A Church for All Seasons

Over the weekend the parish church in St Mabyn, which is undergoing extensive restoration funded by a massive fund-raising campaign, was the scene for a wide variety of events, proving its position at the heart of this strong rural community. Saturday was Fete Day, when a large crowd always turns up to enjoy traditional fun but the wet weather plan had to be operated so the interior of the Church rang with the happy laughter of the children enjoying Professor Goodvibes Punch and Judy and also the chatter and hum of hundreds keen to snap up the home-made goodies and bargains on the various stalls. Fete Chairman Colin Hyde said "the fete usually raises the £3000 we need to insure the building and so its success is paramount" An army of helpers put everything back together ready for the normal Sunday service, led by the Reverend John Brendon-Cook and then in the evening it was once again packed for the Elvis Gospel Concert with Johnny Cowling. Restoration Appeal Chairman Abigail Kirby-Harris in her thanks to Johnny, who performed without a fee, and to the 180 strong audience told them "the great size of this Church has meant that the restoration costs provided quite a challenge, but this weekend it has proved a real blessing" The next concert in the summer series of Music in St Mabyn is Jazz on the Green, performed by the Bodmin Community College Jazz Orchestra on Friday 18 July. Organiser Jennifer Tarring commented "this weekend has shown that if the planned Jazz on the Green has to move indoors we will be able to cope, and picnics will be welcome too!" To book tickets or for further details ring Jenni on 01208-841329.
AKH