A FUNDRAISING evening at St John’s Church in Keynsham has been hailed a great success after attracting more than 130 people and raising over £1,000 towards the church’s 750 Appeal.
The event featured an in-conversation interview with Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, whose remarkable life story and reflections on faith, leadership and community captivated the audience.
Guests also enjoyed a lively question-and-answer session, along with refreshments and a book signing.
Cllr Dave Biddleston, who hosted the conversation, praised both the speaker and the community response.
“It was a truly fantastic evening. Bishop Rose is an exceptional speaker, and her honesty, warmth and insight really resonated with everyone in the room.”
He added: “To welcome over 130 people and raise more than £1,000 for the 750 Appeal is a wonderful result. It shows the strength of support for St John’s and the important role it continues to play in the life of our community.”
The funds raised will contribute to ongoing renovation and development work aimed at securing the future of the church as a place for worship, community events and local engagement.
Organisers have described the evening as a great step forward for the 750 Appeal and hope it will build further momentum for future fundraising efforts.
Team rector Rev Aidan Watson paid tribute to those who made the evening possible.
He said: “Events like this don’t happen without a huge amount of work behind the scenes. I’d like to thank all the volunteers who gave their time and energy to make the evening run so smoothly, as well as everyone who came along and supported it.”
Pictured above, Anna Hewett-Rakthanee, one of the helpers at the 750 Appeal fundraiser, with Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkins at St John’s Church
Below, the bishop with Cllr Dave Biddleston
