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Story told to Joan Henderson by Violet Finlay, who has lived for most of her life in the village of Drumahoe, situated just outside Londonderry.

The story was input by Brian Morgan

Violet recalls the days when members of the American Airforce who were based at the camp at Beechill, Ardmore Londonderry, came to Basket Tea socials in the Lecture Hall of Glendermott Presbyterian Church.

The Minister at that time was the Rev Wylie and his wife was an American. She wanted to entertain her fellow countrymen so instigated a tradition from ‘back home.’

Members from the congregation decorated baskets and filled them with whatever food they could provide from their rations, usually buns and sandwiches, and brought them along to the social evening. These were then auctioned off and whichever officer bought a basket had to have his supper with the lady who prepared it. Of course the Americans could supplement the basket with lots of chocolate.

After the baskets were empty, Violet says that everyone joined in games such as The Waves of Tory, The Farmer wants a Wife and The Grand Old Duke of York.

Not only did Mrs Wylie ensure that as many officers as possible were entertained at the Basket Teas but she also invited groups regularly to the manse.

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