The Ickenham Festival was blessed. With good weather, good friends, good events and good heart. Besides the Gala Day procession, the fete at Swakeleys which was attended by over 3,000, and the evening concert and fireworks witnessed by 1,400, there were over 60 events during nine days of activity.
Once again, there was plenty for everyone to do and see and the chance to appreciate just what a marvellous place Ickenham is. The Festival is a key which opens doors to local places we may never have seen before. It brings old friends together and enables us to make new ones and meet many talented and dedicated people.
Traditional events such as the art by the pond, dovetailed with new items like the Ickenham Hall Open Day and the Prayer Walk in St Giles’ churchyard. Out and about walks were conducted by the amazing Eileen and Colin Bowlt team and there were rambles and bike rides all exceptionally well supported. Sporting events were also popular, especially the session at Milton Court.
At the week’s beginning we met in the URC and prayed for a successful Festival and at the end at Swakeleys we gave thanks to God that He certainly heeded our pleas.
Enormous fun was to be had at the Mamma Mia Sing-a-Long and at the ridiculous but hilarious Duck Race on the mighty River Pinn. One of the best-loved features was the opportunity to visit 21 local gardens, all with their own individual charms and competing to provide the tastiest cakes. Here were opportunities to donate to various nominated charities and the generous Ickenham folk didn’t hesitate to give thousands of pounds. Some 70 scarecrows sprang up in gardens, many of which were taken to Swakeleys for the scarecrow competition.
Our library hosted numerous gatherings with different themes as well as displaying children’s art. More art and crafts were on view in the URC whilst St Giles’ was the venue for the Flower Festival, and a delightful series of concerts given by local schools.
The Festival Team, inspired by David Edington, wish to thank the many participants who entered into the spirit of this Festival in so many ways, not forgetting the stalwarts who helped to tidy up afterwards. As the posters proclaimed: IT’S YOUR FESTIVAL!
Alan Noad
DROP-IN FOR THE BEREAVED. Third Monday of each month. St Giles’ Church Hall, 2pm to 3.30pm. A friendly, informal opportunity for a chat, over a cup of tea, with other bereaved people and bereavement visitors. The next meeting is on Monday 19th July (then Monday 16th August). Just come along, or ring the Rectory (622970) if you would like to talk to someone first.
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