Patronal Festival Report - St Thomas, Groombridge

St Thomas’, Parish of St Thomas
Patron saint: St Thomas
Festival date: 6 July

The parish marked St Thomas’ Day with a well-attended morning Eucharist followed by a lively community celebration. Despite unsettled weather, the team adapted swiftly, moving preparations between house and garden as needed. The afternoon service at 4.30 brought together villagers, regular worshippers and guests honoured for community service, with local musicians and singers leading traditional and modern hymnody.

As the party began, the weather finally cleared, allowing food and festivities to spill out into the vicarage garden. Children helped set up, friendships were renewed and the vicar offered thanks to volunteers. Even a brief heavy shower only added to the sense of shared good humour as guests sheltered together in the greenhouse.

The grant played a key part in making the parish party both possible and memorable, contributing to an occasion that strengthened community bonds and celebrated the parish’s patron with warmth and enthusiasm.