IT IS not often that you are invited to 50 christenings and weddings in one day.

And it is even more unusual when they involve creatures from the animal kingdom.

But that was the remarkable case at Romsey Abbey as hundreds gathered for a church event with twist.

Vicar Reverend Canon Tim Sledge conducted mock christening and marriage ceremonies for teddies and soft toys.

The biennial event formed one of the highlights of the church’s open day featuring a packed schedule of games and activities for children and young families.

This year’s theme was christenings and attracted more than 800 people over the course of the day on September 24.

Children had been asked to bring their favourite soft toys – some dressed in gowns, veils and bow-ties – for Reverend Sledge to conduct the services at the alter.

There was a display of 45 christening gowns belonging to the families of members of the congregation.

Many were antique heirlooms, including a wartime gown made of parachute silk and another modern gown will be worn for a christening in the Abbey during the next month.

Together with the display were photos of some of the babies who had worn the robes at their christenings.

Other activities included a teddy zip-wire from the high arches and a series of craft activities, science experiments, bracelet making and dressing up.

The bell tower was open for tours and bell ringing demonstrations with a video link set up for viewers who were unable to manage the stairs.

Outside the Abbey were children’s trails and guided tours and the youth group built a ‘bug hotel’ in the garden where it will remain to provide shelter for insect life.

Liz Hallett, chairwoman of the event’s organising committee said: “It was a day packed with activities of all sorts and very well-supported. A great many members of the congregation worked very hard and we were delighted that so many people came along to enjoy themselves and to find out more about the abbey.”

Reverend Sledge said: “It was a great success and has attracted a lot of people who don’t normally come to the abbey and help them learn more about life in the abbey through creative fun.

“The christenings and weddings helped children and young families understand about ceremonies and the exhibition of gowns from the past and present helped people connect with history.”

By Maxwell Kusi-Obodum