Hymns and Pimms Celebrating Unity in Giving

St Cynllo’s celebration started with foot tapping offerings from the Radnor Valley Band and this upbeat atmosphere continued throughout the service.

We were reminded that it was forty years since the work of Live Aid did so much to alleviate the worst of the effects of the famine in Ethiopia and also to open up innovative and exciting ways to organise large scale fundraising initiatives by using television appeals, whilst also introducing an element of fun.

In between a selection of inspiring hymns that were introduced by representatives from various local organisations, we had interesting and informative items about the work of many different charities that support people in need both at home and abroad.

Our prayers gave thanks for the selflessness, not only of the many fund raisers, but also those who, in their charitable and humanitarian work, find themselves in danger and at serious physical, mental and emotional risk. For them we asked for strength and fortitude and, on a practical level, dedicated part of the offertory to a global charity. The service certainly celebrated what unity in giving can achieve for both those who give and those who receive.

A second interlude from the Band led us into the Pimms part of the proceedings with the usual tasty array of nibbles, eagerly consumed by all who stayed for a social catch up.

As ever many thanks are due to all involved in making the event both memorable and enjoyable.

Words & Photos by Isabel Morris