On Saturday 9th May, as one of a series of events throughout the year to commemorate their 175th Anniversary, Burwell Baptist Church held a Community Open Day. There was a free barbeque and various activities and displays by local groups who regularly use the church premises. The Art Group who meet on Thursday afternoons put on an impressive exhibition of paintings. There was a beautiful display of stuffed felt animals made by the WI Craft Group. The special anniversary celebration cake was ceremonially cut by our MP Charlotte Cane. The Burwell Singers performed two sets of songs to an appreciative audience, and Professor John Morrill gave an interesting and informative talk on the local history of Burwell and the village churches.
Other contributions in gazebos in the churchyard included the Trefoil Guild, Burwell Museum, Newmarket Youth for Christ, Artistry in Cocoa (a chocolatier), a WI cake stall and a representative of the East Anglia Ambulance Service First Responders with a demonstration of CPR. There was also a treasure hunt for the children.
Burwell Brewery produced a unique Sparkling Hop Water non-alcoholic drink called Burwell Baptist Brew, which was very refreshing with ice and a slice of lemon on a hot day!
In the lounge a rolling display showing a very interesting visual history of the church was playing continuously throughout the proceedings.
As part of the commemorations a video has been professionally produced by The Fuel Cast with members of the church congregation sharing their experiences and faith journeys. A compilation of these was shown during the afternoon.
All in all the celebration was a great success and was enjoyed by over 100 members of the church, friends and visitors. Later in the year, on Sunday 18th October there will be a special Anniversary Thanksgiving Service.
Our Birthday Cake being cut but Charlotte Cane MP