Parish News Roundup

This year's Summer Fete on 5 July, will have an unusual theme; the race day from the film "My Fair Lady". Big hats, black and white clothes and lots of fun!

This is one of the year's big fundraisers for All Saints so mark it in your diary now to come along with your friends to enjoy the afternoon. It will be in the Vicarage Garden as usual (Pulford School if wet) and open from noon to 3.30pm. There will be stalls, entertainment and cream teas to enjoy against the backdrop of our lovely church.

MAY DAY SUCCESS. Well, the sun shone for May Day 2008 after the deluge of 2007. The crowds came out in huge numbers and everywhere in the town there was a happy carnival atmosphere. Outside the church, the Preservation Trust's unwanted Christmas present stall did a roaring trade all day, earning £1,212 profit for the appeal. In the churchyard, the churchwardens were selling raffle tickets and raised £153 to help pay for improvements to the car park. In the coffee shop, many people slogged away serving morning coffees, lunches and afternoon teas, raising a record £920 for church funds. Inside the church, in contrast, there was an atmosphere of calm with many people relaxing and listening to choral and instrumental music. A good day for Leighton Buzzard and for All Saints. Well done all round!

What a splendid job has been made of the gateway through the churchyard wall to the staff and visitor car park in the vicarage. Using matching Victorian bricks the new pillars look as though they have always been there. By the time this appears it is hoped the new gate will be in position. The gate allows the wheelie bins to be stored out of site of the church and away from squirrels and mischief. The contractor was C E Spencer and Son.

 Our own John Wallace will join the Crown Nominations Commission to find the next Bishop of St Albans. John, who is Chairman of the House of Laity in the Diocesan Synod, was elected by the Diocese with others to sit alongside other members of the commission to help the selection process. Congratulations to him. The present Bishop retires in January next year.

All Saints Preservation Trust announced in May that The Weston Foundation has made a grant of £10,000 towards Phase 3C repair work at All Saints. A report on the planned next phases of restoration will appear next month.