As we head towards the lifting of all restrictions, the thought of returning to delivering events and activities might still be daunting. This summer, however, could be a great opportunity to try something, even if it is just a small-scale activity in the churchyard or opening your church for the annual Ride and Stride event on the 11th September.
Whatever you do, remember:
- Don’t do it alone – make sure you have a supportive team to help you.
- Do what makes you and other volunteers feel comfortable and safe.
- Follow Government guidance and advice provided by the Church of England.
- Learn from others.
There are churches that have been able to deliver community events during the last year, such as St Andrew’s, Soham. From a fete held in the churchyard back in September 2020, to the more recent Spring Fair and WW2 Exhibition in June, events and activities have been carefully managed and have been really well supported.
“Hundreds of people came to the event, happy at the chance to get out and about and see old friends and neighbours again.”
Working with the wider community is a key part of the mission and ministry of St Andrew’s, from supporting the local food bank to hosting a Christmas Tree Festival, to working with heritage groups and schools. The church occupies a central place in the town and thus these events have been an important symbol of the church’s commitment to the community and a shared determination to pull through the pandemic.
“Great to spend the afternoon in the sun at St Andrew’s fair in Soham, hearing how much people love the community spirit, how everyone had pulled together during the pandemic, and ideas for the future, like a family cycling club!”
East Cambs Local Facebook Post
Organising any event can be a challenge, which is why it is important not to do it alone, but the restrictions did add an extra dimension. Claire Halley, the Heritage Project Co-ordinator at St Andrew’s, found that it was fairly straightforward once she got the hang of it all, and that “events are so appreciated by everyone; local businesses and charities are so keen to get involved there is no trouble attracting stall holders.” The next planned event is the Soham Gardening Club Annual Produce Show at the end of August.
You can find out more about St Andrew’s events at: https://www.standrews-soham.org.uk/
You can also contact Claire Halley, the Heritage Project Co-ordinator, for advice on organising events: standrewsheritage@gmail.com
To find out more about the Ride and Stride visit your county Historic Churches Trust website:
- Norfolk
- Cambridgeshire – website still under development; information due in the next two weeks
Do you have a story to share?
Do you have an example of an event, repairs project, fundraising campaign – anything that you think could help to inspire and inform others? If so, please contact Holly Isted: holly.isted@elydiocese.org