n Pay in The Glen Shopping Centre, UJ Chiropractor Department, UJ Law Clinic, UJ Podiatry Department, SAPS Johannesburg district, Support Those in Need Together, Clicks and Twenty 21 Holdings. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
WATCH: Crown Gardens sips, sings and celebrates
Senior citizens at Crown Gardens Recreation Centre enjoyed International Tea Day with stakeholders, including the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), the private sector, higher education institutions, SAPS and locals on May 21. They were treated like kings and queens, with waiters on call. The day's presentation included many items. Speaker after speaker talked about ageing gracefully, empowerment in your later years, and watching out for scams. Activities for the day included health checks, legal advice, podiatry, chiropractic, social services, massages, fun games and entertainment. Welcoming the guests and outlining the purpose of the day, Carmen Winnaar from the CoJ said International Tea Day is observed annually on May 21, according to the United Nations. They adopted the resolution on December 21, 2019. Ward 54 Clr Marais Stuart said this day is special for the seniors. VIDEO 'This day is also in honour of the late Felicia, who wanted to do Tea Day with the residents of the south. In memory of her, we did this. Thank you to the team who put all this together. You must all have a lovely day and enjoy yourselves; there are cakes to indulge in,' he said. On the topic of CoJ's 'A City that Cares', Meshack Maluleke, regional manager of Social Development in Region F, emphasised that senior citizens are the best, and the city appreciates them. 'As a caring city, we will give you access to services. We will support you in your needs. Get healthy and exercise to live longer. We urge you to register for rebates. You paid tax for many years in your lives, now it is time for the city to give back,' he said. Maluleke also implored the young people to be volunteers at old-age homes. 'You must be friends with them to assist whenever they need help; be mindful of them,' he noted. Sponsors and partners of the day included Lee's Beauty Clinic, Lois du Plessis (singer and actress in House of Zwide), SPAR Ormonde and Ridgeway, Sasol Swartgoud, Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) Region F, Community Development, social development and sport and recreation Departments, Pick n Pay in The Glen Shopping Centre, UJ Chiropractor Department, UJ Law Clinic, UJ Podiatry Department, SAPS Johannesburg district, Support Those in Need Together, Clicks and Twenty 21 Holdings. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Mint
24-05-2025
- General
- Mint
A tea lover's reflection on tradition and change
This week, I indulged in some R&R (rest and relaxation), giving in to the intense summer days here in Puducherry. The afternoon lulls you into a state of inertia, and mirroring the life outside, I too chose to retreat inwards. This week also saw the International Tea Day (celebrated on 21 May) with the theme being 'Tea for better lives". There's a lot of preoccupation with the sustainability of the tea industry, in particular its financial viability. But this, as I discovered last month, is not new. Also read: Like coffee, hold a tea festival too? I spent half a day at the UPASI (United Planters' Association of Southern India) library in Coonoor. UPASI was formed back in 1893 and remains an important planters' body. My sights were set on the collection of old planters' magazines. In 1895, a weekly magazine was started for planters by planters, called Planting Opinion. Later, it changed to The Planter's Chronicle and it continues to be published. Besides the occasional 'light reading" and verse, it packs a lot of information. As I read through some of the issues from its earliest years, it was quite apparent that the problems of planters have not really changed a century later. Back then too, they were grappling with some of the same concerns, of pest and disease, of enough labour, of markets. UPASI (1893-1953) published in 1955 notes 'a shadow of depression was spreading over the industry" with 'under consumption" described as a problem. One contributor says that both coffee and tea were in trouble from 1898, adding 'there is a familiar ring in many of the discussions, which, taken from their context, might have occurred in 1931 or 1952." Or 2025, as we may add. A century gone and much has changed and yet, nothing has. True of tea as it's of the world. Also read: A call to support Darjeeling's tea gardens I look at the assortment of tea in my cupboard—some Darjeeling black, a Kangra gunpowder green, chunks of a tea brick I have been hacking away at, some Taiwanese Dong Ding from my recent acquisition with a yet unopened Baozhong oolong, a Ceylon green tea, some black tea from Nuwara Eliya that I am rationing—I am reminded of an atlas of land and water forms I had read years ago. Entire continents were marked solely on the basis of their land forms, not political borders. It was beautiful. When I see the teas in my cupboard, it is a tad messy in how they are stacked, but it's without borders and is comfortably neighbourly. I catch myself wishing the world finds harmony despite its deep divides. I choose the Baozhong, once famous as the Formosa oolong, recently sourced from Hsu Hao Sheng, who goes by the name Sean, at Trilliant Tea (accepts orders online). It is by far one of the most aromatic teas I have enjoyed recently, with an incredibly sweet fragrance, like the scent of flowers that bloom at night. I steeped it for 6 minutes in boiling water. It's a lightly oxidised tea, as seen in the still green leaves. The tea itself is flavourful and sweet but with these oolongs, it's the after taste I have come to await. And the Baozhong brought such sweetness, it's one of my favourites this year and I recommend it as one to linger with on moody days. Tea Nanny is a fortnightly series on the world of tea. Aravinda Anantharaman is a tea drinker, writer and editor. She posts @AravindaAnanth1 on X. Also read: Getting to know the Dong Ding oolong
