A BARBECUE and family fun day organised by the parochial church council of St Petrock’s, in Timberscombe, was blessed with fine, sunny weather on Saturday (June 13).

The event raised more than £900 for the St Petrock’s maintenance fund and was not only a church event but a whole community one.

St Petrock’s, the only church in Somerset named after the saint, is facing costs for essential church repairs, including to its spire, where water is penetrating the timbers above the bell tower.

The event followed a successful choral evensong the previous week where a professional choir was commissioned.

There were many volunteers helping to set up stalls, tables, and chairs, move the barbecues and gazebos into shelter from the sun, put up bunting, cook food, serve ice cold beers, wine, and soft drinks from the licensed bar, supply ‘goodies’ for the tombola stall - which actually sold out of items to win - and run a bottle raffle.

Village children enjoyed play activities, and, with some games provided, adults were able to enjoy a convivial occasion with a view across to Grabbist Hill which one said ‘could not be equalled anywhere’.

Churchwarden Marion Jeffrey said: “We must thank everybody who helped with this annual fund-raiser to celebrate our patronal festival, which has quickly become an established fixture in the village.

“Not just the regular church congregation came along to support it, but many villagers, including new and recent arrivals, and also those on holiday in the village who were equally warmly welcomed.

“Fund-raising to maintain a listed village church is pretty relentless as there are always urgent and pending maintenance issues to resolve, and this particular event surpassed previous years both in terms of support but also the profits made.

“Many thanks to everybody who helped in any way.”