And, Now For Something Completely Different…
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Published: Thursday, June 4th, 2009
Blimey!! It’s Time for the Annual British Home June Faire This Saturday June 6
In 1920 The British Home was founded by the Daughters of the British Empire and other philanthropic organizations as a not-for-profit retirement home for elderly British immigrants residing in the United States. The British Home later opened its doors to welcome older adults of all nationalities, and today enjoys a diverse mix of residents from many different backgrounds in many cities across the United States.
The British Home in California, Ltd. is a very unique life care facility. It was formally opened in 1931 by a group of British women affiliated with The Daughters of the British Empire (D.B.E.) in the Western District. Their vision of a place where elderly people could be cared for in a warm and kind environment continues to this day.
On September 22, 1931, Sir John Adams, Consul General of Great Britain, formally opened the British Home. Mrs. Florence Shaefer, of Long Beach, donated the money for the second resident cottage.
The Annual June Faire this weekend is the major fund raiser of the year at The British Home and the event which is held on the grounds of the lovely home in Sierra Madre draws hundreds of visitors from around the country.
Even though we are divided by a common language, the British mother tongue will be well represented Saturday at the faire and if you need a translator, no problem mate! There’s always someone willing to tell you what a Haggis is and what a tea cozy actually does! Actually the British Home hopes that you pop by and do a little more than ‘spend a penny” – (from the days the public toilets cost a penny) and that you don’t get too knackered – (tired) walking around the gardens sampling the DBE’s wares.
But Blimey – (pretty good word to use when you are surprised) you won’t need your Brolly ( umbrella) as the weather is always perfect for the June Faire. If you’re feeling peckish -( hungry ) fear not, as there is something for everyone. Fancy a nice pickled onion, or how about a sausage roll? Contrary to popular American opinion, English food is far from lousy and the beer most certainly is not served warm!
The British Home residents meet regularly throughout the year to make craft items that are then offered for sale from their own booths at the Faire. Members of the DBE (Daughters of the British Empire), organized into individual Chapters from the Western States, sell items from their colorful and often whimsical booths to raise money to benefit of The Home. These booths are also judged for decorations and creativity. The residents look forward to the festive atmosphere of this day, meeting old friends and new, eating traditional British food and having a nice cuppa tea! English bangers are always a favorite as are the scones but only if you have some of the Devon Clotted Cream atop the mysterious sweet.
Traditional dancing and all things British are definitely the order of the day on June 6 starting at 10 am.
You’ll find trinkets and treasures from the UK as well. Last year I found a Silver Jubilee plate for a mere pound note! A true bargain! And, if you’re a book lover, there’s always a great used book selection.
The British Home is a non-profit organization well known for over seventy-four years of outstanding service to our senior citizens. The Home is a unique care facility providing retirement living for seniors of all nationalities, races and religions.
The Home’s beautifully landscaped four and a half acres contain five separate cottages, each having its own lounge, kitchen, and individual en-suite bedrooms. The five cottages combined provide high quality independent living for a total of 37 residents. One cottage is devoted to assisted living for current residents in need of additional attention.
If you are a “Tank” – (Yank) you’ll most certainly want to visit with your cousins from across the pond as we celebrate our homeland this Saturday.
If you look a bit dodgy – (suspicious) there will be a Bobby (British Policeman) who’ll be on duty at the entrance of the British Home all day to keep out cheeky buggers!
The annual June Faire is not to be missed. Call 626-355-7240 for more information or just stop by
647 Manzanita Avenue, Sierra Madre on Saturday morning.
By Terry Miller
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