‘Carnival’ celebrations

There was fun and games for children, grandparents and everyone in between at St Paul’s Community Day on 6 May

As people prepared to welcome the community there was great excitement. Lots of meetings and preparation had gone before, and now it was time to open the gates (well, the church drive).

People setting out the cakes and jams for the cake stall – do you think we’ve got enough?

Bottle tombola – no, sorry, you’re not old enough to win a bottle of beer; have this squash instead.

Bric-a-brac – what a noise as the metal grille fell for the third time! Everyone alright? Yes. Much laughter.

People browsing through the books – lots to read here, can’t decide what to choose.

Ah, plants for sale – I want some more for my garden. I need to pay, but I can’t see anyone behind the great green bushes on the table.

Lots of children in the rooms having their faces painted and tattoos applied, and making masks. Peter, you have to have your face painted – not sure if he looked funny or scary. No, Peter, don’t have a tattoo on your forehead – it won’t come off easily and you’ll look weird tomorrow as you lead the service.

‘It was a fabulous day – shame we couldn’t just carry on into the evening! So many people from the parish worked to make it a success – a fantastic team effort.’ – Lauren Thompson, organiser

Lots of animals outside to brush and stroke, and look at the cute little calf. Those turkeys, aren’t they strange and don’t they make a funny noise?

Scouts setting up a strong tightrope – which all the little ones wanted to try. Yes, all was safe as they were helped across.

Children from Western singing and playing their stringed instruments – so professional, such talent.

The pre-school children singing and doing actions – so sweet, bringing a tear to the eye.

Lots of delicious sandwiches and cakes to enjoy from the café as we sit and listen to the children and watch the Florian dancers.

People sitting outside enjoying the music of the barbershop trio and the guitarist, eating burgers and hot dogs, or a massive ball of candyfloss, or ice cream. The sun shining on them as they sat.

‘The church is the biggest public meeting space in this part of Winchester and it’s wonderful to be able to bring so many people together to celebrate our local community.’ – Peter Seal, rector

Circus tricks – can you balance a plate on a stick, or balance yourself on those stilts?

The raffle – with some wonderful prizes and lots of happiness as people come forward to claim their prize.

People flowing in all day – over 900 – and enjoying the Carnival atmosphere. Children crying because they don’t want to go home.

What a wonderful time was had by all … and now to get the church ready for the service tomorrow morning!

Thank you

An enormous thank you to all the companies and individuals who sponsored the event, donated prizes for the raffle and gave plants to be sold. Charters made a generous contribution to our Building for Life fund and paid for the publicity materials.

We’re also very grateful to the following organisations: Aldi, Brambridge Garden Centre, Cake Craze, Closs & Hamblin (C & H), Dinghams, Fulflood Gallery and Framing, Homebase, Leaf & Bean Café, Little Kitchen Company, Pi Woodfired, Roebuck Inn, Sparsholt College, Sparx Beauty, St Paul’s Pre-school and Winchester Golf Academy.