Was definitely a success! The weather was kind, dry with what the weather forecasters term "some sunny intervals". There may at time have been a chill wind about but this at least helped to boost sales at the "Nearly New" stall as people rushed to buy an extra layer.
We were delighted and honoured to welcome Chris Finney GC to open the day and thank him for the generous amount of time he gave to the event.
At this stage it is obviously too early to quantify the success in money terms but there should eventually be substantial contributions to the two good causes, Help for Heroes and our ancient parish church All Saints. The final figures will of course be made known as soon as possible.
As well though was the other big success of the day, the coming together of church and parish in both work and play. Thanks must go to all the many church members involved, the stall holders, the arena builders, the car parking and entertainment organisers, those who ran the games, those who fed us, the music makers at tea, the official photographer, those who devised and printed the programmes and of course the money handlers.
But working with all of these were the parish council who gave so much help with the free use of the Memorial Hall and the ground, the Sports Club who lent us their car park and marked out the white lines for the very enjoyable children's games, the riding school next door who gave extra parking, and The Curlew in between with their gift for the lucky programme winner. And two of the more thankless tasks were taken by the West Parley Residents Association who provided gate and car park attendants in the form of two local sea cadet forces.
Then of course there were those with whom the church has close ties and some a little less connected, the Mothers Union and the Women's Institute both took over stalls and the Conservative Ladies ran the teas. Parley First School gave a lovely presentation on the theme of saints and heroes. Three organisations who use the church hall joined in the entertainment side, the Wessex Accordion Band, the Jujitsu Club and the Tai Chi Club. And through a connection with Bournemouth School we were further well entertained by the Brainy's Blues Band.
From a little further afield, our church patron sent a draw prize for their Plumber Manor restaurant, St Mary's at Sturminster Marshall provided the sound system, ably used by the two guest announcers, one from local hospital broadcasting and one all the way from Devon. From a little nearer Wessex Helpline brought us the children's games and Razer the Robot demonstrated his powers.
And all this combined effort, originally originated and then enthusiastically chaired by Linda Baker over the last nine months, resulted in a day of parish unity and enjoyment, a visibly happy day for all and with an outcome to help our two causes. Thank you, one and all
Garnet Lambert
The West Parley Churches Art Group started on 2005 and meets every 2nd and 4th Monday afternoon from 2.30pm.
We paint or sketch anything that takes our fancy and we also have time to relax and enjoy a chat over a cup of tea or coffee.
We are a small friendly group and new members would be very welcome. No previous experience is necessary and materials can be provided to get a complete beginner started.
During the winter we have been meeting at members homes but we hope to get outside during the summer.
If you would like to join us - please contact either Dorothy Lambert or myself for details of the venues (our phone numbers are in the magazine).
We are a very informal group and you don't have to commit yourself to regular meetings, just come when you like.