Sunday 25 March 2012

Allen's Brainwave

Allen taking the annual open air service within the remains of Tullynakill Church


Allen’s Brainwave!

This flower festival was the brainwave of our late and much missed Rector - Allen Delamere. Allen had a wonderful ability to encourage others to try new projects and find ways of making things happen. He himself worked tirelessly for our parish.

Just last summer he floated the idea of the Flower Festival, and asked our good friend Alison Nelson to take the role of organiser with the knowledge that he was there to guide and encourage. If we showed any signs of flagging he was there to nudge us onwards.

He attended committee meetings and constantly came up with new suggestions . Such as ideas of what little gifts visitors may like to buy at the Festival – hence the Glendinning window cards created by our own resident artist Lyn Majury using a stunning photograph taken by Bob Torrens.

He was also keen that we raised the funds to cover costs in advance of the Festival - “Let’s have a pub quiz!” said he.  So just last month we had a hugely successful pub quiz in Lisbarnett House organised by Mary McLaughlin. The description ‘packed to the rafters’ was never more appropriately used! The quiz raised £800 and along with generous donations, and support from our local businesses we have covered most of the costs before we begin.

Bringing people together and building a sense of belonging to our church community was one of Allen’s particular skills. We ferverently hope that our Flower Festival will be another successful example of Allen’s way of encouraging and cajoling us all to work together in faith -  And equally importantly - have some fun along the way!!

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