CAPTION: The aim of the Valentine's event is to enable people to spend time together
Sharing the Love Online
This year Valentine’s Day, which falls on a Sunday, will be marked for most of us by a night in rather than a night out.
One group of churches in West Devon has decided to bring people together online by organising a Valentine’s wine tasting quiz.
The event within the South Tamar Mission Community, near Tavistock, been organised by volunteer Annie Jefferies, Chair of the House of Laity, who represents lay members of Devon’s churches within the Diocese of Exeter.
Annie Jefferies with her husband Mike and pet dog
She said “I have purchased three different wines for every household taking part to taste (white, rose and red). Single households have the option of having three half bottles, but no-one has taken up that option!
“I have covered the wine labels so those taking part don’t know what wine they are tasting.
“The wine will be delivered with full instructions for the evening.
“Attendees will be asked smell and taste the wine and note down what grape it is made from, country of origin and year of produce.
“After the tasting session there will be a general wine quiz .
“Each household is paying £20 to cover the cost. We are not fundraising for the church but just encouraging the local community to enjoy an “evening out”
People will take part in a quiz on Zoom
“I think it is important to keep people in the community alert to the fact that they can join in with a range of events, usually run by people from the Church but anyone can participate!
“They are just fun, socially-orientated occasions by zoom which give people a chance to chat to their friends within and around the local community.
“We have set-up a Just Giving page so people can donate to the British Heart Foundation if they would like to.”
Annie said she was also planning a surprise visit to two local care homes on Valentine’s Day “wearing a big red heart on her chest” to play love songs to the residents through a window.
She and a small team have made previous visits to the homes to play songs for Remembrance Day and Christmas.
She said the work of lay people in churches at the moment was vital, “We work closely with local clergy to encourage lay people in our congregations to feel empowered and able to contribute to ministry and contribute to the care of people in our communities.
“This is particularly important during the pandemic.”
You can hear Annie’s recent interview for BBC Radio Devon here (at 0650).
