Garrison Parish barbecue: Community helps raise funds for Tearfund and Rectory

Tug of War at the fundraising barbecue.

With the aim to raise money for Tearfund and the Rectory Repair Fund, the day took on a fair-like quality with a range of family-friendly activities and entertainment, including pony-rides, a bouncy castle and games in the Rectory garden on Saturday, September 3.

Talking about the great attendance despite the wet weather, Rev. Rebecca Guildea noted how they served more than 100 burgers to people in the community during the event.

Children enjoying horse riding during the fundraising event at the Rectory of Garrison Parish Church.

“It says a lot for the community, everyone showing up to put their best foot forward even on a wet, miserable day!

“We said, ‘Isn’t it amazing that we got a result like that on a day where the weather was crummy?’ The day was really well enjoyed. It was funny – the kids were all covered in muck, walking around with no shoes on, absolutely soaking wet. I think they had a ball!”

Rev. Rebecca Guildea.

Other highlights of the day were the cake baking competition, where local baking enthusiasts showed their talents, and the tug-of-war.

Reverend Rebecca Guildea presenting a cheque with money raised to a representative of Tearfund.

“Basically, we just said to everyone in the community to come along, that we were raising money for this cause and it was to be split two ways, between the Rectory Fund, which is an ongoing fund for any rectory work that needs done, and then the other 50 per cent for Tearfund,” she said.

She noted that just over £2,000 was raised in total from the event, with around £1,000 being donated to each cause.