2012 HIGH TEA
The giant red teacups were dusted and set, the cupcakes were packed and the massage therapists were at the ready...Friday 22 June 2012 saw the NSW Swifts hold their annual High Tea.
For the first time the Swifts brought their High Tea to Sutherland Shire with the event held at the beautiful waterfront of Rydges Cronulla. Around 100 guests filled the function room to sip on their coffees and teas, have their tea leaves read and chat with Swifts players who rotated around the room.
Guests met Swifts players Carla Dziwoki, Sam May, Mo’onia Gerrard, Kimberlee Green, Vanessa Ware, April Letton, Kristy Guthrie, Kimberly Borger and Susan Pratley, who mingled from table to table to chat and sign autographs.
Emcee, NSW Swifts Marketing & Communications Manager Kath Tetley, kept the guests entertained as she interviewed the players with quirky Q&A sessions.
First up was head coach Lisa Beehag, who was asked about her teams’ chances for a finals series appearance.
“We can only control our own game, which we will do – however ‘some of those tea leaves or tarot cards’ may know more about the next two weeks,” she said with a laugh.
When quizzed if she was a coffee or tea drinker, Lisa couldn’t hop on either side of the fence, “I love both – my Nespresso kills me in the morning, but I love a nice Green Tea of an evening.”
The High Tea is an informal and fun event which gives the players a chance to answer some fun and quirky questions – giving guests a special insight into the players lives and likes, such as, the people that inspire them, how they would spend a lazy Sunday morning, favourite foods, cupcake flavours... and even which of the seven dwarves would best represent their personality.
When April Letton was asked who was the most famous person she had met, in a heart-beat she answered ‘Mo’onia Gerrard’ which was met with rapturous applause; Kristy Guthrie talked about the best parts about being a Swift is being part of a team, which are ‘really great friends too’; Sam May would choose Apple over PC every day and twice on a Sunday; Carla Dziwoki would choose rollerskates over skateboards for transport; Kim Borger is inspired every day by her younger sister; Vanessa Ware likes her ‘skim cappuccino with one sugar’; Susan Pratley (who hails from Bega) would eat hard rather than a soft cheeses; Mo’onia would choose Tonga as her holiday destination of choice...and Kim Green is inspired by her Mum Denyse every day!
Two of the High Tea Guests, sisters Janet and Diane were thrilled they had come along to the High Tea.
“This is the best day of my life – I am truly in my element. I love the Swifts and getting to meet all my favourite players was such a delight,” said Diane.
Janet said meeting the players was her highlight of the afternoon also.
”They were all so lovely, and answered so many questions that I had... Lisa (Beehag) has wonderful netball knowledge that we were able to tap into. It was great.”
When asked if they would be back next year, Janet didn’t miss a beat.
“Absolutely. 100 per cent. We had so much fun and we will definitely come again!”
