Let Light in, keep Halloween out

By Mark Jones

A light party takes the place of Halloween at one church

A Swindon church is putting on a Halloween party with a difference.

St Andrew's Methodist church in Moredon is throwing a light party for primary school children on Saturday.

The idea is to help parents take their children, wanting to go trick or treating, away from the tradition of door-knocking.

Instead the light party will offer youngsters the chance to make arts and crafts in the church during the evening of Halloween.

It's the brainchild of the Reverend David Gray and his wife Anne.

David said: "Halloween is the commercialisation of All Hallows Eve ahead of All Hallows Day, a mainly Anglican and Catholic church tradition, where congregations remember those who have died."

"We don't really commemorate it in the Methodist church and certainly see Halloween as a bit of a non-event."

"We're conscious that underscoring this is the focus on the evil things of life and because of that we'd like to offer a safe alternative to trick or treating, hence the light party."

Anne Gray said: "We're not asking children to bring torches or candles. The whole idea is to look at the lighter side to what can be seen as a dark time."

We see Halloween as a bit of a non event Revd David Gray

"We're also wearing bright clothes as an alternative to the Halloween blacks and oranges. We're making kites and will also be glass painting - all around the theme of light - it'll be great fun."

David and Anne say they know that parents can feel the pressure from their children when it comes to trick or treating: "Often Mum and Dad don't want them to go, but the children feel peer pressure to do it."

David said: "It doesn't seem right that we allow our children out on one day of the year to knock on strangers' doors, ask for sweets and if they don't get any, be allowed to throw an egg at someone's window."

The light party takes place at St Andrew's Methodist Church on Saturday 31 October from 6pm - 8pm. It's for primary school aged children only.

To book, call the Reverend David Gray 01793 823015, or go via St Andrews website. All are welcome.

St Andrew's church