Easter seems such a long time ago now, however, back to the Easter service in our gorgeous little church. Freshly cleaned, polished and adorned with flowers, perfect for Rev. Tim’s last service in Steventon. The highlight was Amelia, when she sang “Panis Angelicus” absolutely beautiful, tingle down the spine moment. Drinks were served outside in the sunshine while the children enjoyed their egg hunting!
Friday evening of the 25th the Men’s Pop-up Pub! enjoyed by all, lots of discussion and laughs over each of their 1st cars and of course putting the world to rights according to Mike. Great, looking forward to the next one thanks to Jeff.
The Bluebell Coffee Morning in aid of St Michael’s Hospice, was a wonderful success and once again blessed with good weather, luckily nothing like the rainy forecast earlier. Special thanks go to Julian for letting us share his lovely garden and beautiful bluebell wood with us all once again. Stunning as always. Huge thank you to all those that helped in any way for this very special event, an even bigger thank you to all who came and supported and enjoyed all there was to offer. A fantastic amount of £3576 was raised with more from gift aid to come, the best ever.
A small group joined Rev. Tim on the Tuesday 29th for his last service at Oak Lodge which was enjoyed by all, who were also in great voice, brilliant. A very warm day, with a few outside enjoying the gardens which were looking lovely as always.
So, now into May and to Thursday evening of the 8th, V.E. Day. Thank you to Peter & Carrie for opening up their field and to Matt for the amazing ‘beacon’. Readings and music, songs sang:- You Are My Sunshine….There’ll Be Bluebirds Over…We’ll Meet Again….I Vow To Thee My Country. Followed by the lighting of the Steventon ‘beacon’ part of a chain of beacons across the country. Very moving and a privilege for us all. Laurence, looking splendid, played ‘The Battle Is O’er’ ‘Scotland the Brave’ and ‘Marie’s Wedding’ on his bagpipes, quite magnificent.
Book group on Friday 9th met at Chris’s, the lovely weather enabling everyone to sit outside and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings. Thank you for hosting Chris and to Rachel and Karen for delicious cakes. The book under discussion was ‘Fortunes Daughter’ by Dilly Court, which thanks to Sally’s review, was a proper marmite book: some enjoyed and loved it, easy reading and immersive nature; others found it stereotypical, predictable, unrealistic and unoriginal. A score of 7 overall.
Friday morning a group of Americans arrived at church as part of their tour of Jane Austen which of course was great. Also, the following day at 2.15 promptly, a fascinating Icelandic group of 30 arrived, who also thoroughly enjoyed their time spent in and around church. Just after Marilyn had finished the talk, a lovely lady who unfortunately was also blind but so very happy to be able to, stood up in the centre by the pulpit and sang two gorgeous songs. Utterly beautiful, a jaw dropping moment, even though we didn’t understand a word of it! Her name was Hall Dis Halfredsolottir. When I spoke to her through her interpreter, one song was from Sence & Sensibility…’Weep You Know More’ the second ‘The Dream’ by Patrick Doyle. Afterwards some decided to walk to the village hall as such a delightful day, others went by coach, all thoroughly enjoyed tea and cakes supplied by ladies of Steventon with many thanks to Anita for organizing it all in the village hall.
Thursday 15th at 10.30, the flower ladies met in Emma’s barn to have a “sausage” making meeting. Yes, you might well wonder!! Jane Austen has a lot to answer for! What a fun morning it was thanks to Sarah, also many thanks of course to Emma, also for the delicious cherry crumble and coffee. Monday morning, 19th and Coffee & Cake with many thank to Sheena, Rachel and Romy. Delicious cakes and coffee, lots of chat, not too many able to make it which was a shame, still very enjoyable espeically catching up with friends. Paracise & yoga has been enjoyed, as has singing in the village hall. Half term now but back in full swing afterwards. Everywhere is looking beautiful with flowers round every corner, birds squabbling over food and enjoying the bird bath. Hares chasing each other in the fields, lambs seeking shade under trees and hedges, a gorgeous time of the year. However, the gardens and crops desperate for rain, maybe this week, which would be typical with half term just round the corner. In the meantime, to be enjoyed while we can, another BBQ seems to be the order of the day. Lovely.