Sue of all trades! Reverend gets hands on for repair fundraising
Mark Hamilton
editor@saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk
The pastor at Great Sampford Baptist Church has raised £2,200 towards renovation work by
completing a sponsored five-day challenge.
All the tasks were in and around the village on consecutive days with Reverend Sue Johnston
starting the first challenge at Moor End Stables on June 21, where she spent the morning
helping to feed the horses before riding around the indoor arena.
“This was one of the most difficult challenges, as it’s not something I’m used to doing,” said Rev
Johnston. “But Tracey Peacock, one of the riding instructors, was excellent.”
The next day, the pastor was at Great Sampford Primary School where she regularly gives
assem- blies and is a governor. This time, however, she was in the kitchen, helping to
prepare and serve the children’s lunches, and even mucked in clearing and washing the dishes.
The third challenge was at Gouldstone’s Garage in the village where any notion of just sweeping up and making the tea were
swept away when she had to get to grips with removing two front wheels from a car and removing the tyres.
On Day four, Sue was at Salix Farm helping to look after 3,700 newly arrived turkey
chicks, making sure they were fed and watered, and had fresh bedding. The highlight of the day, was
driving a tractor on the farm.
The five-day challenge was rounded with a shift behind the bar at the Red Lion pub on the
Saturday night.
Rev Johnston said: “Towards the end of the evening I think I was pull- ing a very good pint of
beer, although you might need to confirm that with the customers.”
The pastor said: “I found all the challenges very educational and fun, if not a bit scary at times
and hard work. I would like to thank all the folk who supported me by letting me enter their places
of work and also the people who sponsored me.”
Funds will go towards revamping and repairing the church and hall.
■ Pastor Sue Johnston working at her challenges.