A Century of Family Celebration ...

All Saints Church, Beckingham, held a Festival of Family Celebrations on the weekend of 9th and 10th September 2006.

Fashions, furbelows, photographs and flowers, baptism and wedding displays, representing every decade of the century, with items generously loaned by local people, were tastefully arranged inside this beautiful church.

All Saints Church 1881 - click to enlarge

Along with a list of vicars from as far back as 1347, there were photos of the current ministerial team, as well as Lay Readers and choir members past and present. Bell Ringers were also included along with illustrations of repairs to the bells. There was also a colourful display depicting an early annual choirboys outing to the seaside.

choirboys seaside outing - click to enlarge

The Royal Family section included articles and photographs of the late Queen Mother and of Queen Elizabeth II from her coronation through to the celebrations of her Golden Jubilee. The wartime display had memorabilia of the Battle of Britain, along with gas mask, identity cards, ration books and old recipe books. The Roll of Honour, a permanent fixture, was there for all to see, along with the Book of Remembrance and a photograph of the calligrapher.

1930 1970 1990 wedding gowns - click to enlarge

There was a beautiful display all around the church of wedding dresses from every decade, all different styles, including one made of parachute silk, along with a trio of dresses from three generations of the same family, as well as a lovingly preserved dress from 1920.
To complete the wedding section there were photographs, flowers and other accessories, along with the marriage register.

1960 and other wedding gowns - click to enlarge

The baptismal display was arranged around the font, and included gowns and shawls dating from as far back as 1885, along with certificates and family photos, as well as the Baptism Register from 1879 open for all to read. The Confirmation display was illustrated with Bibles, Prayer Books, Kneelers and Flowers.

Ladies from the church had spent many hours busily preparing for the festival for weeks beforehand.

Family, flowers, fashion and memories all combined to make the festival a huge success, with the glorious weather and great many visitors, who were also able to partake of the delicious home made refreshments available.

Money raised from the event came to over £1,500, and will be going towards the building of an extension to the church which will include a disabled toilet, tea bar and small meeting area. These improvements will enable the church to extend its community activities. Sincere thanks go to everyone who organised and supported the event.

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