Blood, Guts and Fairy Cakes

Midsummer Tea Parties with a Twist this June across Somerset

- Lloyd Grossman encourages a bake-off with a difference!

- Special Tea Parties taking place across Somerset to raise money for historic churches at risk

- Events include live music, art exhibitions, Pantomime and theatre

- From ancient battles to the present day - discover unusual and outstanding historic buildings, with a cup of tea and cake in hand

- All events suitable for the whole family

Five historic churches across Somerset no longer used for regular worship – but recognised as being among the most historically significant churches in the UK - are joining over 80 others throughout England to host a series of special Midsummer Tea Parties for the public on 18 and 19 June. [Highlights from across the county below. Full listings at: http://www.visitchurches.org.uk/]

These exciting events for the whole family are being held by the Churches Conservation Trust, the national charity protecting historic churches at risk, to enable everyone to explore these magnificent buildings, discover their often dramatic and gory histories and find out how they can be used today - while enjoying a cup of tea and slice of cake.

The Churches Conservation Trust looks after over 340 historic churches across England no longer used for regular worship. From places of quiet contemplation to nurseries and playgroups and even circus schools, historic churches can be saved for future generations by bringing them back into the heart of community life. Funds raised from each event go towards the care of that specific church and the Trust’s conservation and regeneration projects. Midsummer Tea Party events enable people of all faiths to discover these remarkable buildings and help safeguard them for the future.

Events are FREE with visitors asked to donate for a cup of tea and cake while they are there. Each will centre around a traditional summer tea party and will be unique to the community that created it. Special events taking place for 2011 include Mad Hatter-themed teas, cake-making demonstrations, bell-ringing and organ recitals, art exhibitions and art fairs. [Highlights below].

Loyd Grossman, Chairman, Churches Conservation Trust, said: “We want the nation to take part in a bake-off with a difference. These quintessentially English events are a great day out for the whole family and a fantastic way to discover local history. But they are also a chance to see how these ancient buildings can be a fantastic resource for all – from rehearsal spaces for bands and venues for film screenings to peaceful places for quiet contemplation. We want these historic buildings to continue to be here for everyone to enjoy.”

Crispin Truman, Chief Executive, Churches Conservation Trust, said: “As well as being hugely enjoyable, the Midsummer Tea Parties are vital fundraising events. On average it costs �12,000 each year to maintain a historic church and approximately �250,000 to repair, conserve and modernise a new building vested to the Trust. These events will help us to continue to protect these historic churches for the nation and enable people to use them today.”

Somerset Highlights:

Holy Saviour’s Church, Puxton – Forget Piza, Somerset has it’s very own leaning tower! Come and marvel at this Medieval architectural curiosity and learn some of it’s fascinating history while enjoying a cup of tea and slice of cake.

In Somerset Midsummer Tea Parties will also be held at:

St James’ Church, Cameley, 18 June, 1:30pm – 3:30pm.

Church of St Thomas a Becket, Pensford, 19 June, 2:00pm – 5:00pm.

The Church, Sutton Mallet, 19 June, 2:30pm – 5:00pm.

St Thomas’ Church, Thurlbear, 17 June, 10:00am – 12:00pm.

For further details see: http://bit.ly/k3bkKv