This year Holy Trinity was delighted to support Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust's Ride & Stride event. The church was open all day offering cold drinks and bowls of water for thirsty dogs.Our first visitors (pictured) stopped off en route from Alderbury for a cup of tea and a biscuit before setting off again to West Dean and beyod.Ride & Stride is an annual national sponsored event. Since 1984 it has raised over £1.7 million for the county’s churches. 50% of the money raised goes to the participant’s chosen church and the other half to the County Historic Churches Trust.Participants may be cyclists, walkers, horse-riders or drivers of mobility scooters. All denominations are welcome. Visit as many churches as you like, planning your own route. Seek sponsorship from friends, relations and colleagues, so much per church visited or a lump sum.Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting church buildings of historic, architectural and community value across the county.
East Grimstead's first Open Gardens event for many years took place on Sunday 6 July. Six lovely gardens were opened and free parking was available on the village green. Tea and lots of delicious homemade cakes were on sale plus plants and garden tools. Robert Kennett (RHS Gold Medal Winner) was available at one of the gardens to answer any garden-related questions. It was a wonderful afternoon with visitors from Alderbury, Whiteparish, Pitton, Farley and Winterslow. Thank you so much to everyone who opened their gardens - we know how much work it took to get the gardens ready for public display. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic and appreciative. Fellow gardeners loved looking around and know what a privilege it is to see private gardens.Thank you to everyone who supported us and help raise over £1,300 for the Save Our Church campaign.
Billy Richardson is an amateur willow basket maker who has kindly offered to make a basket for anyone who would like one and in return make a donation to Save Our Church or the Reading Room.If you would like to see some examples of Billy's work, please contact her directly or via saveourchurchevents@gmail.comThank you Billy!
On a balmy evening in June, c 50 East Grimstead residents and supporters enjoyed drinks and nibbles together in the sunshine. James Mullens spoke to express our grateful thanks to everyone who have helped us get this far. Thank you!
