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We again had an exhibition of six tableau in the side chapel of the church called 'Experience Easter', that depicted the Easter events as described in the Bible, with a short description explaining what each is about, much like the events surrounding Christmas. For more details, click here. (Return to top)
The event began with a short act of worship, in which we remembered the sad story of Good Friday, and ended with another short period of worship which recounted the 'happy ending' of the resurrection on Easter Day. For pictures of the event, click here. (Return to top)
The rest of the congregation waited patiently in the warm church for the procession, led by children and a real donkey, to join them for the Service with traditional Palm Sunday hymns and readings, together with an anthem sung by the 'Young Voices' (Junior Choir). (Return to top)
The Service finished with prayers written and read by class 2, after which our Rector, Tony Lomas, said a final prayer and gave the blessing, followed by presentation of gifts for teachers leaving at the end of term and awards to pupils in each class who had produced the best artwork on the theme of 'Easter'. (Return to top)
Before the Service began we had a short rehearsal of two of the hymns which, though familiar in other churches, were new to us. Caroline's talk was in two parts. She first pointed out that we need to base our lives on the firm foundation Jesus gives us, before getting people to find objects hidden around the church with a number "1" on them. The first letter of each object spelt 'Mother' and suggested ideas of a perfect life - H for high-heeled shoes, O for organiser (diary) with self-centered appointments, etc. A sub-section of the Junior Choir calling themselves 'Harmonia' sang a song entitled "Have I told you lately" before Caroline had us find another round of objects labelled "2". The first letters again spelt 'Mother' only this time Caroline drew an analogy with the real situation most mothers find themselves in. (Return to top)
The combined choir sang the Taize chant "O Lord, hear my prayer" during our prayers, which were led by groups of two children, before the augmented 'Young Singers' - some 17 children - sang a parody on 'I'd Do Anything for You' specially written by our musical director, Bob May. Bunches of flowers were then blessed and handed out to all the ladies present before we rounded off the Service by directing our praise to God in the hymn "To God Be The Glory". (Return to top)
As well as enjoying riding their bikes on the open road, other activities include putting up a tent under the name 'Holy Joes' in the principal motorcycle shows around the country to supply tea, coffee and a specially prepared 'Bikers Bible' comprising the New Testament and some 23 'testimonies' from people who have found Christianity helpful in fulfilling their lives, which always seems well received. In agreement with the other motorcyclists groups such as the 'Hells Angels' they wear an identifying logo on the back of their leather jackets in the form of a large white cross. (Return to top)
Profits this year were added to those form the 'Daffodil Teas' to support our 'special projects fund' to improve the church. In previous years this has included provision of new carpeting in the aisles and a new path in the churchyard to give easier access to the area currently used for burials. This year's profits will be going to support the latest phase of our Restoration Appeal that began in 2010 - especially repairs to the stonework. (Return to top)
Since2010 we've raised over £30,000, which includes several generous grants, and that has enabled us to improve our ancient building to make it more suitable to the 21st century. The work already completed and paid for has included brighter lighting at the front of the church, repair of the leaking tower roof, repair and repainting of the gutter (soffit) boards, replacement of the rotted nave floor under the ministers plinth, replaster and repainting of the old vestry behind the organ to provide much needed storage, and improvements to the North Transept by removing the 'mess' into the new storage and enlarging the kitchen facilities with hot rings and a fridge (used for the Lent Lunches and Daffodil Teas!). Funds are now in hand and permission granted to build a new store and much needed toilet in the churchyard. (Return to top)
Unfortunately the unusually cold weather this spring delayed the daffodils and deterred many walkers, so the numbers attending were lower than usual. Nevertheless, the ladies turned up every day with freshly made cakes throughout the period - and often froze in church despite the heating being on - which was much appreciated by those who did come. (Return to top)