Here we are, Easter is almost upon us. However, back to the evening of Friday March 21st, the Film Club screened ‘Beetlejuice’ Michael Keaton & Alex Baldwin being two of the actors. Many thanks to Sue for organizing the event. Saturday morning 22nd the village hall was in use once again, this time for Breakfast Together. After much chatting while enjoying bacon butties, croissants etc, thank you to everyone involved, we were all engrossed in the short talk given by 2 representatives from Emmaus. The local charity which aims to work to overcome homelessness and social exclusion while using its voice to achieve social change. Rhys, one of the speakers, told us how his life has been turned around due to the help he received from this amazing charity. They are encouraged to help collecting, sorting, repairing and selling goods as Emmaus has a charity shop and Super store, also the Green Roof Cafe where hot drinks, homemade sandwiches and cakes are sold. Well worth a visit while supporting them at the same time, based near Park & Ride, Bar End, Winchester.
April 5th, Buns & Bunting in the village hall. Well, what an incredibly productive morning it was. With the sounds of machines, scissors cutting away, laughter and chattering rising above it all, a total of 1/8th mile of bunting had been produced. We had a very welcome break for coffee & cake then back to it! Well done ladies, what a fantastic little factory the hall had become. David Allard & companion were taking photos and chatting to a few, even participating at one stage! so, who knows where that will be going! Tuesday 8th a jolly group met at church for a big tidy up. Anita provided delicious buns, Joyce’s recipe, which quite a few will remember, thank you, also to Ian for coffee. Friday 11th Book group met at Barbara’s, thank you Barbara for hosting and providing coffee. Thank you also to Sheena & Karen for delicious cakes. After much lively catching up, we finally got round to discuss the book in question. ‘Damon Copperhead’ by Barbara Kingsolver. Inspired by ‘David Copperfield’ but set in modern-day Appalachian region of the United States in the midst of the opioid crisis. He realizes his own superpower is resilience. A score of 6 was given. Sunday 13th, Palm Sunday. A lovely group met at church for a short blessing of the palms at 9.15am, after we all enjoyed a walk through the fields in glorious weather to North Waltham church. We had all stopped along the way to marvel at the Barn Owl who at one point gave a fabulous display flying silently above the grass and around the trees, beautiful. Rev. Tim gave a short communion service, after which coffee & biscuits were provided, very welcome, thank you. Monday morning of the 14th was Coffee & Cake in the village hall. Great to have a catch up and chat amongst friends. Delicious cakes once again with thanks going to Caroline, Tamsin, Katy & Sally. Was amazing to see ‘Derek the Postie’ arrive, he had walked all the way from the Deane Gate bus stop to the village hall….Not bad for a 92yr old. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and thanks to Ian who kindly gave Derek a lift home. Passiontide at St Nicholas church took place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 15th, what a really lovely service it was. The readings and poem were beautiful, the music and choir glorious, wonderful to see so many in the choir. I think they might have outnumbered the congregation! A very moving service.
Singing is back in full force and numbers have almost doubled, brilliant, long may it continue as always wonderful to see new faces. Great fun. Clouds of billowing blackthorn have been glorious in the sunshine on the railway banks as it has elsewhere, plenty of sloes one hopes! Blossom everywhere is fantastic, even the magnolias have been packed with flower and not caught by the frost either. Wood anemones and wild violets grace the banks and amongst the trees, beautiful. Lambs are now appearing in the fields and trees are bursting with glorious shades of green. Welcome rain has graced us for a short spell, more on the way I believe, not too much so the children can enjoy Easter egg hunting while roast lamb is slowing roasting for all to enjoy later maybe. Joy, love and comfort to all.