In a village like ours we love keeping up our traditions. What are the Shepperton traditions? The Easter Egg Hunt, the Village Fair & the Raft Race, Harvest Festival, Big Tree Night & Father Christmas with his sleigh and – Christmas Day at the Greeno Centre
It was started in 1990, inspired by Leo Roderick, a staunch member of St Nicholas Church, who drew in support from Churches Together in Shepperton. There was still a Methodist Chapel in Shepperton then, but the Jubilee Church had not yet been built. The ecumenical spirit of that period is not so much in evidence today, co-operation between the different churches being on an individual friendly basis, rather than a formal link.
The Shepperton churches all still contribute behind the scenes to the smooth running of the Christmas Day festivities. Where else would the peeled vegetables, the wrapped presents, the raffle prizes and the cheerful drivers and washers-up come from? There is welcome additional support from businesses in Shepperton and members of other village societies. It’s a genuine community effort.
So, if you might be on your own this Christmas, especially if it is for the first time, do think about coming to join us at the Greeno. Just as welcome as our guests are the volunteers who lay tables, greet guests, sing carols, pour drinks, serve lunch and ferry raffle prizes to the winners. There are even some who (shhhh!) wash up! And the most valuable are our drivers, as without them no guests would have a chance to share in this happy and very traditional event.
If you would like to know more, please ring David Freeman on 01932 231058
Guests and Volunteers will be very welcome