THE Cradley Heath Flower and Gardening Club went back in time this week after attending a Victorian evening at Haden Hill House.

All the staff were dressed as butlers, maids and the club’s members also donned Victorian garb for the event.

The ladies were given a talk about the history of Haden Hill House which was built in 1878 by George Alfred Haden.

Victorian style food was then served by the house cooks Pauline Edwards and Olive Whitehouse.

made maltloaf, lemon syllabub and rhubarb fool.

Jen Kerrison, from flower club, said: “It was very much like the Victorian tv show and we enjoyed when the housekeeper then demonstrated how to make a lavender bag and each member made one.

“The evening culminated in a soiree in the drawing room and John Billingham, the master of the house sang Handel's 'Where're You Walk' and was brilliantly accompanied by the pianist.”

She added: “We then sang some Victorian songs as quite a few of our members are Friends of Haden Hill Estate and it was our way of showing them appreciation for such a previously enjoyable evening in June, to make a second visit.”

“The Friends gave us a superb evening to remember, a marvellous trip down Memory Lane and they upheld their characters throughout the evening.”

For more information about Victorian evenings at Haden Hill House Museum phone 01384 569444.