More than two hundred visitors have enjoyed an exciting community family fun day, hosted by St Cuthbert’s, Colburn (Hipswell Parish), near Catterick, thanks to the diocesan Mothers’ Union and local volunteers.
The brainchild of Nicky Holliday, MU Marketing Manager, and Ros Dobbin, Diocesan MU President, and planned over several months, the free Family Fun Day was ‘an opportunity to bless the community of Colburn’, and to give families some quality time together, without worrying about the cost.
A team from the diocesan and local Mothers’ Union worked with local volunteers to deliver the fun day greatly appreciated by the 200-plus visitors through the site. Each group received a ‘family pack’ of goodies on arrival, and every mums a pamper pack as they left. With a non-stop BBQ and refreshments, two bouncy castles, craft activities for all ages, face-painting, blood pressure monitoring and advice, hand massage, nail art, seed-planting, silk flower arranging, healthy snack activities and advice, a free raffle, a ‘teddy shy’ and traditional outdoor games there was plenty to keep families fully occupied.
“It was wonderful to see both groups of volunteers getting on so well, and engaging thoughtfully with those coming through” commented the Revd Andrew Cromarty, the Vicar of Hipswell.
Opening prayers were led by Revd Fiona Harrison-Smith, Diocesan MU Chaplain, and Barbara Taylor, Provincial MU President, travelled from Manchester to encourage us!
“This is possibly the most creative and positive thing we have ever done here”, added Andrew. “Hats off to the Mothers’ Union for a great event! This has done wonders for our little church communities, and we hope to see folk returning to our weekly Drop-in, and possibly to Sunday worship, as a result…”