Wow! What a week!
Deciding to pursue the idea of running a Holiday Club during the first week of the school summer holiday was one of those moments of madness during which we questioned our sanity; yet nevertheless, encouraged by Revd. Sylvia Turner, we continued with the idea.
As we had no previous experience of managing such a venture we were pleased to be given information that we could apply to our Deanery Synod for funding in the form of a Deanery Grant which enabled us to seek professional help.
A team of helpers was press-ganged into service followed by a Training Day led by Colin Stephenson of the Scripture Union.
We extended our invitation to all schools in the Pontesbury Deanery and were pleased that several children from the majority of schools within the Deanery registered to attend. In total 61 children registered and we averaged a daily attendance of 50.
Sunday, 25th July started the week with a service led by Colin, introducing the regular congregation to our Holiday Club. The church was then transformed into a fish and chip shop. Monday saw the team waiting in anticipation for the children to arrive.
The first day saw them rather nervously enter the building but very quickly making new friends and having fun together. We played games, laughed at jokes, did a wealth of craft activities and listened to several songs and Bible stories about Peter the Rock.
On two afternoons the children stayed until 3.00p.m. enjoying games, face-painting and a puppet workshop amongst other activities. (Did you know that parachute games are totally exhausting? Well at least for adults!)
Wednesday evening hosted a fish and chip evening in the church with a family quiz which was enjoyed by many.
On Saturday afternoon we held a fun and games session with a BBQ for families and then a final service on Sunday, 1st August, during which some of our embryo puppeteers displayed their new skills.
Wow! What a week!
So, what happens next year? Watch this space!
Barbara Norsworthy & Val Butterworth