On Sunday August 7th. 2011 our minister led a whole day's open-air witness on behalf of the Skegness Fellowship of Christian Churches. This was the annual Gala in Tower Gardens, Skegness, the town park. Ian had been leading the organising committee since early in the year in his role as Chair of the Fellowship. As with last year he had the co-operation of the Skegness Carnival Committee who provided 'market stalls' and refreshments, including a barbecue. The Gala was supported by some 14 local charities as well as most of the churches in Skegness.

The day started around 9 a.m. but was officially opened by the Town Mayor, Councillor Steve Kirk, at 11 a.m. The opening ceremony was immediately followed by a united praise and worship service which was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress with music provided by the New Day Christian Centre Music Group. During the opening worship a collection was taken for the Mayor's Charity, St Barnabas Hospice, which raised £200. Ian was invited to present the cheque at the September meeting of the Town Council.

The day continued with Ian introducing various presentations from the Bandstand, which included times of community singing led by John Hollins on Keyboard, a Kid's Praise led by members of Burgh Baptist Church, all around the theme of 'Music in Worship'. Ian rounded the day of with a presentation of Secular Music in Worship finale. Providing continuity was Theo Fox with his Fairground Organ.

We also provided entertainment for the kids including a bouncy castle, face painting and puppet workshop. The Olive Tree Christian Bookshop provided a bookshop on site and a team of authorised people from the various churches were on hand to talk and pray with people in a designated prayer tent

The Gala ended around 4 p.m. with the weather having stayed dry but, not unusually for Skegness, quite bracing!