Once again, Coles Hall was used as a polling station for the Federal Election.  Not wanting to miss an opportunity to connect with the community and to also raise funds for the Parish, a band of workers spent most of Friday morning setting up tables for the plant sale and preparing the barbecue for a busy day of Democracy Sausage Sizzling. 

Saturday 21st May dawned a clear and cool autumn morning – perfect sausage sizzle weather – and although crowds were smaller than in past years because of increased early voting, there was great interest in the plant stall and barbecue. 

Ted, Jill, Judith and Fiona Presided over a Plethora of Plants that Proved Popular with the Post-Polling Population!!

Over $600 was raised from sales of plants.

Carolyn, Pauline, Colin and Emma produced the siren-smell of sausages and onion that was irresistible to voters, and to many who came just for the sausages. 

Over $1,000 worth of sausages was sold. 

Meanwhile, the church remained open for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the windows and to step away from political activity and into the tranquillity that is All Souls’ Church.  Coffee was dispensed to polling workers, stall workers and visitors and conversations were enjoyed with local residents who took the time to look inside the church for the first time. 

Deb, a first-time visitor to All Souls’ Church,  was chatting with long-time Parishioner Carol who admired a “Fairy Garden” that Deb had purchased at the plant stall.  Hearing that Carol now lives in care, Deb insisted that Carol take the garden home with her. Carol is pictured with her new garden.  Thank you Deb.  The kindness of strangers is a wonderful reminder that we are surrounded by caring people.