Tauranga Vintage Garden Party fun for all

Tauranga took a blast to the past yesterday, tea party style, with Brain Watkins House Museum hosting the Historical Society's Vintage Garden Party.

Event organiser Stephanie Smith said the old-fashioned fun was "very successful".

She estimated around 100 people toured the house, with even more enjoying the garden.

Ms Smith said over half of the party goers were dressed up in vintage attire for the occasion.

"Not outrageously so, but just little touches," she said.

Wendy Collard who attended the event remembered the house when it had an orchard out the back, and a Rover 90 out the front.

"I can remember going there as a child for afternoon tea," she said.

Ms Collard attended the event with her 90-year-old mother, who used to volunteer at the house, and also her 3-year-old great niece.

"It was great, just lovely, the music was fantastic," Ms Collard said.

Ms Smith said the Tauranga Historical Society decided to "play to our strengths" this year.

"It seemed more natural to go vintage. It worked."