FLYING flannels, crashing coconuts and scattering skittles heralded the opening of an Edwardian fair.
Visitors were transported back in time as a community came together to celebrate Britain’s heritage.
St Cuthbert’s Church and its grounds in Colburn, Catterick Garrison, were transformed offering a glimpse of Edwardian life.
Schoolchildren from nearby Risedale Sports and Community College and Hipswell Primary School added 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 weekend of remembrance featured hours of fun with attractions including period games, clock golf, dress-up photos, music, a coconut shy and refreshments.
There was also a WW1 exhibition in the church featuring schoolchildren's work, wartime artefacts and a 40-minute large screen DVD presentation.
In the evening old time music hall resounded from the church featuring the talents local schoolchildren and Colburn's Am Hams amateur dramatic society.
On Sunday a service of remembrance included poetry, reflection and hymns sung from facsimile WW1-issue Scripture Gift Mission John's Gospel books. Readers were provided by Year 10 students from Risedale Sports and Community College.
Risedale RE teacher Samantha Wood said: “This project has already pulled together the community and has forged strong and lasting links between the schools and the church.”
Rev Cromarty added: “It was a wonderful community event full of fun and capturing the spirit of a bygone age. Everyone who visited thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”
