Something for everyone, irrespective of faith or belief, “an oasis of peace for all people” enthuses the Rev Maria Sheperdson, organiser of this weekend’s Summer Solstice Arts & Crafts Fayre at St James’ Church, Avebury, which starts on Friday (19 June) at 10am.
Last year’s Fayre attracted more than 1,500 people. Of all backgrounds, interests, ages and lifestyles, they all came to Avebury to celebrate the Solstice and spend time at the Fayre, in the ‘Sacred Space’ worship area, enjoying the musicians, poets and writers’ performances whilst finding peace.
Amongst the 1,500 or more visitors to last year’s Fayre were a Jewish couple who asked for a Blessing on their 16th wedding anniversary, a family who had lost their mother wove their sorrow in a tapestry frame supported by a worship steward who that day grieved her husband’s death on what would have been their wedding anniversary, a Vet offered consultations to people who might not otherwise afford it, a Coptic Christian visiting from Africa who knelt in prayer before the Summer Wreath of vegetables, and wild flowers and greenery woven by all faiths together in homage to the God who breathed life into all things, Indian Christians and Hindus sat side by side with the homeless and the Travellers, and there were many who lit candles for the healing of creation. Marcello from Brazil said ‘I was passing the church and I heard the voice of an angel and I had to come in’ referring to Kerri McKenna who was, at the time singing, Become Love. Something for everyone, doesn’t matter who you are, what you believe, or where you come from.
This year’s theme will be Peace Unity and the Tree of Life. A tree will play a central part in prayers, dreams and weavings for the healing of the world’s divisions. In February next year two trees will be planted in the churchyard as part of the Community Orchard Project. These trees will be a symbol of the commitment of people of Faiths to the healing and feeding of the world and the protection of the environment. A collection will be taken for the work of the Marlborough Downs NIA, in recognition of the unique and valuable work of this local organisation
This year, along with the artists and crafters who have made the previous years’ events so successful will be special guests Thomas Tylsdesley Regiment of First Foote and the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Volunteers alongside Adam Ahearn Shamanic Drum Maker and a range of local artists. Adam will be ‘birthing a Drum’ across the whole of the weekend. This is a unique opportunity to see how the materials yielded by nature are brought to new life and new use in a deeply spiritual way.
The regular artists, crafters and musicians will include:
Kate Wade – Artist
Angela James– Author and Children’s Illustrator
Ian Pillinger – Author Illustrator and Artist
June Pillinger- Artist specialising in Miniatures
Jacqui Melhuish- Ceramicist
Mary Thorne- Ceramicist
Elegance by Elaine – Massage, Nails, Pedicures, Manicures, Neal’s Yard products
Kerri Mckenna- Slate Artist and acclaimed Musician SLATE PAINTING WORKSHOPS !
Tom Blower- Acclaimed Musician
Karen Lilley- Glass Maker – Cotswolds Guild
Tim Lilley – Wood Carving Demonstration and sales
Misooak & Friends – Cottage Crafters, Knitted items and crochet blankets
Brown Egg Blue Nest- Suzy’s Fairies and Bob’s Wonder Wands
Rector’ Felted Furbelows and the Fluency Trust
The Exhibition will run from 10am to 5pm on each of the three days, but on Friday and Saturday there will be an Interfaith Worship at 2pm focussing on peace, and on Friday evening at 7pm the Church will host a Performance Evening for all the musicians, poets, writers and singers.
The Fayre will close with a special Songs of Praise Interfaith Tree of Life Worship at 6pm on Sunday (21 June) at St James Church.
Funds raised will go towards a village in Africa where the children are all HIV, The Fluency Trust run by local Farmer David White, the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, and the Marlborough Downs NIA group.