Hoedown at St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Chester

Jul 1 2010 by Jo Henwood, Chester Chronicle

Hoedown at St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Chester

A BARN dance promised much – and delivered.

The Summer Promises event at St Oswald’s and St Thomas of Canterbury Church on Saturday night raised £1,800 for local groups.

The church car park, on Parkgate Road, was transformed into a Midwest barn with hay bales and bunting as dancers took their partners by the hand for a hoedown.

Local musicians provided the music and auctioneer Matt Baker presided over lots including two hours of DIY help, which went for £28, and a week in a Spanish villa which raised an amazing £600.

When owners Noel and Linda Baker discovered the group of bidders were planning to celebrate a 70th birthday there, they increased the offer to a two-week holiday.

The money raised will be split between Cambrian Community Street Festival, on September 18, Theatre in the Quarter and the church.

Church warden Noel Baker said: “It was a wonderful community atmosphere and young and old alike enjoyed a fabulous summer evening outside the church.”