Hat and Boots Restoration Appeal – latest update and forthcoming events
Haddenham Baptist Church is immensely grateful to the local community for your continuing generous support with raising funds towards the Hat and Boots Restoration Appeal. We are very pleased to announce the current total stands at £17,500!
The Appeal was launched in November 2022 to raise up to half a million pounds to save the Grade 11 listed witchert chapel. Haddenham Baptist Church has just been added to Historic England's 2023 Heritage at Risk Register due to the serious problems with the condition of the fabric of the building and also to the Buckinghamshire Council Local Heritage List. This is a significant step forward as it will open up potential grant opportunities from charitable Trusts and Foundations
The witchert chapel in Stockwell continues to deteriorate and passers-by may have noticed that some of the render on the very damp South West wall has delaminated and fallen. In advance of the main restoration project, some urgent 'enabling' works will need to take place, but the timing will be dictated by how much we can raise and the availability of a suitable contractor.
Community fundraising, led by our colourful mascot "Grumpling", has got off to a very positive start, but we still have a long way to go. We have put together an exciting and varied programme of events and hope there will be something for everyone.
March kicked off with a successful Singing Workshop led by Roger Jackson. Roger is bringing his band "BlueJay" to the Baptist Church on Friday 31st March for a lively evening of toe tapping Bluegrass. Coffee and Cake included.
On 5th April, we're offering an Eggs-traordinary Easter Afternoon for all the family. A selection of refreshments and seasonal Easter treats will be available. Children can enjoy activities in the church based on the Easter story or some Easter crafts. Local vocalist Samantha King will entertain us with singing and a Music Trivia Quiz. It's FREE ENTRY, with donations invited towards the Appeal.
At the end of April (29th) there's an opportunity to learn some Salsa basics at our Latin Night in Haddenham Scout and Guide Centre. Expert tuition by Sophie and Gavin from Kaso and a chance to try out your skills afterwards. Advance booking essential.
Following the success of the January 'Divas' concerts, popular professional vocalist Samantha King presents "Dance Divas" an evening of sing-along floor fillers to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on the evening of 6th May. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the music or bring your dancing shoes and be ready to let your hair down! A family event open to all, held at St Mary's School. Red white and blue outfits, crowns and union jack flags are positively encouraged!
During May, entries will open for the annual Haddenham Scarecrow Festival.
Organised by the Haddenham Association of Scouts and Guides, the 2023 Festival will take place 3rd to 18th June with the theme of "hats and boots". This year's Festival will be jointly in aid of this Appeal and local children's charity Emmett's Genies. More details will be publicised nearer the time, but do start thinking about what you could display to take part in this much loved annual event.
To register your interest or find out more, contact scarecrowhaddenham.festival@gmail.com or call 07554 141810.
On 3rd June, we are delighted to welcome back to Haddenham the Oxford Welsh Male Voice Choir, who last performed in the village 5 years ago. Their concert titled "From the Valleys to the Shires" will be held in St Mary's Church, Haddenham.
In July, there will be a Family Barbeque open to all.
Looking ahead to the autumn, we're planning a Big Quiz in October with local Quizmaster Tim Chowns and a Wine and Food Tasting Evening on 21st November. Both of these events will be held in Haddenham Village Hall and the latter will be a special evening to celebrate the 1st Anniversary since launching the Hat and Boots Restoration Appeal.
All events will be advertised individually and tickets will be available from Blooming Fruity a few weeks in advance of each date. Online tickets and further information about events are updated regularly and listed on the Hat and Boots Ticketsource page
We look forward to welcoming you to more events during the year and again express our grateful thanks.
Francesca Flaxton
Co-ordinator of Community Fundraising for HBC Hat and Boots Appeal
