Faringdon Civic Service  

On Sunday, I attended the Faringdon Civic Service.  This has been re-introduced by the town's Mayor, Mike Wise.  It's a great idea, giving an annual focus for the town, building on the success of events such as the annual arts and music festival.  The church was not packed but with each year I expect the crowd will grow.  It also means the "great and the good" - Deputy Lord Lieutenants, County Council Chairman, and Mayors from other towns all come to Faringdon, which helps with the town's profile.  Wallingford have a hugely successful civic service every year which brings hundreds of people together, and I hope Faringdon's will soon have the same impact.     ...