St Peter's Churchyard was the venue for Britford's first Pet Service on 7 September. The earlier rain and thunder subsided in time for us to have the service outside, led by the Revd Maggie Metcalfe. Parishioners of all ages (from nought to ninety) came with their pets. We had 10 dogs and a tortoise called Trot. There were also "virtual" pets - photographs of those sheep and cats that were unlikely to travel well!Maggie led a lively service of prayers, readings and hymns, all with the theme of Creation, and of Animals in particular. Shelagh Lamb accompanied the singing on the keyboard, from the Church porch. The address from Maggie outlined the importance of pets and how they teach us, particularly as children, about life and death, and all the bits inbetween.Coffee and biscuits were served after the service, giving everyone a chance to chat and introduce their pets. A happy time was had by all.
We had a wonderful evening on Sunday 6th July at our annual Songs and Sausages Service in St Peter's Church. The sun shone after a threatening afternoon and the church was full. The beautiful building, music and words combined to resonate with many, especially when we heard about the impact of Britford village and church in 1065 on the historic events of the following year. We really do live in a special place.The sausages that followed were delicious and conversation flowed as well as the liquid refreshment. Old friendships were renewed and new ones forged, and we are looking forward to next year's already. Huge thanks to all who made such a lovely evening possible.We have a Pet Service on Sunday 7th September, which will be held at 11am and will replace the usual 9.30am communion service. All are welcome, and please do bring your pets so we can express our appreciate of, and thanks for them. If fine this will be outside.Our Harvest Festival service will at at 9.30am on Sunday 5th October, preceded by a Harvest supper on the evening of Saturday 4th October - please let Rev Maggie Metcalfe or Shelagh Lamb know if you'd like to come or be willing to help in any way. Everyone is welcome and we look forward to another lively community event to celebrate the autumn season.
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
