The end of April found a jolly group joining Julian to erect the marquee, collecting tables & chairs in readiness for the Bluebell Coffee morning on the 29th . What a splendid morning that Saturday was, after a slow start the garden’s were abuzz with chatter, stalls doing remarkably well, bluebell wood, looking magnificent for all the visitors. Well done Julian, very special thank you for opening your gardens once again, everywhere was beautiful. An amazing amount was raised for St Michaels Hospice, best ever, £3,017.10. So a very big Thank You to all.
A lovely group of Israelis arrived by coach on 2nd May for a visit to St Nicholas’ church on their Jane Austen tour. The tour guide translating the talk given by Michael Kenning to a very appreciative group who tried exceptionally well to chat to us afterwards before boarding the coach to Winchester.
Friday afternoon of the 5th a grand group arrived to erect 3 marquees and bring over tables to Katy & Nick’s field, great fun! Extra battling down of the marquees as strong winds were forecast along with rain. However, luckily it was not as bad as predicted. Bunting erected around the village hall, the village already looking lovely. Saturday 6th was mostly spent watching the wonderful events unfolding of the Coronation of King Charles 111. What can one say, truly magnificent. Sunday arrived, the Big Village Picnic, full sunshine and not a lot of wind! Bunting adorned the marquees, long tables decorated, wraps & sandwiches brought over and before long families were arriving with cakes and savouries which filled the tables. There, in the middle, was Sally’s beautifully decorated Coronation cake. A golden Orb, with jewels, sat on top of a purple cushion with gold cord all around and tassels on each corner. Looking amazing and every inch edible! After everyone had arrived, the children’s procession of kings and queens left from outside the village hall, led by Katy with Tiger Lilly looking resplendent in her Union Jack. So many children, wonderful, they arrived amongst cheers as they made their way along the field, with Tiger Lilly really enjoying herself leading the way. There followed a toast to the King, after which we all sang the National Anthem before tucking in to the picnic. Huge Thank you to all who donated cakes and savouries. Charlie kept children and adults entertained with games & races ending with Tugs of War, highly entertaining. Well done Charlie. What a wonderful time was had by all, fantastic to see so many children running around and having such fun in a very safe, large area. All had been taken down and away as Sunny Jim arrived, providing Mr Whippy’s or lollies for those still there. Big Thank you to everyone who helped in any way and of course, huge Thank You to Katy & Nick for enabling us to hold such a magnificent event in their field. Brilliant, fantastic atmosphere, great company, exceptional weather, couldn’t have asked for more.
Book group met at Chris’s on 12th, many thanks for hosting Chris. All very much in celebratory spirits and enjoying eating the remains of Sally’s delicious Coronation cake. ‘A Keeper’ by Graham Norton was discussed and given a score of 8, very interesting with many twists & turns. Coffee & Cake on 15th was well attended as was Sunday 21st for the Rogation Walk led by Ian, starting at Deane with a short service, as at all the churches. Fabulous weather, good company, lovely walk, ending at North Waltham and refreshments, thank you. Yesterday 23rd, a small group met at Oak Lodge for a short service led by Rev. James. Not quite as many were able to join us in the lounge, nevertheless, lovely to see those who could.
So here we are, June on our door step. Everywhere has looked absolutely stunningly gorgeous, with May blossom looking like fountains cascading down the branches, cow parsley or the preferred name, ladies lace frothily adorning the hedgerows. Colours so invigorating everywhere, birds in full song and busily feeding young. So many geese flying over as we hear and see them at different times, lambs frolicking in the fields along with much new life everywhere. May is certainly a wonderful month, a favourite I think.