The parishioners of Abergele and Towyn came together in celebration of their respective anniversaries of the consecration of their churches.
St Therese’s Church in Abergele was consecrated in 1934 and celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. By chance, the sister church in the parish, Christ the King in Towyn celebrates its own consecration in 1974 – a 50-year celebration. So, the Parish decided to have a joint celebration of their respective anniversaries and arranged a Garden Party on 29th June, midway between the two anniversary dates.
Christ the King was consecrated on St Patrick’s Day – 17th March 1974 – and St Therese’s was consecrated in October 1934, so celebration in June seemed a good compromise.
Christ the King is endowed with a good area of grass, suitable for a Garden Party – but what form should this take? An initial meeting of parishioners in March suggested a buffet, games and a request to the local brass band – Beulah Brass – to entertain us. So all we had to do was organise it!
Luckily, we have a really great core of individuals that are willing to roll up their sleeves and take responsibility for matters! So the Brass Band was contacted and agreed to play, several games were commissioned and a local Bistro agreed to provide the buffet.
What could go wrong?
Firstly, the local Bistro couldn’t provide the buffet (due to illness) so quick email to the local Morrisons produced a bevy of sandwiches for collection on the day.
An appeal to the parishioners produced savouries and cakes. All-in-all, we managed to provide a feast for everyone (see photo).
As the day approached it became obvious that the sunny period was coming to an end and more unsettled weather was on its way. On the day it was raining in the morning so the decision was made to hold the “Garden Party” inside Christ the King Church. The band was accommodated in one corner of the church (see photo)
and the table of goodies was also set up , additional tables having to be provided as more and more tasty savories and cakes appeared as if by magic! All we needed now was an audience…
Well, parishioners turned up by the score, ate, drank and chatted in a fellowship that had not been seen since the COVID lockdown. The band played, some listened (others continued chatting) but everyone had a great time. Indoor quoits and the buzz wire (see photo) were great attractions.
All in all the day was a great success. Canon Bernard Morgan even suggested that this anniversary might be an annual one!
Abergele Catholic Church 