Friends, neighbours and folks from across the seven villages were warmly welcomed to the church of St Martin’s, Barholm-with-Stowe for a service of evensong on Sunday 6th February. This was held to mark the occasion of the Seventieth Anniversary of the Accession of Her Majesty Queen ELIZABETH II.

The service was led by Fr Aran Beesley and the Revd Martin Brebner OBE was the preacher. Julia Lamb and a wonderful choir enhanced our singing of well-known and traditional hymns chosen especially for the occasion, concluding with the joining together of our 87 voices in a rousing rendition of two verses of The National Anthem.

Princess Elizabeth assumed the title of Queen upon her father's death on the 6th February 1952. The reality is that Elizabeth II has consistently and publicly honoured the God she serves and has been an extraordinary example of joyful, persevering, life-affirming, generous hearted, unstinting, wise service on behalf of others.

Fr Aran, as parish priest for our seven villages, especially hopes that events for this Jubilee year will bring together families and friends, neighbours and communities – after some difficult times for so many of us – in order to enjoy the celebrations and to reflect on the positive developments in our day-to-day lives that have so happily coincided with the Queen’s reign.

To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events and initiatives will take place throughout the year, culminating in a four day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. This will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate this historic milestone. Our seven churches are here for us all as we celebrate and reflect on The Queen’s 70 years of service, if your village is looking at celebrating this unique occasion and would like to involve the church, please contact Fr Aran who may be contacted on Tel. 07590 055905 or [email protected]