112 Lexden Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 4BL
02 Jul 2022 11:00am - 2:30pm

St. Leonard's Lexden Summer Fete

The Summer Fete at St. Leonard's. Lexden is an opportunity to reach out to all in the local parish which the church serves. The church ministry team, led by Rev. Matt Simpkins, sets great store by the title Parish Church and both they and the church building are available to all regardless of belief, colour or gender. The ministry team will be available to any and all over the duration of the Summer Fete - and not just at this time but at all times. This is the church's mission. St. Leonard's Lexden is celebrating 200 years since the church's consecration. It is said that the bishop arrived on a horse, which should not be altogether surprising as there was no No. 65 bus and electric scooters had not been invented. The Summer Fete will be part of these celebrations and we shall be welcoming back the wonderful 1st Class Brass who have given loyal support to the event for the last eight years. Lunches in church offer the opportunity to sit in the shade and chat. Many just like to sit in the arena tent and listen to the band. Every year we have additional entertainment when the band has a break. This year is no exception and we are privileged to be welcoming the Columbines trio, whose repertoire embraces folk and Americana, original songs and arrangements, harmony and a capella. People have talked about the warmth and grace of their music; how their three part harmonies complement the natural tones of their instruments. These include both classical and steel string guitar, a cello and percussion; and if you want to find out more about the Irish Bouzouki you can look forward to its demonstration by Lynne, Dorothy and Jem - the Columbines trio - who will be performing twice for us in the course of the show. ‘The Columbines effortlessly showcased songwriting skill, a diverse collection of instruments, a fun and unusual interpretation of an old favourite - and of course their three lovely voices, which act separately or harmonise together to create many different textures and moods.' The Petanque Club in Stanway has given us great support over the last three events and are part of the University of the Third Age. Petanque has proved popular at the Summer Fete and the event affords a platform to promote the game and to encourage people to explore all the possibilities of the U3A. The ever popular Smoothie Bike allows people to make fresh smoothies before their very eyes and no fete would be worthy of the name without a coconut shy. In addition there are all the traditional stalls. We have prided ourselves on an impressive book stall and a bric-a-brac stall occupying a large area near the Lexden Road entrance. On the path going up towards the church, the visitor will meet the Lexden History Group under the Yew tree before arriving at the real ale bar on the right. Between those there is the craft tent for children. This has been traditionally run by the church's youth worker. We have had several from European countries and their role has been to support the ministry team and activities for young people, not least the Cubs and the Brownies, all the time improving their already impressive command of the English language. This year we will be remembering Bori Benko who was found brutally murdered with multiple stab wounds in her bedroom last November. Bori had completed her year in Lexden four years ago and had stayed with our former vicar Rev Teresa and her husband Martin Wynne during this time. 'After her year with us Bori returned to Hungary to study teaching' wrote Martin. 'She wasn't a fan of the Hungarian Education system so came to Bradford. Bori got her degree and was working in a school in Bradford for children with special needs'. Bori was due to be confirmed in Bradford Cathedral and shortly afterwards to graduate. She was working towards ordination. There is no following this. Suffice it to say that Bori would have been the last person to want the life and ministry of St. Leonard's to stop on her account. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. Artists / Speakers: The Columbines Trio, 1st Class Brass, The Petanque Club, U3A, Stanway Venue Details: St Leonard's Church Lexden, 112 Lexden Road, Essex, England, CO3 4BL, United Kingdom

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07887841774
112 Lexden Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 4BL