AN AUTUMN storm failed to blow a community event off course last Saturday.
Although forecasters had predicted gale force winds would sweep across the south east, in the end it mostly by-passed the region, enabling the parish of Finchampstead and California to hold a lantern parade.
More than 100 people joined a 40-minute ramble around the parish, heading to St James’ Church afterwards to enjoy hot chocolate, mulled wine and refreshments warming by a bonfire in the new Churchyard Extension.
The parade was supported by local schools and organisations including a number of pupils from the local Finchampstead Primary School. Many participants also attended lantern making workshops constructing the willow lanterns they took on the parade which shone out across the Finchampstead countryside.
It was organised by James Lawbuary, Youth and Family Worker for the Parish of Finchampstead and California.
He said: “It was amazing to see such a great turn out. There is something about a lantern parade which captures the imaginations of people and organisations – gathering against a setting sun with the local community, all marching in light.”
