PARISHIONERS donned their Sunday best for a slap-up tea party to celebrate their church’s 150th anniversary.

About 50 members of the congregation of St Paul’s Church in Reading Road, Wokingham, were treated to a high tea party when the church’s Parish Rooms were transformed into the Ritz for the afternoon on Sunday.

The church’s social committee cooked up a storm of scones, cakes and sandwiches while parishioners were invited to donate their own cakes and baking as well. The event honoured the church’s 150th anniversary. It was consecrated in July 1864 and church warden Peter Wells said the parish had events planned all year to celebrate.

He added: “We have always been a really social parish, but it is good to have an excuse to celebrate – we take any chance we have.” The tea party was followed by a special Evensong Sermon conducted by former rector the Rev Peter Rapsey, who ran the church from 1984-1993.

Mr Rapsey said it was a privilege to be invited back and added: “It all looks really nice and I have been looking forward to meeting old friends and of course making new ones.” The current curate the Rev Debbie Davison said: “It is absolutely wonderful to be celebrating.

“I only came here in the autumn but the parish has such a great energy and vitality. There is a great sense of excitement for the anniversary.”