On Saturday 2nd January, a New Year Party was held at St Martin’s. Organised by the Social Committee, invitations were extended to all churches in the Worcester South East Team and over seventy-five people of all ages attended. This was the last opportunity to see the Christmas trees decorated by committees, local schools and organisations including the quite spectacular tree by the High Altar with its Crib scene.

Friends had plenty to talk about, seated informally at tables, and all enjoyed the musical entertainment by Jo, Phil and family before afternoon tea was served – sandwiches, savouries, scones - with jam and cream, cakes, fondants, meringues, mince pies , tea and coffee etc.

The highlight of the afternoon was the Christmas Grand Draw which took place at 4 pm. To guarantee integrity, Team clergy – Bishop Christopher and Duncan Ballard alternately drew the winning tickets from the rotating drum. There were sixteen prizes in total ranging from a DVD/CD Player, donated by Tesco; Garden Gift Tokens and a garden seat from St Peters Garden Centre; a Voucher for a beauty treatment session at Tranquillity in Worcester; Remy Martin Cognac, Champagne, Whisky, an autographed WCCC cricket bat, Worcester Warriors souvenir shirt etc. etc. all generously given and gratefully received with the top prize being a cheque for £200. All four churches were amongst the prize-winners.

The Grand Draw raised over £700 for the purchase of a digital projector and laptop for the Worcester S E Team. The organisers thank all businesses and individuals that kindly donated the prizes.

The New Year Party heralded 2010 as St Martin’s church continues with its centenary celebrations.