The bells of St Mary’s will ring out across the Painswick valley at 4.45pm on Friday, November 26th, heralding the season of Goodwill to all; and as the fairy lights on the Yew trees in the Church yard are illuminated, an evening of family packed fun will begin.
St Mary’s will host the voices of the Thames Head Singers and the children of The Croft Primary School in a festive musical feast. Local artists will judge an art competition themed around Goodwill. Children can take part in a village map trail and prize draw. Children will also be invited to join a procession with Santa, his elves and their Shetland ponies. Santa’s Reindeer will be at The Painswick Centre enjoying a carrot or two and resting after their long journey – they will be very happy to share their magic with children who come along to say hello. Visits to Santa’s grotto are a must on any Christmas evening, however, in the spirit of Goodwill we ask children to bring an unwrapped gift to give to Santa or for parents to make a donation. Toys given to Santa will be donated to the Salvation Army as gifts to children who may not otherwise receive a Christmas present.
Adult visitors have not been forgotten. The Painswick Centre will host a festive market with a wide range of independent sellers offering beautiful and unique gifts as well as edible treats and seasonal flowers. Hot food and drink sellers will be at the Centre all evening and the bar will be open in The Beacon Hall. Raffle tickets will be on sale with a range of tempting prizes, anything from a three-course meal at the Painswick Hotel to a village walk with Tibbiwell Alpacas.
The evening is a not-for-profit event and is hosted in the spirit of Goodwill and giving. The Marah Trust will receive tinned and dry goods to their Foodbank for distribution. Play Painswick and the Painswick Centre will be the beneficiaries of a financial donation to support their valuable work in the village. The organisers would like to thank the Goodwill already extended to the event by their sponsors who include: The Falcon Inn, Murray’s Estate Agents, DF Legal Stroud, The Elgar Family and Price Davis Accountants.
