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Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
The earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone … snow had fallen, snow on snow … crisp and even.
This was the magical setting for the candle-lit carol service at St Peter’s on the afternoon of Sunday, 20th December when over 70 of us gathered to hear the Christmas story through readings from the prophets and the gospels, prayer, carols and the music of Grace and Eloise Hardy on the flute and harp.
The church had been beautifully decorated – the candle-lit windows festooned with holly and a Christmas Tree which sparkled with lights and silver and gold tinsel. The service ended with warming mince pies and mulled wine before we headed home through the frost and snow.
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Friends Event
On Saturday 28th November the FRIENDS OF ST. MARTIN’S & ST. PETER’S presented a nostalgic evening of magic lantern slides brought to us by the expertise of Jan and Richard Rigby. Their presentation gave us a fascinating insight into the innovative entertainment of bygone days. Over sixty people gathered in The Church Rooms, Castle Street and were entertained with stories from comedy to horror and melodrama through the medium of hand-painted glass slides together with most interesting historic information about magic lanterns. There had been an invitation to dress up in Victorian or Edwardian dress and well over twenty people came suitably attired and there was a prize for the winner who came dressed as Dracula! Refreshments were served and a raffle held and a grand total of £430 was raised.
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 LIGHT UP A LIFE
On the afternoon of Thursday 3rd December over fifty people gathered in St. Martin’s Church to participate in the Friends of St. Clare Hospice Light Up A Life service. During the short service with carols, the Church went into semi-darkness and by the light of candles we remembered our family, friends and neighbours who are no longer with us. This is an emotive service made even more touching when all went out into the Churchyard for the lighting up of the Hospice Christmas Tree which, this year, was sponsored by Sainsbury. The service was led by Mary Love with prayers said by the Reverend Susan Cooper. Trustee, Patrick Foster, spoke about the work of the Hospice in Hastingwood and officially called for the Christmas tree to be lit. After the service everyone went to the Church Rooms for a chat over a warming cup of tea and a mince pie or sausage roll.
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St Martin's Day Lunch (15th November) |
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 This year, to celebrate St Martin’s Day, a parish lunch was held in the Church Rooms for those who could stay after the morning service. Thirty-six parishioners enjoyed an excellent meal organised by the Social Committee. A choice of vegetable or mushroom soup to start with was followed by a beautiful buffet main course. A variety of delicious desserts were then served. As an extra special treat, live music was provided by Grace and Elouise who played the flute and harp both before and after the meal. Our thanks go to them as well as to Susan and her team of helpers for all their hard work in providing us with the opportunity to share such a lovely meal and time of fellowship.
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On the afternoon of Saturday 22nd August the Social Committee hosted its annual tea in the garden of St. Martin’s Church when over forty senior citizens enjoyed wonderful weather, conversation and a Strawberry Cream Tea. The guests were offered a variety of sandwiches, home-made cakes and strawberries and cream and a good time was had by all. It was wonderful to hear all the laughter and conversation and we have received some lovely ‘thank-you’s’ from some of our guests confirming how much they enjoyed the event.
 The Social Committee would like to extend a very big ’thank you’ to Sainsbury plc for their very generous donation towards the tea of the strawberries, cream and lots of flowers, for which a draw was held.
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People & Events 