St Faith's Church, Walsworth, Hitchin An Anglican and Methodist Local Ecumenical Partnership

  A Busy afternoon for St. Faith's Church   

On Sunday May 18^th 2008, the 35^th Walworth Festival took place on the Common and a lovely sunny day ensured a good attendance where there was something to entertain each member of the family, old and young alike. 

On the Common, St Faiths members ran a number of stalls and also attracted a lot of interest with a skittles alley.

St. Faith’s church was  busy serving cream teas and cakes, and, as they consumed delicious food, folk giving their tired feet a rest after walking around the common, were treated to entertainment from local school choirs as well as the Raqs Sharqi Dancers and the Southern Folk violinists.

The church was decorated with art work from local children and flower arrangements were also on sale. 

The Festival was originally started in 1974 by the then vicar of St. Faith’s, the Reverend Colin Gay, and has grown from small beginnings to the eagerly awaited annual event it is today, with support from stall holders and performers, both human and animal (ferret racing and dog agility) and the involvement of many local organisations and businesses. 

The event was officially opened by NHDC Chairman, Alison Ashley who spoke a little about the history of this event. A big vote of thanks goes to all involved and we look forward to next year. 

Elizabeth Hill

Pictures taken from the festivals held in 1974 and 1975 are shown below

The first festival in 1974 began in a modest way with a "Miss Walsworth", a procession and a service:

Also in 1975, St Faiths held an Arts and Crafts display in the church, at which members of the congretaion were able to show off their skills: