Whatlington

We all arrived in the rain to find the organisers had had to rearrange all the tables and chairs as the rain was driving into the large awning over the patio. The event went well with a fine served lunch, raffle and a great sing song of all the old songs complete with everyone waving Union flags.

This event could not have been held but for our Village Hall committee carrying on with the Hall’s tradition of many years, letting the charity group have their tables, chairs and china at no charge; and a local resident allowing their property to be used, and this year providing blankets and rugs to keep us warm.

The event raised over £1200 which is a fantastic sum taking into account the weather - congratulations to all those involved in this event. I shall look forward to next year’s lunch, but hopefully this will be in sunshine!

Church News: Jeffrey Bridges writes: The Patronal weekend at Whatlington ‘enjoyed’ mixed weather, dry on the Saturday but rather wet on Sunday. Never mind, we certainly do need the rain. The Cream Teas were successful on Saturday afternoon; the church was adorned with some lovely flower arrangements for which thanks must go to Valerie and her helpers. For the teas there was a nice range of home made cakes, scones and jam and our thanks go to all those who made them and of course to the ladies looking after the catering in the Kitchen, Valerie, Andrea & Yvonne & Alison. Thanks also to those who ran the cake stall (and made the cakes to sell), the raffle and the Yew sales. In all the afternoon raised some £170 towards church funds

Weather for the Patronal Evensong on the Sunday evening was rather wet. Nevertheless we had some 20 people brave the elements to enjoy a lovely traditional service based on the Book of Common Prayer. It is a sobering thought that this form of worship has its origins in the days of Thomas Cranmer and Tudor times and that such services have been held in the church for over 400 years.

As always we very much appreciate the support of all those who came for either the teas and/or the Evensong. It is always our aim to be a church there for the village and to be able to welcome local people to a place which has been at the centre of the village over very many centuries.

The service next Sunday will be at the usual time of 09.30am.

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