Today is International Tea Day, aimed at expanding demand – particularly in tea-producing countries where consumption is relatively low – and supporting efforts to address the declining consumption in traditional importing countries.
Tea is a made from the Camellia sinesis plant and is the world’s most consumed drink after water. It is believed it originated in northeast India, north Myanmar and southwest China, but the exact place where the plant first grew is not known. There is evidence that tea was consumed in China 5,000 years ago.
The tea industry is a main source of revenues for some of the poorest countries, providing jobs, especially in remote and economically disadvantaged areas. Tea consumption can bring health benefits due to the drink’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and weight loss effects. It also has cultural significance in many societies.
Like most Brits, Cumbrians are avid tea drinkers and our main picture shows Andrew Marshall and Gail Porter brewing up for a Taste Cumbria weekend, when Strolling for Shoes in Cockermouth was transformed into vintage tea room.
Above is an image from 1966 of senior citizens enjoying tea in Low Hesket Hall.
Where better to enjoy a cuppa than in a sunny conservatory? Residents at Hames Hall care home in Cockermouth are shown doing just this.
Tea in the garden is a well established concept and Debbie Marper-Gibson and husband Mike Gibson took this one step further by opening their own garden cafe.
Things got a bit sticky at a singing and cream teas event at Montreal School when a fun cream fight broke out. Bethany Fullelove is pictured with a scone in her face.
Yet afternoon tea with toddler Lucy Sedgwick, captured with her parents at Dalston Show, looks surprisingly civilised.
Susan Falder, Jane Helliwell, and Sukie Woodhouse show off chocolate cakes in the Magnificent Tea Emporium at Music on the Marr Festival at Castle Carrock.
A thoughtful idea at William Howard School in Brampton was to host a summer tea party for local senior citizens. Pupil Aimee-Jo Phillips is shown serving Doris Watson and Mabel Irving.
Our final picture shows Sheila Corby, left, and Hilary Booth having tea with the Royal Family at Castle Carrock Carnival.
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