VISITORS will be transported back in time as a community celebrates the best of British.
St Cuthbert’s Church and its grounds in Colburn, Catterick Garrison, will be transformed capturing a snapshot of Edwardian life.
Schoolchildren from nearby Risedale Sports and Community College and Hipswell Primary School will add a touch of poignancy with readings and songs from World War I.
The idea of new vicar Rev Andrew Cromarty, who moved this year from Weardale, the Edwardian weekend of remembrance has already mobilised a community and promises to raise much-needed funds for the church.
Today (Saturday) three hours of fun begin at 2pm with attractions including period games, clock golf, dress-up photos, music, a coconut shy and refreshments.
There is also a WW1 exhibition in the church featuring schoolchildren's work, wartime artefacts and a 40-minute large screen DVD presentation.
From 7-9pm there will be an old time music hall with refreshments (adults £3-50, children £2-50), featuring local schoolchildren and Colburn's Am Hams amateur dramatic society.
On Sunday at 11am there will be a service of remembrance with poetry, reflection and hymns sung from facsimile WW1-issue Scripture Gift Mission John's Gospel books.
Reeth Brass Band cornet player Mike Blenkiron will play the Last Post and Reveille and Rev Cromarty will be playing old 78 records on his grandfather’s wind up gramophone.
Among the readers will be Risedale Year 10 student Liam Gallagher, whose father lost both legs in an explosion while serving in the army in Afghanistan.
Risedale RE teacher Samantha Wood said: “The family have been incredible in adapting to dad’s injuries and Liam’s reading will add real poignancy to the proceedings.
“This has been a very ambitious project which has already pulled together the community and has forged strong and lasting links between the schools and the church.”
Rev Cromarty added: “It promises to be a wonderful community event full of fun and spirit and I hope as many people as possible come to see us.”