On Friday 13^th January, the Afternoon Tea Group made its first outing of 2023. We visited the British Library where we were able to see the temporary exhibition ‘Chinese and British’, which explored the settlement and livelihoods of Chinese citizens in the UK over the past 400 years. The exhibition was fascinating, as we learnt who the first Chinese settlers were and how some British businessmen helped them (a certain John Fullerton Elphinstone was also mentioned!).

A particular highlight of the exhibition was a miniature dolls house, depicting a Chinese restaurant which demonstrated the importance of the service industry to Chinese people in Britain. We also had time to explore some of the British Library’s permanent exhibition and see some famous historical documents, including Magna Carta which brought back memories of Year 7 history lessons! We then set off to Le Pain Quotidien, where we discussed the exhibition over tea and pastries.

A special thanks must go to Miss Boon for organising the trip, and to Mrs Ramage and Dr Bourne for accompanying us.

Julia Kozieja, Upper Sixth