Today was the date arranged for our Annual Outing to Henley.
Despite the promising sunshine at the start of the day, by the time 2pm rolled around, the rain was teeming down in Maidenhead.
Around 25 diehards met up at Parkside as planned and quickly decided that travelling over to sit outside by the river in Henley wasn’t going to be a viable option.
Instead, we headed into the hall and spent some time playing a variety of games ranging from Giant Pick-up-Sticks to Kerplunk and Jenga.
Discussions underwaySarah and EmilyStaring at a pile of sticksKenBrian takes a turnAll too exciting for Victor
We ate our various packed ‘teas’ and, with the weather improving, decided to make the best of a wet afternoon with a late afternoon visit to Ray Mill Island.
Accordingly those of us who had lasted the distance of the afternoon drove down to the Thames at Maidenhead, parked up and enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the island followed by an ice cream.
ReflectionsSarah, Dave, Judith and BrianC.O.P.S. by the weirRachelHollyRachel and NathanVictor getting in a spin
The afternoon which had begun so dismally in heavy rain ended in brilliant sunshine.
After heavy overnight rain, we enjoyed a mainly sunny day in Kidwells Park for Maidenhead Carnival.
It was the third year in a row that the Carnival had been in the park, after relocating from down by the river, and also the third year that we had decided to take a stall.
We had an early start to the day and were on site by 8.30am.
Setting up two marquees, along with all the tables, chairs, literature, competition entry forms and associated other detritus took the best part of an hour and a half, by which time early-birds had begun to arrive in the park.
We enjoyed a short time of prayer, and a coffee before venturing forth.
The Parkside marquees at Maidenhead Carnival 2011
As in previous years, we had decided to hold a colouring competition for children. This provided the dual purpose of giving the kids something to do whilst allowing their parents to sit down for a while and take a rest. It also gave us the opportunity to talk to the parents about some of our different activities at Parkside, along with what we believe.
Each completed entry for the colouring competition received a goody bag containing a pen, pencil, stickers, lollipop and balloon – along with invites to Sunday Club and the next Family Service and BBQ.
In addition, we also gave out invitations to our next Family Service and had various Christian literature available, as well as invitation cards for our main weekly services.
Like the last couple of years, the morning was relatively quiet. There were many activities going on at the main stage and many visitors seemed to just visit the stalls area once they’ve finished their lunch.
Things were busier in the afternoon with a steady stream of children and adults coming along to take part in the colouring competition.
We also had an unexpected visit from a young song thrush who seemed unable to fly properly and hopped around inside the marquee for a while.
Another welcome treat was a homemade chocolate cake which Paul brought along. It didn’t last for long after this photo was taken.
Paul's homemade cake, garnished with a Parkside business card
At around 5pm, a heavy rain shower forced us to pull everything back inside the marquee. The weather soon relented and with the crowds beginning to disperse, the stall-holders were taking the opportunity to begin dismantling and clearing things away.
It had been a good day. We finished the day with fifty entries into the colouring competition and also had lots of people go away with information. We pray that we will see them return to our next Family Service on July 3rd or to some of our other activities in the future.
Our thanks also goes to Chris Chugg of the Rotary Club for sorting us out such a great location for our stall. We’ve already decided with him that we’d like the same again at next year’s Maidenhead Carnival!
The polo shirts have been purchased, the invitation cards have arrived, the literature stands have been sourced and the pencils have been sharpened.
Like last year, we’re planning another colouring competition, as well as having a range of Christian literature available and also giving out invitations for our next Family Service on July 3rd.
Parkside's stall at the 2010 Maidenhead Carnival
We hope to make lots of contacts through our activities in the park during the day. If you’re coming along to Maidenhead Carnival on Saturday, please stop by and have a chat – we don’t bite, honest!
Parkside Christian Fellowship 