A FOREST of Dean church is asking all its former parishioners who have moved away to come 'home' for one day only and talk over old times with members of the present 'flock'.
Abenhall Church's open day on May 11 is being organised by churchwarden Florence Baker.
She hopes people who have been christened and married there in the past might also help the church's efforts to raise the £30,000 it needs for maintenance and repairs.
"We will have plenty of old photographs for people to see – we usually have these for our very successful flower festivals too – and people don't need to bring anything, only themselves. There will be plenty to eat and drink," she said.
"I'm hoping a bit of publicity will bring the event to the notice of everyone who might have moved out of the area, but we've already been through the baptism and the weddings register and contacted as many as we can."
Mrs Baker said the event would run from around 10.30 until as late as everyone stayed on May 11, with a special service in the church starting at 3pm led by the Rev Robert Sturman.
She is also planning a special freeminers exhibition at the church in mid-June to help towards fund-raising.