Sizzling South America!

On Saturday 2nd August the Parish Community, young and old (ages 6-93 to be precise!) got together to raise money for our International Parish Project “Let the Children Live”.
We had planned an evening of all things ‘South America’, as the charity is based in Colombia to help the street children leave their lives of poverty and danger.

As the World Cup had just come to an end as we were planning the night, it seemed only right to celebrate the ‘beautiful game’ by holding our own St Augustine’s World Cup Tournament!
Over 70 people came to play table football against a South American backdrop of music, food and wines from around the continent. Teams were picked, games were played, goals were scored and disputed, penalties were called for and eventually Germany were the World cup winners holding their trophy aloft! (Fancy them winning twice!) Not a bitten shoulder or groin strain in sight, thank goodness!
Seeing burly teenagers playing against our more delicate, seasoned parishioners – and both putting up an equal fight - was a sight to behold!

We also had quiz rounds, guess the South American Country competitions, a football sing-a-long complete with our own Carmen Miranda (Sue Mulrenan in a fruit adorned hat!), a raffle and even an auction of fantastic sporting prizes; an official Ronnie O’Sullivan Jacket donated by Father Frank from his last trip to the Snooker Finals and a signed, authenticated Manchester United Shirt donated by the club as organised by our kind parishioners Julie and Vernon who have links with the team.

With donations from people who weren’t able to make the event, together we raised an amazing £874 for the charity which we know will go a long, long way to help the children of South America lead better lives. Deacon Peter said “I yi,yi,yi,yi,yi, yi Thank you veeeery much for your kind generosity!“ Thank you to everyone involved and to all who supported it.

'Not so Young' Summer Outing

Our intrepid 'Not so Youngsters' enjoyed a wonderful summer's outing with a visit to Longstock Park Water gardens in Hampshire.  
 
This world famous water park is owned by the Waitrose Organisation and seldom open to the public, but the club were able to enjoy the splendour, beauty, peace and tranquility for a few hours, following days of rain and showers the sun shone, enhancing the garden colours, a truly memorable occasion.
  
The pretty Hampshire town of Stockbridge, just a short distance away was added, providing a selection of restaurants and cafes for lunches.  
 
A pleasant drive over Salisbury Plain, passing Stonehenge on route home completed a delightful day.