Church choc full of fun

Rather than giving up chocolate for Lent, Aylsham Parish Church have instead been celebrating Fairtrade chocolate.

On Tuesday 19 February, 150 children plus parents, grandparents and friends packed into Aylsham Parish Church for a “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory” inspired half-term activity morning.

By 9.30am, a tremendous queue had formed outside the church, resembling the crowds that waited eagerly outside of the original Chocolate Factory waiting for Willy Wonka to appear. Instead, the children awaited the vicar of Aylsham, Rev Andrew Beane.

With their Golden Ticket, the children were granted access to activities such as making an edible garden, chocolate pizzas, superhero lollies and designing their very own chocolate concoction. They also enjoyed a visit from Bishop Jonathan, the Bishop of Lynn.

Rev Beane said: “We were staggered and delighted by the response and I know from the comments we have received that everyone had a great time.

“The aim of the day was very much about fun, but also about promoting Fairtrade Chocolate and some of the issues raised by the original book about kindness, generosity and the importance of family.”

The event was put together by Catherine Beane, aided by many willing helpers from the Church, and was a great success.