Woodmancott hosted the lighting of the Beacon at the start of the long weekend and it was a tremendously successful evening thanks to the brilliant organization of Mary Wallis and Nick Greenwood who hosted it. The weather was perfect and over a hundred people from surrounding villages came to watch the beacon being lit, enjoy the delicious hog roast and participate in the celebrations. I think it was fantastic to see how the whole country really embraced the Jubilee and wanted to show their appreciation and love for our Monarch, having given her whole life to dutiful service for the United Kingdom. June also saw our main fundraising event for St. James’ Church, a drinks party and silent auction, generously hosted by Penny and Colin Dixon in their beautiful garden. We all enjoyed wine, canapés and catching up with friends and neighbours in the lovely Hampshire countryside. It was a fabulous evening and thanks to everyone’s amazing generosity we raised a fantastic amount.At the time of writing our Pet Service on 19th June has not yet taken place so I will report on it next time.In July it is our Patronal Service Sunday on 17th July at 6pm. This will be the first time that Revd Rob Rees takes a service of Holy Communion at St James, following his Ordination. Hope to see you all there, we will have wine and other refreshments in the churchyard afterwards.
Woodmancott was not lucky with the weather for this year's Rogation Walk! After the most glorious sunny Saturday, the Sunday for the Rogation Walk was very showery. I was certain it was going to be a wash out, but I need not have worried. Quite a few (considering the weather) brave parishioners turned out to walk though the beautiful countryside around Woodmancott and Popham and to bless the crops and fields along with some lovely readings. (Given the rain we skipped the hymns until the end).We were led round by Linda Albin and leading the prayers - Rev Rob Rees. After a very dry April and first half of May, rain was probably just what all Farmers had been praying for, so maybe it was a blessing really. Rogation tea held at Mary Wallis’s house was delicious as usual and we would like to say a massive thank you to all those who always contribute so generously to the refreshments, especially Mary and Nick for hosting. I think June is shaping up to be a very exciting month with all the various village things planned for the Jubilee. It looks to be a wonderful occasion and one we will all remember for a very long time. Saturday 11th June is also Woodmancott’s main fundraising event with the drinks party and Auction of Promises, to be held in Penny and Colin's garden, The Old Post House, Woodmancott, 6pm - 8pm. Please contact Linda Albin for tickets to what I’m sure will be a lovely evening with some exciting things to be auctioned.Finally, we have a Pet Service Sunday 19th June at 3pm led by Rev Rob Rees. Please feel free to bring all your fluffy friends - the furrier the better!
