So here we are approaching September and the holidays are almost over. Back in June our ‘Music for a Summer Evening’ was a lovely event with choral works and guest instrumentalists along with some delicious wine and nibbles whilst we enjoyed one of the many beautiful summer evenings in St Andrew’s church grounds. In July, Ebblefest was a joyful community occasion for which we must thank all those who organised and supported it as it, in turn, helps to support the churches and several other organisations within the area. We were so pleased that many of you enjoyed the tea tent at the fete in the afternoon which church members supplied and staffed. Further up the valley, the Benefice held Arty August for the youngsters over 3 days and, as it was so successful, we hope to have held a ‘pop-up’ Arty August in the Barker Room by the time this is published!Some of you may have noticed that the older part of St Andrew’s churchyard has been left to nature for a few months - intentionally to encourage wildlife.Having looked back at what has happened in the past couple of months I better tell you what is about to happen! As ever, Creativitea will be held on the third Thursday of the month in the Barker Room (18th September). The annual ‘Ride and Stride’ event is on 13th September when people are encouraged to travel by foot, bike or horse between churches in Wiltshire and raise money in sponsorship for the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust. And finally, some advance notice that our Harvest Festival will be held on Sunday 5th October at St Andrew’s Church, Nunton. Prior to the service we will be having a workshop for the children using arts and crafts to celebrate the season of Creationtide and Harvest and after the service you are invited to an informal bring and share tea in the Barker Room.As ever, you will find a list of our regular services in News and Notes or they can be found here on ACNY and on the benefice website - chalkevalleychurches.org.Our churches are open in daylight hours for you to visit.
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.If you want to learn more about his visit and to hear beautiful renditions of Bach's Toccata & Fugue, and Lord of All Hopefulness, click the link below to view the film on YouTube.https://youtu.be/fyDjg4bSSl0 By May 2025, this video has had 48,000 views. If you want to see other videos of Ben visiting local churches, please go to Ben Maton - The Salisbury Organist - YouTubeand to learn more about him, visit his websiteBEN MATONImages and links supplied with kind permission from Ben Maton#Odstock #chalkevalleychurch #BenMaton #organmusic
After the busy period surrounding Easter, May has been more gentle. The Benefice said a sad but joyous farewell to the Reverend Canon Jenny Taylor, with a communion service in the beautiful Bishopstone church. It was packed out and the singing was amazing. This was followed by a "bring and share" lunch in the village hall. Thanks to everyone involved, to the organist and providers of food.We held our annual PCC meeting on 7 May, which was well attended by parishioners. This was followed by a lovely party for all the people who work so hard to support our churchwardens in keeping the churchyards tidy, arranging flowers, cleaning brass, providing music and many other areas. Thank you all. Services happened as published and the Monday study group, which started in Lent, continued, and, of course, Creativitea, on the 3rd Thursday of the month in the Barker Room has been enjoyed by many.Take care all and be kind to each other.
To celebrate All Souls' Day, and to remember all our departed loved ones, we held a service at St Mary's at the beginning of November. The Church looked beautiful, with the gleaming brass illuminated by candlelight.The service, led by the Rector, the Revd Dr Ruth Howlett-Shipley, and newly appointed Revd Maggie Metcalfe, opened with the glorious and apposite hymn Be Still My Soul, written by Katherina von Schlegel in 1752 and set to Jean Sibelius's Finlandia, ably played on the organ by Shelagh Lamb.Members of the congregation were invited to write the name of a loved one on a card which was then offered up at the altar. It was a moving service, with the clergy team offering comfort and hope where it was much needed.
