Nothing like a free lunch of 3 courses to bind people together. Saturday 19 July was one such occasion – the Mid-Winter Community fandango hosted by First Church.
So there was a right throng of the faithful and others, choosing between mushroom, and blue cheese and cauliflower soup followed by beef casserole or mandarin caramel chicken, and then, with groaning gusset, moving onto the hallowed choice between cheesecake, apple shortcake and meringues.
Not to forget the skilfully concocted mulled wine on offer to enthusiasts as they entered the hall.
In all, full to bursting with people and full to bursting with food. Accompanied by the convivial and sometimes rowdy conversations – not necessarily about the meaning of Luke 10, but just as likely to be about the upcoming test match against the French.
Nor was the occasion restricted to the truly exceptional cuisine. Yes, there were diversions.
Two main items.
First, we were treated to and enthralled by a choral piece on screen. A pure voice producing one of the psalms followed by the Lord’s Prayer with the soaring crescendo that it needs. Only to be told that the angelic creature singing was all of 11 years old! Truly miraculous and moving.
Once the elderly had dabbed their eyes the event took a turn towards a lighter vein and for those who hadn’t heard it before, something rather intriguing.
This was an instrument from Holland, the Busker Organ, propelled into action by local Dr. John Monro. With eyes shut, and delving back into childhood memory, you would have said this was an organ grinder with only the monkey missing. More accurately the sound is produced by human hand which produces a pre-programmed tune – something like the old-fashioned pianola. Not content to restrict our ears to the accordion-like music John started bellowing out some lyrics, which, all the guests were familiar with. So we got items from My Fair Lady and Oklahoma, not to mention the Lambeth Walk. And finishing, entirely suitably, on Get me to the Church on time.
The whole lunch event just goes to show the lovely, lively sense of community enjoyed at First Church.
Upcoming Events:
Friday 29 August – Spring Fling Fashion Parade, Waihinga Centre – please see the Advert in the Star. This is a fun filled evening showing preloved high-end fashion and accessories by local models, an auction, spot prizes, raffles, delicious food and great company. With the opportunity to purchase from the racks, racks and more racks of wonderful clothing.
Doors open at 4.30pm for early bird shopping and parade starts at 5.30pm. Tickets available from
Sherryl 0272405110 or Karen 0274209775 or the Martinborough ISite.
Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August – 10am till 2pm sales of preloved clothing and accessories. Free entry.
Saturday 30 August Book and Bric a Brac sales – First Church Hall, Weld Street 1.30pm till 4.30pm. Books, jigsaw puzzles, lots of bric a brac. Come along and get a bargain.
Any inquiries please ring Ronnie 0274586257.
Sunday 31 August – Church café style service at 10am followed by a shared lunch – all welcome.
