This was our first excursion in support of the National Heritage Open Days and though it meant hard work for willing volunteers there is no doubt that it was a most successful day.
At risk of overlooking somebody, and for that apologies, thanks must go first of all to: Wendy Slattery, Ann Shadbolt, Alec Hall, Jean Wadsworth, Denise Berry and for Denise bringing the original and prints of Roberts works. The display of arts and crafts drew much appreciative comment. Further, that display would not have been possible without the work of Robert Wadsworth.
Adding to the day was the drive and enthusiasm of John Gibson and Denise Berry for the programme of music which not only showed off our delightful early-19th century organ but the rich talents of musicians and singers. It was a full day of performances by: Jessica Lee, pianoforte; Adrian Earnshaw, resident organist, St Wulstan’s; Dawn Isherwood, violin; pupils of Denise’s; Jonathan Davies, pianoforte, clarinet and organ; Denise Berry; Colin Noble, resident organist, St John’s, Thornton; and, Sue Noble, resident organist, St Edmund’s. With an afternoon brought to a close by John Gibson with organ preludes which introduced the 4.00 p.m wedding rounding off a truly heritage day!
As a conclusion, thanks to the refreshment providers and ask a question, ‘Was it worth the effort?’ The art show and the musical interludes really did show off the richness of our church family and the wider circle of friends. That was a big tick. The steady flow of visitors, there were few times when there wasn’t on odd person or two wandering around, which means we fulfilled on of the objectives of the day. (And, there were favourable comments on the beauty of what a correspondent referred to as a ‘Cinderella’ church and, perhaps, one or more will find their way back to be part of our fellowship. And that was helped by those who staffed the porch in particular Sheila Shaw and Ann Shadbolt.)
