Gathered in The Square at Ramsbury on Holy Cross day, September 13th was a motley band of Saxons of all ages together with the Bishop of Ramsbury, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway who accompanied the group as they walked along the High Street to Holy Cross church to celebrate  the anniversary of the appointment of Athelstan as the first Bishop of Ramsbury in AD 909. During this time the church bells were rung by the loyal team of ringers led by Mr Ronny Price, captain of the Tower.

After much endeavour and planning, churchwardens Jane Handford and Carol Howard welcomed a full congregation to Holy Cross. The service was conducted by the Rt Revd Stephen Conway and the Whitton Team Curate Revd Ann Massey. The Bishop of Salisbury the Rt Revd David Stancliffe preached the sermon referring to his childhood memory of the carved angels in the Ramsbury church. Completing the psalter of Bishops were the Rt Revds John Neale and Peter Vaughan, previous Bishops of Ramsbury since the title was revived in 1974.

During the service of Holy Communion, the children led the Bishop on a tour of the church with prayers at important stations. Musical accompaniment was given by Holy Cross Wind and the Ramsbury village choir Bella Voce, augmented by some members of the English Chamber Choir who had given a concert performance in Holy Cross the previous evening. An anthem was written especially for the occasion by Lyn Lloyd-Jones a university friend of Bella Voce's conductor Sian Haynes. Bishop Stephen blessed an icon of the Holy Cross written by Canon Peter Ball in commemoration of this special event. Four Gallic guests from our diocesan link in Evreux really enjoyed the activities of the weekend and it is hoped to arrange twinning with the Whitton benefice.

Refreshments of coffee and biscuits were taken in the churchyard and afterwards the party moved to a nearby field for a chicken roast and barbecue.

During the afternoon the bell ringers opened the church tower for viewing  the beautiful Kennet valley. A truly memorable day was enjoyed by all.

Photos can be viewed by folowing the 'Picture Gallery' link.