The first St Thomas à Becket’s Art Exhibition was held in 1996, the year that St Andrew’s Chapel was consecrated. Frank Rowley (Trudi Kearsley’s father) organised it until it grew so vast that it had to be held in the church so that there was more room for refreshments in the Lady Chapel. Trudi took over some 14 years ago and has been organising it ever since.

Elizabeth Pett, year after year provided delicious lunches and the tradition continues thanks to Sandy Sell. I peeped in and saw Sandy distributing the dainty, delicate vases of sweet Lily of the Valley flowers for each table.

Year by year we are delighted to see the colourful, cheerful beach-hut paintings by Heidi Walmsley. This year one painting attracted me greatly, it was a close-up of a man’s face, entitled ‘Angry Man’ – Oh dear! That’s not how I saw it. Luckily it was NOT for sale!! Several children delight in displaying their artistic gifts – so enabling us to continue this tradition far into the future.

Sincere thanks to all the stewards and refreshment staff, to Trudi (ably assisted by Churchwarden Mike Wake) for continuing in her father’s footsteps and his love for St Thomas à Becket’s beautiful and historic building. There was tasteful music playing including – Vivaldi’s Flute Concerto in C Minor, adding to the inspirational art works.

Spring Bank holiday is an ideal time of the year to hold an indoor exhibition, for everyone knows that it always rains at that time – oh no! – temperatures soared higher than ever since records began, so that many people raced to the beaches and open air pursuits, however a pleasing sum of £1300 was added to the Raise the Roof fund.