ST TEATH Church Choir planned their recent garden party for weeks in the grounds of Pencarey in Trevilley Lane.

The date was set and a really varied programme of musical entertainment was planned. The day dawned — or, more accurately, didn’t dawn, as a heavy drizzle was blowing gently across the venue, soaking everything.

The inevitable decision was made to hold the garden party in the church hall. It was a squeeze with the musical equipment, musicians, stalls, stallholders and the audience, who turned up in droves despite the weather.

They were treated to a wonderful afternoon of conviviality and enjoyment as they listened to the riveting rhythms of the Djembe Drummers, followed by the foot-tapping Stubby’s Jazz Band.

Pimms and strawberries, tea and cake put everyone in the mood for Songs from the Shows by the church choir, who surprised very many people with their ability to leave choral music aside for the afternoon and launch into Rodgers and Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber and swinging gospel music.

The mood was a little calmer when Adrian Davies took to the stage with songs from the 60s and 70s, which everyone knew, thoroughly enjoyed and many sang along to. All the while, the food tables and stallholders were busy and people were queuing up trying to get in — it was quite amazing!

The promised train rides at Pencarey still went ahead for those brave enough to ride in the misty drizzle, with thanks to Alan and his team.

The choir were raising funds for two major venues in the village — the community centre and the village hall — and were delighted to report that the magnificent sum of £890 was raised, in spite of the inclement weather. They would like to thank everyone who helped them achieve this fantastic amount.