Phabfest 2025 at Parallel Windsor.

Despite the torrential rain at Parallel Windsor last year we had a great time, and looked forward to returning. Unfortunately 3 of our members who had booked for the day were unable to come, but we did get through the occasion without further medical problems – but not without rain!.

It was dry when we arrived, and collected our Phab tee-shirts, for those who did not have then already, from the Phab tent. We listened to the variety of entertainment on the main stage – where we were due to be appearing!

We also explored a little, and ate some lunch, as we were due to be signing ‘Believe’ by Lin Marsh. During this time we also had the first downpour, which fortunately finished before we had to go on.

We think our performance went down well, and we were free to watch other acts include Epsom and Ewell Phab giving us a ‘highlights’ version of their musical ‘Park Heights

We could also explore some of the other stands, hold some chicks, feed a pony and an donkey, see the Welsh Guards stand, and play a game of Connect 4.

The heavens opened again, and took shelter, as everyone at the event packed into Event Shelters.

Happiness is being under cover in a downpour!

Fortunately the rain stopped as suddenly as it had begun, and we were made our way to the Long Walk for the 1Km super sensory challenge.

We finished in time to see some of John Kelly‘s performance.

Here are some videos from the day

Brass Band Concert

The National Methodist Youth Brass Band came to Oxford for the weekend, staying at Wesley Memorial Church, and giving a concert on Saturday night, to which Phab were invited.

They played a varied and entertaining programme of music, interspersed with introductions to some of the band members, and their various experiences, such as the punting some of them had been doing during the day.

At the interval there were tasty cakes baked by members of the Wesley Memorial congregation.

The event raised over £500 for the Rose Hill Community Cupboard, a local charity.

An evening of Drumming.

The Reverend Peter Powers, minister at Wesley Memorial Church, is a man of many talents, including drumming. He brought a selection of drums, mainly djembes, with him and we had a great evening, learning about the drums make different sounds depending on where and how they are hit, and then jamming along to make music ourselves !

It was an activity everyone could participate in, and revealed some unexpected talents and enthusiasms in out members. We look forward to Peter’s return for another session !