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Open Air Carol Service 2006
Introduction
SOULINBRENTFORD were really pleased that EBCC
approved our grant application for ‘Carols in the Park’. This
was an event that we’d be talking about all year and to see it
actually happen was fantastic!
It was a cold, dark, frosty evening; the lights twinkled, the
fragrance of the mulled wine wafted across the park, the
chestnuts roasted and then the music began….
Highlights
Rev Derek Simpson hosted the event that included carols,
bible readings and a Christmas message.
The event went really well, the police and St John Ambulance
were pleased with the organisation and both estimated over
200 people in attendance. The feed back that we have had has
been really encouraging….and for those who weren’t there;‘ the crowd called out for more’!
Refreshments were available throughout and guests were given chocolates as
they left. The
whole event was free and open to all and it was great to see
such a wide range of people from across the communities of
Brentford come to join in. |
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Tangible Outcomes
The purpose of this event was to draw together the wider community
of Brentford in a spirit of
celebration that encourages outcomes such as unity, respect and social cohesion.
Since this event, Soul In Brentford has run Groundbreakers (a half term holiday
club) which, again,
was well received and appreciated. We are planning a Soul Weekend in May which
will also be in St
Paul’s Rec and will hopefully draw many people together for social action
(park clear up) and
celebration (a Songs of Praise event). We are organising a week of activities
in the summer holidays
and are partnering with the Brentford Community Network and The Brentford Festival
for other
community initiatives.
We believe that projects like these are critical as they both invest into existing
communities and
welcome new residents that are moving into this area of ongoing regeneration.
Community groups
are key in encouraging local residents and businesses to participate in activities
that draw people
together to build a stronger future. |
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Key
Support
As with most community activities, key
support from strategic partnerships is
invaluable. For this event we would like to
thank:
Ealing and Brentford Consolidated
Charity,
Metropolitan Police, St John
Ambulance, CiP,
Hounslow Council,
Church Print Shop
and all of the local
volunteers across the churches of
Brentford who made the event possible.
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Sara
Ward – March 2007
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