|
Gift
of thanksgiving
A special meal for
a very special town. By COLIN BOND
|
John
Burnett MP opens
the evening |
 n
Saturday evening February 1st, Tavistock Community Church (TCC)
laid on a meal to thank local townspeople who have helped both
King’s News magazine (since it began back in December 1995!) and
the church’s projects in Africa.
The
evening began with a welcome by John Burnett, M.P. and his wife
Billie. He commended the work done by so few with such results
for the poor across Africa. It was an encouragement in a cynical
society, an example of what can be accomplished by a few dedicated
people, he said. He wished the church well, saying he was always
available to help.
About
60 guests arrived, with guest of honour Mayor Marjorie Corner
with her mayoress Debbie Vidak. Previous mayors of Tavistock,
councillors, local trade and business folk, and church leaders
also came.
Our
maître d'
Vince Edwards |
The
head chef for the evening was solicitor Jeremy ("the name’s
Ramsay - Gordon Ramsay") Harvey with team, the maître
d’ our accountant and treasurer Vince Edwards (right). Between
them they organised a tasty and substantial three-course meal
with wine, with the help of the Bedford Hotel who generously provided
a wonderful selection of sweets and desserts to choose from!
The
young people of the church were the waiters - a task they did
with such dedication and courtesy that the mayor thanked and commended
them in her speech after the meal. She commented on the enormous
growth of the work in Africa, with all its excitement and dangers.
Guest
of honour Mayor Marjorie Corner
with her mayoress Debbie Vidak |
After
the mayor’s speech, TCC pastor Colin Bond gave a presentation
of the work of King’s News Magazine and the projects in Africa.
There were also exhibits of African arts and crafts, display boards
showing the work of the church in Tavistock
and abroad, as well as displays of the Gilead Foundation in Okehampton,
and Ian Robinson’s landmine clearing work in Bosnia.
Many
expressed surprise at the revelation of the progress among the
poor in Africa. Several people said that they never realised so
much was being done by Tavistock. As an additional sign (if any
were needed) of Tavistockian generosity, we didn’t make an appeal
for money but were still given £105 by supporters touched by the
presentations.
Tavistock
is a very special town which has a compassionate heart for the
poor. Your interest and support is making such a valuable difference
to the lives of so many people so far away. We so appreciate it.
Thank you again!
Colin
|
