East Garston

Saturday

The first fully re-vamped annual gift day- (now a Gift Weekend) -took place over two days on the 2nd and 3rd of September. The idea, as in the past - to raise funds and channel them towards the upkeep and improvement of this beautiful historic building. Many people contributed a great deal of time and effort in pursuit of a successful weekend - and a successful weekend it certainly turned out to be in more ways than one.

Rev'd Tony Cumberlidge gives time to four young helpers with a personal reading.

Preparations were nearing completion when I arrived around 9.20am. Below - Wendy Highnett adds the final touches to one of the Wedding display sections, while Sandra Cook and Christine Thorpe don the white gloves to lay out the very old and very precious Church Records.

The area immediately around the alter carried floral displays of the utmost beauty and elegance. They bore all the usual quality hallmarks that one has come to associate with any -'Sue Briant '- 'Diana Pilling'- floral contribution.


Revd. Cumberlidge - Saturday Morning		The exhibition is officially declared open		Jessica presents Michael Evans with a thank you gift

At precisely 10 am The Reverend Tony Cumberlidge held a 30 minute service which he described as being similar to saying grace before a meal. "We are about to enjoy a feast of good things", he said, "and this short service expresses our thanks to God for this and all the other wonderful things he bestows upon us". At 10.30am the exhibition was declared officially open and the Saturday timetable of events swung into action.

From 11.00am through until 12.30pm visitors were entertained by organist Michael Evans who played his way through a varied program of songs from the shows. As a token of appreciation for his contribution towards the weekend, Michael was presented with an unexpected, but very welcome thank-you gift by Jessica.

The Church archive records were available throughout both Saturday and Sunday giving ample time for parishioners and indeed, non parishioners to research family histories or simply just browse through. Amazingly we had one visitor from as far a-field as Ilkley in Yorkshire and another from Norfolk.

The refreshments room was very professionally staffed by a group of admirably keen youngsters - and a refreshing cup of tea or coffee complete with chocolate biscuit, was never far away.


Bellringers Display Material		The Church Clock Mechanism enthusiastically presented by Peter Cook		Bell Coaching by Marcus Allum

The afternoon continued with a Demonstration by East Garston's own team of bellringers who were themselves joined on both days by Marcus Allum, the ringing master for the Newbury branch of the Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers, . The mechanism of the Church clock, built in 1889 was on display under the watchful eye of Peter Cook. Peter offered visitors an interesting and enthusiastic insight into the workings of this 117 year old machine.

Saturday evening at 7pm and a packed Church sat down to enjoy a concert of music and song performed by a group of highly talented artists
all emanating from the Lambourn Valley.

The concert artists pictured with Church Warden Sally Wright

	After the concert came the most superlative luxury buffet prepared and presented by another very talented artist from the Parish, her name? - that's easy - Di Cox of course- who else??

Sunday

9.00am Sunday, and Rev'd Cumberlidge conducted the regular service of Holy Communion, utilizing the Silver Chalices of 1576 and 1675 for the service. The service itself was attended by a large congregation with no less than thirty-two people taking communion. The exhibition re-opened twenty minutes later than advertised and continued in the same vein as that of the previous day, but minus the morning organ recital.

The first variation of events came at 3.00pm when the younger members of the community stepped up to enjoy their own unique part of the weekend. - "The Teddy Bears concert and picnic."

Conducted by Emma Pooley and accompanied by pianist Susan Holmes, the children begin their special two hours of fun & enjoyment

"Songs, Nursery Rhymes, Stories, Music
and A Big Picnic"

The advertising posters read -
"Children, Bring your teddy and your own musical instruments"

They did just that, launching themselves into their own concert with an eagerness and enthusiasm that would put many an adult to shame.

What about the Teddy's? - well I think they were quietly appreciative of their visit to All Saints' Church, although one or two of them couldn't resist a little bit of Teddy Bear Mischief.

Photo : Marcus Allum

The final event of the weekend came in the form of a "Songs of Praise" service in which a number of parishioners had been previously asked to choose a hymn. Each gave a short insight into the reasons for choosing their particular favorite. Diana Smith drew rapturous applause when she said to Rev'd Cumberlidge during the service-" You are the vicar now and with you we must go forward," - she continued - "It s up to all of us to support you fully in your efforts"

The evening then finished off with Di Cox producing yet more sumptuously delicious refreshments that could be enjoyed with a glass of wine and a chat with friends and neighbours. - And so a truly enjoyable and thoroughly absorbing weekend drew to a close. Post event reaction has been positive to within a whisker of 100% with high praise for the way in which the event was structured and for the diverse array of exhibits included.

Photos : Ken Tarbox