We have had a quiet time during the summer as far as fund raising is concerned. The Garden Safari at the beginning of July was very successful, both financially (over £400 raised) and socially. The sun shone down upon us and on four lovely gardens and a lot of people enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship and we are very grateful to all those who opened up their gardens to us.

By the time you read this, the Book Sale will have taken place on Saturday 31st August. Also, a small group of folk of various ages and conditions, guided and looked after by Dave Ridout, will have toiled up Mount Snowdon. If you haven’t agreed to sponsor them, it is not too late. You can either contact Dave himself at church, or one of the Fund Raising Group. (There is a list of the group members on the Group’s notice boards which can be found in the corridor and the hall).

The Group is now gearing itself up for the next round of Fund Raising activities. On Wednesday 25th September there will be a sale of ‘Pellis Tops’ at Barbara Hothersall’s, 121, Conway Drive.

In October on Saturday 12th, there will be a sale of winter pansies at Church. On Thursday 17th, Jenny and David Whittall will be holding the first of four events entitled ‘A Garden for all Seasons’. This will be in the form of a Coffee Morning when there will be opportunity to see their garden in its autumn glory. On Saturday 26th there will be a concert at Church given by a group of Barbershop harmony singers. Also during this month, the intrepid runners take to the roads again for the ‘Great North Run’. Further details of cost of tickets, times etc., and how you can sponsor the lads, will be available at the appropriate time.

November brings us the Autumn Fair on Saturday 16th, a performance by ACTS at Church on Saturday 23rd and on Saturday 30th there will be a pre- Christmas meal at ‘Vincent’s’.

Some time during Advent, Jenny and David’s second garden event will take place. This will take place in the evening when the garden will be lit and can be viewed from the comfort of the house should the weather be inclement. The actual date has not yet been fixed.

We have already planned some events for next year and we will publish details nearer the time. We hope that there will be something for everyone to support and enjoy. We are trying to arrange events that will appeal to the wider public as we are conscious that the Church family does not have bottomless pockets. To date (14th August) the Fund Raising contribution to the Development Fund is £32,939.85 - most of it raised by you all. Thank you very much indeed!