The work
was coordinated by Chris Tonge, Chairman of East Garston Parish
Council and the volunteers included those born in the village
as well as more recent residents: men, women and children of
all ages came to do their bit. |
| While
all this was going on outside the Church- a team of parishioners
were hard at work - inside the church. They scrubbed and cleaned
the whole inside of the building, including the high parts that
are normally inaccessible. Silverware and kneelers were also
diligently taken care of. |
| Shannon,
Tegan and Anne work on the flower arrangements.
pictured below - more help arrives in the form of the
entire Clayton Family. Di Smith wielding her trusty
sack truck transports an old heater to the awaiting skip. This
photo of Di would be a good contender for any "Supply the
caption competition" - I am afraid I can't divulge the
forthcoming comment as I fired the shutter, but we know, don't
we Di? |
|
The vicar, The Reverend Tony Cumberlidge
was in the thick of it, clad in dog collar and boiler suit,
he spent part of the day removing a huge quantity of pernicious
ivy from the trunks of the ancient yew trees. Below
left - Dawn carries out a full examination of the grave
stones, noting down any that may need attention or any that
have become seriously unsafe. Below right - Dawn
and Sally confer on a point. |
A physical
examination of the tower rooftop was required and included a
safety report on the flagpole and weathervane, along with a
visual inspection of the roof itself. This task was undertaken
by newly elected P.C.C member Elved Philips.
(Rooftop Photos
: Anne Philips) |
|
Goodness me Mum -
how long's this path? - Ah that's more like it, a bit of exploration.
Now, can I get to the top of this mountain? Yep! spot on,
right to the top.............Oh heck - how do I get down now?
-ummm, ummm - Mr. photographer can you lift me down please? |
| Well
I never - an intrepid explorer turns his back for a second,
and someone fills his mountain up with kneelers.
Never mind Oliver, back to the path clearing. |
The Registrar of
the Oxford Diocese, The Reverend Canon John Rees, who gave
guidance on the project, commented “This is a very impressive
list of items, and I warm enormously to the enthusiasm displayed……it
is very ambitious”. |
| Mary, You're only supposed
to pull the Ivy off ! |
Well done girls
- you deserve some lunch. |
Everyone was well
fed and watered – a BBQ was on hand, masterminded by
our Chefs for the day, Emma and Peter - and a jolly fine job
they made of it too. Incidentally, Emma is also a newly elected
P.C.C member. |
| All agreed at the end of the day that
it had been great fun and very rewarding to see the results
of their labours in cherishing their Parish Church. A very good
start has been made, but there is much more to be done. Tony
Cumberlidge thanked the group for their efforts and reminded
them that “We are all stewards, holding this ancient church
in trust, for generations of East Garston people yet unborn.” |
Finally
we wish to send a very big
Thank You
to all who donated and all who came and took part. |
Photos
: Ken Tarbox : Anne Philips
Text : Sally Wright : Ken Tarbox
|
