Reverend Cumberlidge makes no secret of the fact that he wants our Church more open and more family orientated in it's approach to the community, and so, for this year's Harvest Festival celebrations, a challenge was issued asking Children and young people: boys, girls, teenagers, to come and decorate a window sill within the Church – This could be on your own, with a sister, brother, friend or parent (whatever you wish). - A tray with oasis and candle would be provided for each arrangement if needed.     It was heartwarming to see the decorations taking shape on Saturday with the church full of mums and their young children all working feverishly on their individual  or shared projects.

Bob the Builder giving thanks for the harvest in Sunflower Valley (into which we understand he has just moved !)

There were tractors and animals together with beautiful displays of flowers, autumn foliage, vegetables, conkers, blackberries and home made jam.

The Reverend Tony Cumberlidge conducted a joyful service of thanksgiving on Sunday 16th October in a full church, imaginatively decorated by mothers, grandmothers and their children. A congregation of about 125 adults and children greatly enjoyed the Vicar’s address with the children participating, on the theme of hunger, food distribution and the need to share. The lesson was jointly read by local farmer Jonathan Rabbitts and his 10 year old son George.

The Three "J"s (Left to right)  June, Joanne and Janet.

The offertory of £252 has been divided between the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution – which helps those in need in the farming community and the Disasters Emergency Committee – DEC Asia Quake Appeal. After the service the congregation enjoyed a splendid buffet lunch in the Seymour Chapel, prepared by Sue Briant, Diana Pilling and Janet Easterling.

The PCC are aiming to further develop links between the church and young families in the village; with this in mind The Reverend Cumberlidge has introduced the Family Service concept. The result of which saw 6 babies and young children including 2 sets of twins, christened in East Garston church on 20th November. This follows the christening of 5 other children earlier in the year and another baptism that took place on the 1st January 2006.

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