Clapham Common Fayre

Today was Holy Trinity Churches annual Clapham Common Fayre. It is held in the grounds of the church and is the only time throughout the year where people from the common flood onto the premises of the church. There are, as always, all kinds of side stalls from white elephant to arts and crafts as well as ye old faithful bouncy castle. This year we had a visible local police presence with two bobbies on horses, as well as an ambulance, which took the fire engines place. It really is a typically English event and is almost Trumptonesque, with the local trades all represented. Two things that stuck out this year perhaps reflects what happens when the church reaches out to the community in this way. First of all there was the video stall. It shows a church innocence which can cause great amusement to a streetwise world. On one hand it is 'Vicar of Dibley' and endearing, but on the other hand reflects the challenge the church has to be relevant. Having said that my highlight of this years fayre had to be a sing song inside the church, which our 'Church band' orchestrated at certain times throughout the day. It was a new experiment and although the PA was not working properly and some songs were under rehearsed, there was an informality and inclusiveness about the 'Worship' which I seldom feel on a Sunday. So another year of the Common fayre has gone by, If only we could find ways to utilise this ingenuity and passion with one another and the community in other ways throughout the year. I suppose we still have 6 months more!