Go for Gold!

We've had this report from Grange Baptist Church in Tuffley, Gloucester, about their Olympic achievement:

With hardly time to catch our breath and take down the bunting from our recent May Jubilee party, we were in full sprint for our June fun day called GO FOR GOLD!

After a week of torrential rain in Gloucester, no-one outside the church expected the event to go ahead. A number of craft stall holders cancelled at the last minute. Tony Minter, minister of Grange, said "Driving back from Swindon on Friday (the day before the party) the rain was non-stop. What should have been an hour’s journey home took twice as long due to the incredibly heavy rain. Even Saturday morning one member of the church asked if we were still going ahead.” So it was nothing short of a miracle that at 10 am the sun was brightly shining and as we set up it was actually very hot!

GO FOR GOLD provided anyone the opportunity to have their photo taken holding one of the official Olympic torches with either the Olympic flag or any country of your choice projected behind. The digital pictures were immediately wired to an email address and were offered free of charge.

There was also a large bouncy castle, Olympic style races and games, and medals were awarded to all participants. We also had our own personal trainer and fitness class instructor Matt Coopey on hand giving nutrition advice and training tips. For those less energetic there were lots of tables to browse over with books, bric-a-brac, candles, plants, honey, etc.

Younger children could have their faces painted with Olympic rings or anything of their choice. They could also make their very own Olympic torch candle by rolling beeswax into a cone.

There was also a bar-b-que and ice creams, tea, coffees, and juice. GO FOR GOLD a great success and so encouraging on many levels as Grange continues to develop relationships and friendships with its neighbours and wider community.

Another new venture for Grange is the launch of Grange Coffee House. Every Monday morning the church now runs a coffee shop where anyone can drop in for a 'cuppa and a chat'. There is fresh filter coffee, as well as instant for those who prefer, and  a wide variety of teas including fruit and herbal. There are cookies and biscuits to enjoy and daily newspapers to read.

This is a modest beginning but it is hoped that once everyone has passed their food hygiene course at the end of the summer, a menu will be developed to include, among other things, soups, paninis, and jacket potatoes. As soon as security softward has been installed there will also be free wi-fi (which is already in the church) available to coffee house customers. 


So, if you are in Gloucester on a Monday morning why not pay us a visit for a great cuppa and warm welcoming people.