As the church bell rang ten o'clock, the Rev'd Dwayne Engh, together with our Ashbourne Mayor, Cllr Phil Chell, welcomed everyone to the event with a prayer. Our Mayor declared the Edward Bear parachuting event ‘open’. We then saw Edward Bear fly from the church roof, safely attached to two parachutes (he is a rather large bear). Phil, our Mayor, confided with us all that this was the highlight of his year. Both their bears took flight and we were off. We recorded about two-hundred and fifty flights!
Over forty volunteers welcomed the increasing stream of visitors to the event who immersed themselves and their children in a time of daring for bears and, incidentally, other much-loved creatures, such as cloth rabbits, rag dolls, a worm(!) and yes, Buzz Light Year, to mention but a few of those landing safely. Bears and toys were then taken on a stretcher to the Bearamedic Tent for a thorough medical check, a plaster, if needed, and a certificate of flight.
We had organ music and a treasure hunt in the church, refreshments too and, outside, teddies for sale - a raffle for the specially knitted Oswald Bear - as well as ice cream from Coldeaton, plants, cakes, books, and craft, Tombola prizes, cards and, of course, bacon baps. The morning had wonderful sunshine together with a mild and refreshing breeze (very few bears got caught in the Yew tree). We believe we raised about £1,000 pounds for church/community projects.
This was a marvellous time for the community to come together. The church offers such a welcome space for all. Thank you all so much for joining in the fun.
The Edward Bear Team at St Oswald’s church here in Ashbourne.
P.S. Chris, Peter and Lindsay are stepping down after many years of organising this event and we look forward to a new leadership team for this well-oiled event. If you are interested, please contact the Parish Office.
