Despite a gloomy forecast, the weather was kind to us, and a steady trickle of visitors came to pore over the stalls, ring the bells, visit the crypt, or just chat over a cup of tea or coffee. As usual the cake stall was sold out very early in the day, and the raffle (with some excellent prizes - thank you to all who donated them) was very well supported.
The historical display this year featured the history of 'Langford Cut' - that little stretch of water that used to ship flour from Langford Mill to Beeleigh, and then to the sea. Many people didn't know that this waterway existed (albeit a mere shadow of its former self) and having read about it, wanted to help reinstate it to its original glory. However, due to many problems outlined in the display, that may not be as easy as first thought - not least due to a large concrete sewerage pipe which effectively cuts the 'Cut' in two - but plans are still being worked on, and we will await results.
We were delighted to welcome the Reverend Peter Low (who will be Inducted as our new Incumbent on Tuesday 1st July), and to introduce him to many of his new 'flock'. We were also very pleased to see so many children, and to let them try their hand at the art of bell ringing - not as easy as it looks by any means - and to let them explore the crypt, and search for the 'missing' Church key! There was also a competition: "Where in the village is this?" where people had to identify the location of a series of photographs - all good fun. Strangely enough this competition was one by someone from Heybridge, so clearly showing that we are often blind to what is on our own doorstep!
The day raised £378 - a magnificent sum - and brought us two new life members of the 'Friends of St. Giles', both of whom, like us, want to help preserve this beautiful and ancient building. If you too would like to become a 'Friend' to St. Giles, please go to the 'Friends of St. Giles' page for further information and to download an application form.
But the Open Day isn't just about money (although of course that does help enormously) it is about outreach into the community, about meeting old friends, making new ones, and sharing the love we have for our church and our community with others.
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all those who helped, and gave tirelessly of their time and enthusiasm to make the day such a success. An event like this is not run by one person, but by a dedicated team, and ours is wonderful, and we couldn't run this day without them. But we are also a United Benefice, and I would like to thank Lynne Wood and Tim Hawkins for all their help and encouragement, and to everyone, local or strangers, who came to support us. Bless you.
Irene Allen, Churchwarden
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