A FEW heavy showers weren’t going to stop an annual celebration that is vital to a small dale church.
Parishioners and residents packed into Laithkirk Parish Church to celebrate the annual open day on May Day.
Church treasurer Roger Sunderland said: “Being a small church with a low attendance the annual fundraiser is essential to the future of the church. The day wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of everyone behind the scenes.” This included all those who produced homemade cakes, pies and sandwiches that were on offer alongside cups of tea and coffee. A tombola, raffle and plant stall were also well supported. The day raised about £725 for the church funds.
Between the showers Rumold Morris where on hand to provide a version of mixed border Morris dancing. Michael Graves, of Rumold Morris, explained the origin of their colourful face paint.
“Originally, Morris dancing was a form of begging, so to avoid being recognised participants painted their faces.”
For those sheltering from the rain, Church organist David Coates played a selection of music. He said he was “glad so many people had turned out and the weather hadn’t put a dampener on proceedings” .
Visitors were also able to see a display outlining the development of the church.
Tradition has it Laithkirk Church was a former tithe barn, where the people of Mickleton had to pay their tithes to Lord Fitzhugh. The barn was converted to a church in 1577. It became the parish church in 1844.
Rumold Morris meet at the Reading Rooms in Romaldkirk. Anyone interested in “keeping an old English tradition alive while having fun and learning old and new dances” can contact Michael Graves on 01833 650096 for more details.
