Here we are, more than 2 months on since my last post, so just wanted to let you know what has happened since then and to let you know the outcome of the Flower Festival itself. Well, we have a brand new rector, the Reverend Stanley Gamble, whose service of Institution was on Monday 27th August. People came from far and wide to be at the service so it was standing room only in the church and outside the crowd had to use umbrellas and rain coats! However the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The supper was most welcome after the short walk to Killinchy Church hall. Stanley and his lovely wife Sarah and little daughter Grace are now enjoying life in their new home.
Now back to the Flower Festival news. Alison Nelson and her energetic committee who along with parishioners, helpers, local businesses, the Kilmood Play Group, groups of musicians, organists and singers plus the visiting public made the event such a success. So much so that, after costs, a grand total of £14,509.14 was raised. So much more than we had expected!
Now we have a Captain of our ship so to speak we are steaming ahead with developing our website that was started earlier in the year. Also our monthly church magazine is having a facelift and is now called NEWS FROM THE PEWS
Can't wait to see next month's magazine!
Our first Car Wash and table top sale was last weekend with a wide selection of bric a brac, jams and preserves , local cards and handicrafts. A band of brothers and sisters washed the steady stream of cars while hot drinks and biscuits was being dispensed inside the hall. Please note our 'Captain' was undergoing training and was declared a fully fledged Car Wash Technician by the end of the morning (3 hours later!) The next car wash will be on the Saturday 3rd November 2012 between 10 am and 1 pm.
Finally before I sign off for the last time, the future of our parish seems so much brighter and our wider community continues to be forward looking and outward reaching! The parishioners have been invited to Afternoon Tea at the Rectory this afternoon to 'Come and meet the Gambles' and raise some money to improve the children's facilities in the Parish. I will be heading there knowing there will be a warm welcome!
Thank you for sharing our last 8 months.
