Women Behind the Wheel

17 August 2024 / Story: Zan Dimovski and Senia Gaunson Photos: Ann Hicks, Zan Dimovski and Senia Gaunson

The Women Behind the Wheel concept was Honie Boyd’s brainchild, with the first one organised by Brigid McCarthy, High Tea in Kiama in 2023.  

This was the second event, with Illawarra, South Coast and RPM joining in at Peppers, Sutton Forest and Hunter with a run to the Chocolate Factory at Pokolbin on the same day.

See the Hunter Story here

There is a third one planned for Sydney (and all who would like to join) lunch at Bells at Killcare on Friday 11th October.

Zan:

Our "Women Behind the Wheel High Tea" event began at Bean Roasted in Calderwood. After a delightful chat and coffee, we set off up the mountain, driving through picturesque roads and passing charming homes on our way to our destination, Peppers Manor House.

The 1920’s grand country house retreat, set amongst the rolling green hills and nestled in the heart of the Southern Highlands, felt like a step back in time, a place where elegance and tranquillity reigned supreme.

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Twenty-two women and young ladies took a moment to admire the water feature and capture some photos before we were seated in the main room, where High Tea would be served. The room exuded refinement, with delicate curtains adorning the large windows that offered views of the lush gardens outside.

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As we sipped our tea, and for some, a glass of bubbles, we enjoyed delicate sandwiches displayed on the tiered stands. The sweets were almost too beautiful to eat, scones, miniature tartlets with fresh berries, and delicate macarons. Each treat was as delicious as it was beautiful.

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As the afternoon unfolded, conversations flowed as smoothly as the tea. The atmosphere was one of quiet contentment, where every moment was savoured and every flavour appreciated. The gardens outside provided a perfect backdrop to an unforgettable experience.

High Tea at Peppers Manor House was more than just a meal, it was a journey back in time, a celebration of grace and elegance in a world that often moves too fast. As we departed from the Manor, the memory of that serene afternoon lingered, a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful moments are found in the simplest pleasures.

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Some comments from Facebook:

From the South:

Brigid McCarthy
Thank you Zan for planning and organising this WBTW event. A great route, with a fun run up the pass (yes, a couple of cars pulled over to allow our top-down convoy to pass), to a truly beautiful destination. I love that these events gather old friends, daughters, and granddaughters and make new friends. 
Senia Gaunson
Our Second Women Behind the Wheel day at the beautiful Peppers Sutton Forest was a huge success. The ladies also got to check out the new Winter edition of Club Torque about to hit your mailboxes soon.
Fabulous day, thank you Zan for organising it, loved spending the afternoon with the ladies from the South Coast as well as a couple from RPM, and best of all, my lovely daughter, Cass.
The next #WBTW day is Killcare in October, if you haven't registered yet, please join us, so much fun!

From the Hunter:

Wendy Parsonage
Great day thanks Christine.  I hope all the lovely participants of the day choose to take the wheel more regularly.
Bring on the next one.
Denise Birrell
It was a great little run!  Wonderful photos Wendy, and many thanks to Chris for organising, I think many will raise their hands to join another girls day out!