Newbury Methodist Church Open Day features historical displays, flowers, sermon and new garden

One Newbury church did not let the wind and rain stop its day of celebration at the weekend.

Newbury Methodist Church was open all day on Saturday, August 24, with displays of the various activities and history of the church.

Mayor of Newbury, Andy Moore, officially opened the new front garden — the centre piece being a large Methodist Orb — after the old one was targeted by vandals in November.

“The highlight of the day was at 3pm when our minister, Rachel Borgars, led a time of worship and thanksgiving for the newly landscaped front garden and everyone involved in it coming to completion,” said leader of young church and safeguarding officer, Doris Vaughan.

“This was also our Annual Church Gift Day,” she added. “This money will go towards installing a new boiler in our church hall.”

The event also included floral arrangements and refreshments, including coffee and cake, light lunches and an afternoon tea.

The church looks forward to using the garden for coffee mornings, outdoor services and more in the future.