As the mass of elderflowers take over this month with their glorious cream scented flowers, along with the beautiful blush of the dog rose, it feels as though summer is really here. The bright red of the poppies gradually making their appearance, spurred on by the warmth of the sun. Best of all those very strong, cold winds, have at last gone. At the moment the veggie garden looks more like being at the seaside, as colourful windbreaks have been doing a grand job sheltering the outdoor tomato and cucumber plants! I think they can now be taken out, rolled up and put away.
June has very quickly arrived, however this month in Steventon, it has been relatively quiet, with the fete having to go in next months parish magazine.
A few of us did have a rather brilliant caravan weekend in the New Forest, including a trip to Exbury Gardens where we managed to catch the last colours of the rhododendrons in all their splendour. Later that day, we got any cobwebs that might have been around, completely blown away as we walked along a very wild and amazing Leap beach.
Friday 12th was the book club’s annual trip to the Somerset borders to Lynne & Peter’s. A very big thank you to you both. Amazing what a year makes to a garden, beautiful, especially the roses. The company and lunch were great and we did actually discuss the book of the month which was, ‘I heard the Owl call my name’ by Margaret Craven. This had been read by the group quite a while ago, however, after the majority reading it for the second time, it was very interesting to see how much more it had been enjoyed. Which resulted in a much higher score of 8.9.
Sunday 14th the Communion service at St Nicholas’ included the opportunity for the congregation to offer views on questions, previously sent out by email to the village, also spoken about during the service. All are welcome to write out any feedback and pop it into the suggestion box in church.
The evening of the 14th was the concert at the Anvil with the Basingstoke Choral Society. The Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein led the way, all sung in Hebrew, which was certainly a challenge! Followed by The Ebony Concerto, played by the New London Sinfonia. The second half was Mass in Blue by Will Todd, absolutely fabulous. The words:- Brilliant blend of driving jazz grooves and clear, strong, choral writing against which the solo piano and solo soprano voice weave and blend in a delightful aural tapestry. How true. The soloist, Robyn Allegra Parton was superb, as was Mark Kindaid on piano. All conducted by the brilliant David Gibson, who had to certainly work quite hard! The next concert by B.C.S. is on November 15th at the Anvil where the wonderful Messiah by Handel will be performed. It is always very well attended, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Also if you would love to join us, rehearsals start again in September, new members always very welcome.
Singing has been continuing in the village hall, only one more before the break for the summer. Ukulele meetings are also being enjoyed, all in preparation for the future I’m sure!!
Sunday July 19th is the Jane Austen Evensong, held in our beautiful little church of St. Nicholas’. It would be wonderful to see you there if you are able to make it.
There are a family of very scruffy, young Blue Tits, going with great gusto into the peanuts, while also being fed by the adult, very amusing.
I am off now, to join many I am sure, in the baking of cakes for the fete this Sunday. The forecast is good, great, let’s hope for a good turnout. Maybe another B-B-Q this week, we have already had two, amazing!