On June 8, a small group of parishioners gathered in York at a very chilly 6am to erect a marquee and begin preparations for a fundraising event, orchestrated by Marie Reid and Janette and Mark Rehua.
The event was a Giant Jumble Sale, sausage sizzle and morning tea/cake fundraiser, with money raised going towards the restoration of the church of St Patrick’s stained glass windows.
The church was built in 1875, and the original foundation stone was laid on St Patrick’s Day. The windows were imported from Italy; however, since that time they have not been restored.
Included in the repair will be strengthened security screens to protect and preserve the glass for future generations of parishioners and visitors to enjoy.
The cost is estimated to be $25,000 and, although some donations and fundraising has already occurred, there is still a substantial amount to be raised.
The Giant Jumble raised $1,475.80 for the project.
As well as donations of goods from the parishioners, the sausage sizzle and tea stall did a roaring trade and two raffles were held on the day. The Jumble was held in the parish hall, which was built in 1859 and was the original church.
Parish priest Fr Steve Cooney was present to draw the winning raffle tickets and meet and greet supporters of the event.
Fr Cooney also travels to Beverley, Pingelly and Bakers Hill to offer Mass and was delighted to open up the doors of the York parish for this event.
Volunteers included John and Anne Wrightson, Grace and Fred, Terry and Marie Reid, Grace and Sarah Rehua, Josie Prunster and Nicholas Hare.
After a long day, everyone agreed that it had been a huge success and attracted a lot of attention to the needs of the church, which is a place of historical interest in the town of York and enjoys a regular stream of visitors.
It is hoped that a larger jumble event including more stalls will be held at the end of the year.