This annual event was led for the first time by Revd Maggie Metcalfe. More than 40 parishioners came to join their voices in a selection of favourite hymns played ably by Shelagh Lamb on the organ, including:O Praise Ye the LordAll Creatures of Our God and KingBe Still for the Presence of the LordAt the Name of JesusJerusalemNew to your reporter is the modern hymn Lord the Light of your Love is Shining (Shine, Jesus, Shine) by Graham Kendrick. This has a very catchy refrain, and is set to be a new favourite in Britford and beyond.The readings included:Footprints in the SandPied Beauty On This Spot in 1065This latter piece was written and read by Dr Annabel Lawson, outlining how King Edward the Confessor, a pious King, prayed in Briteforde Church for guidance after the Northumbrian thains overthrew his relation Tostig, Earl of Northumbria in October 1065. The King and Tostig were on a hunting trip for deer in the forest near the Church.The service ended with a blessing, following which we were treated to hot-dogs and wine in the summer sunshine in the churchyard. A good time was had by all.
Ben is a local man, who went to school at Bishop's, then became at Organ Scholar at St Peter's College, Oxford. He is now a full-time musician based in Salisbury, who makes short films to document his visits to local churches which feature him playing the organ.To hear The Day Thou Gavest, Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring and Air on a G String, please playhttps://youtu.be/b8kZsCczi30?si=dk-O4R8i3FIQe-xGBy May 2025, this video has had 33,000 views.To learn more about Ben, please visit his websiteBEN MATONor follow him on his YouTube channelBen Maton - The Salisbury Organist - YouTubeImages and links supplied with kind permission from Ben Maton#Britford #chalkevalleychurch #BenMaton #organmusic
This year, Charlton All Saints has its first Christmas Tree Festival in All Saints' Church from 6-10 December. To show our support, St Peter's Church, led by Shelagh Lamb, is putting the finishing touches to a Christmas Tree entry. The aim of the display is to highlight climate change and the flooding in this valley. The tree uses an apposite Noah's Ark theme, suggesting that we need Noah in this century. We hope to raise money for the Salisbury Hospice.If you would like to see our entry, come along to All Saints'. There is an evening fundraiser drinks event on Friday 6 December from 7pm, a free Family Day on Saturday 7 December, Christingle at 3.30pm on Sunday 8 December and the ever-popular Downton Band Concert from 7pm on Tuesday 10 December.
