Visitors were transported back in time as church and community came together in Catterick, North Yorkshire, this month.
St Cuthbert’s Church and its grounds in Colburn, Catterick Garrison, were transformed into a scene from the 1900s offering a glimpse of Edwardian life. Period games were part of a community funfair, while the imaginative weekend included schoolchildren from nearby Risedale Sports and Community College and Hipswell Primary School added a touch of poignancy with readings and songs from World War I.
“This project has already pulled together the community and has forged strong and lasting links between the schools and the church” said Risedale RE teacher Samantha Wood
The idea for the event came from recently arrived vicar Rev Andrew Cromarty, who moved this year from Weardale. The weekend of remembrance featured attractions including clock golf, dress-up photos, music, a coconut shy and refreshments.
There was also a WW1 exhibition in the church featuring schoolchildren's work, wartime artefacts and a 40-minute large screen DVD presentation.
“It was a wonderful community event full of fun and capturing the spirit of a bygone age” said Andrew.
In the evening old time music hall resounded from the church featuring the talents local schoolchildren and Colburn's Am Hams amateur dramatic society. On Sunday a service of remembrance included poetry, reflection and hymns sung from facsimile WW1-issue Scripture Gift Mission John's Gospel books.
(Picture thanks to Ian Lamming)