Wow, November!! Back to Sunday 25th September and Harvest Festival service, where once again the flower ladies pulled out all the stops to produce beautiful flower displays everywhere. Celebrated along with harvest was Rev’d Michael Kennings 50th Anniversary of his ordination into ministry, the sermon taken by Bishop Trevor Willmott. A very jolly and uplifting service, Michael had very kindly provided ‘bubbles’ to be enjoyed afterwards outside along with nibbles and as the weather was good everyone stayed enjoying the moment and catching up with friends.
Monday 26th was the MacMillan Hospice coffee & cake morning. Great turnout, lots of delicious cakes etc. The tables looked lovely with small vases of flowers on each, provided by Chris from her garden. Lots of laughter and chatter, many thanks to all who supported this event in any way. A grand total of £571 was raised for this much needed charity. A busy day, as in the evening at North Waltham, many from Steventon joined the Benefice at St. Michael’s church for the Licensing as Associate Priest of Rev’d Tim Bell. The service was taken by Rev’d Dr David Williams, Bishop of Basingstoke along with many clergy and representatives including the Benefice choir. An amazing service made even more so, as unbeknown to them, Rev’d Tim and Mary’s son had turned up and took them, very happily, by complete surprise. Afterwards refreshments were supplied in the school hall after the service, enabling everyone to meet Tim and his family.
Friday 30th saw the end of the month celebrated in the village hall by Harvest Supper. A superb evening with good company, many laughs and of course delicious food. A huge thank you to all who helped and produced such a great feast.
October 7th and Deane Quiz & Supper night organized by Deane in aid of All Saints church and St. Michael’s Hospice took place in the village hall. Brilliant evening. 8 tables of 8 people, Steventon had one table, calling ourselves The Austentatious Team!! Excellent. There were 5 categories before the break for supper and 4 after. Supper was delicious, mackerel pate, cheeses, pickles, to name a few, plus wine etc. Many thanks to the Quiz Master Antony Greayer and the ‘Deane Quiz Committee’ for a super evening. Amazingly enough, The Austentatious Team won by just 3 points! Joint 2nd The Outsiders & NW8. 4th The Fagan Party. 5th The Park Farm Pensioners. 6th Quiztopher Bigwins. 7th Quizi Kwarteng. 8th A Long Quiz Goodnight. Also, it was a real treat just to be able to say our goodbyes and just walk away leaving the clearing up to others!!
Friday 14th the village hall was once more the venue for the Film Night. ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’. Very funny, delightfully eccentric, just what was needed! During the interval we were treated to ‘large’ choc ices as the small ones had sold out, delicious. Thank you, Sue and Steventon Players for organizing the event.
Monday 17th Coffee & Cake was once more enjoyed by all in the village hall. A great catch-up with friends and neighbours. Thank you to those who baked and helped, especially the washer-up!
Saturday 22nd the village hall was the venue for Breakfast Together. Delicious bacon baps, croissants and coffee thoroughly enjoyed amongst friends and neighbours. Guest speaker, Rev’d Tim introduced himself and spoke about his experiences which brought him to this benefice, along with his wife, Mary of course. This also included many photos of his time in Africa amongst all those who lived there and of the many wonderful things they were able to accomplice. We wish you very many long and happy years with us.
Book group was hosted this month by Marilyn, many thanks for hosting and supplying delicious coffee, cakes and cookies. Amongst other things! The book “Aqua Alta” by Donna Leon was discussed, enjoyed and given a score of 8. Yoga has taken a break for half-term but welcomed back next week for the start of new classes, thank you Amanda, all needed! Singing continues in the village hall, preparations for a concert next year! Well done, Paul & Marilyn. Gosh, the clocks go back this weekend, winter is almost here, not that you would think so as it has been so warm. The colours of the leaves in places have been lovely although not as stunning as other years, still beautiful, also flowers continually producing. Even poppies bursting out once again in all their glory, fabulous. Jackdoors and rooks have been giving the most amazing flight displays first thing in the morning and evenings, robins have been singing away, the owls are back, wonderful. Sloes have been picked, Christmas cake still has not been made! Next week hopefully!