Saturday was such a good day. Long and hard work (thanks to all the people who came along, and all the people who said they'd help on the day but then didn't).
We were really stretched all afternoon and had to have some of us running two stalls, which was quite a challenge. As usual I did the bric-a-brac with Trx and the kids, but spent too much time playing host in old church, changing the music and leading interested people round.
We eneded up with three more families in the servcie on Sunday, so a great result.
And we managed to raise over £1500, which should help a bit towards to drains and electrical work that needs doing.
This idea of 're'-writing Doris Beer's History of the Church is really taking off. it seems everyone has heard of the plan, and is keen to submit material including loads of old photos and stuff. The plan apparently is to have a Guide Book for sale at next year's fete!!

Turned out to be an exhausting day, and we really could have done with the girls arriving at 9pm for a second weekend visit. I have no doubt now having spoke to K at length late into the night (which was REALLY good...) that she is more than a little keen on one of the new volunteers who turned up last weekend and that this has a bearing on her planning to come down every Sunday to help run this particular exhibition. Her name's Pip and she's "really cute" -. Live just up the road in Winchester so we'll wait and see what develops there.
It is a Big Deal having them to saty though, they leave the place in such a mess to tidy up late Sunday that we could really do without. Already made excuses for not being around next weeknd. A day trip on teh Sunday and coming in for dinner after work would be fine, but the overnight thing makes it really stressful, esp for Trx wh finds it all extra hard work that she doesn't need right now.

Not sure how the mini-TIC leaflet racks worked at the Fete,. I put several things on each table around the cream teas and the barbecue - vis guides, attraction leaflets, maps etc - the idea being that people could sit and read something while they ate and maybe stay half an hour longer as a result and buy more things.
Seemed quite effective - that whole area was packed all afternoon and the barby was sold out after only an hour.
Next year tho we really do need more commitment from people to help out. Especially if they say they are going to and then don't come. We need to make phonecalls before and on the day to reming them of their committment. P & G both did a wonderful job, but found it very stressful.

In church on Sunday we sang this hymn, the words of which really struck a chord:
Jesus, what can I give
What can I bring?
To so loving a friend
To so faithful a king

That to me is exactly why I love it.
Turn up to help with the fete and ask those questions of the right people - What can I give? What can I bring? The rewards are enormous. being part of this is one of my favourite days of the year.
High Happiness Rating and all that - satisfaction seeing people thronging around, children laughing with balloons, bouncy castles, face-paint; neighbours chatting over cream teas; meeting with friends you see around but never chat to; talking to people about the church and what it means to them. Loiots of our older community have wonderful stories.
I spoke to a man in the church after he'd sat for twenty minutes in the front pews. Nodded at me as he left, and I asked how he was.
Do you know, I haven't been in here for forty years.
MY parents got married here in the 30s, and I remember coming to the Sunday school when I was a kid.
It's a beautiful place...

That's what it's all about:D