For quite a few years now, the Daughters of the British Empire’s local Winship Chapter has hosted a traditional English tea for Middle Georgian residents. At 2:30 p.m. Sunday, the members again invite ladies and their guests to indulge in the traditional afternoon ritual of tea, with a variety of little sandwiches including salmon, cucumber, chicken salad and delicious homemade scones with jams.

There will be door prizes and beautiful decorations of red, white and blue as attendees join local Brits in celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. This is particularly noteworthy, as the only other British monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee was Queen Victoria. She occupied the throne for 64 years from 1837 to 1901.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. As her 86th birthday approaches, she is the world’s oldest reigning monarch.

In a message to her nation about the jubilee, the queen pledged to “dedicate myself anew to your service” and expressed hope that the “special year” would unite communities.

“The tea this year will be a wonderful party of sorts with even a lovely cake depicting the queen,” said event chairman Anne Sanders, who moved to the United States from Great Britain in 1982. “This is our major fundraiser for the year, with all proceeds going to charity” she said. Advance tickets are $25 and are available by calling (478) 335-1487. The tea is a great opportunity for mothers, daughters and groups of all ages to enjoy a special afternoon together.

The local DBE chapter members are living testament to their motto “Not ourselves, but the cause.” They support the Mountbatten House in Texas, which is one of four retirement homes in the United States supported by the Daughters of the British Empire. The homes are for the elderly of all nationalities residing in the United States. Local charities also benefit from proceeds of the tea.

Founded in 1909, the Daughters of the British Empire is a nonprofit, non-political, non-sectarian, voluntary American society for ladies of British or British Commonwealth descent (or for ladies married to men of British or British Commonwealth descent). Its members are professionals, businesswomen and homemakers with common interests and heritage who meet regularly for business and social events with the common cause of philanthropy.

The organization networks with its members, easing the transition for national and international relocations through common background and understanding.

Nationwide, they are known for hosting British fairs, Victorian teas, garden parties, auctions, fashion shows and international bazaars, while fundraising for the good of their local communities.

“We are actively seeking ladies who are interested in finding out more about our society, and are intent on promoting Anglo-American friendship and having fun and sharing camaraderie,” Sanders said.

Anyone interested in learning more about the organization can visit www.dbesociety.or or contact Sanders at asanders@cox.net.

Marsha Priest Buzzell is the executive director of the Warner Robins Convention & Visitors Bureau and can be contacted at (478) 922-5100 or cvb@wrga.gov.