June has arrived, with all its glorious colours and sounds. We have been enjoying some wonderful weather in recent weeks and the coastline, countryside and our gardens have all responded with the wonderful array of beautiful colours and such tuneful bird song, both morning and evening time.

So much has happened since our special Service on Easter morning and the weeks have really flown by!

We celebrated St Mark's Day on 27th April, in traditional style at St Mark's with a lovely BIG cake and a glass or two, plus tea and coffee. Then in the afternoon, "If you go down to St Mark's today, you're sure of a big surprise".... we held a Teddy Bear's Picnic for children aged 2 - 6 years, with accompanying grown-ups. The event was a great success and 18 children, plus adults, all enjoyed the games, craft activities and some lovely picnic food. We look forward to welcome them to St Mark's again in future.

On Saturday 3rd May, a group of us from St Mark's attended the retirement party for Rev. Tony and Felicity Higgins at Studland Village Hall. A wonderful celebration and appreciation of their ministry and work in St Nicholas and the village community over the years. We wish them both a happy retirement and look forward to seeing them enjoying this new chapter in their lives.

Members of St Mark's Band and singers, including the junior singers, joined in the Herston Community Picnic on Bank Holiday Monday 5th May and entertained people who were enjoying their picnic and the other activities on offer on that sunny day.

After the Service on Sunday 11th May, to mark the start of Christian Aid Week, we enjoyed a wonderful selection of cakes with our refreshments after the Morning Service, with donations all going to Christian Aid.

On Friday 23rd May there was a Memorial Service for the life of Barbara Rose, a dearly loved member of our church family. The Service was followed by afternoon tea in the Church Room and everyone enjoyed looking at pictures of Barbara's life displayed on the screen in the room.

May God bless and keep you

Anne Roper (Churchwarden)