3 Churches Summer Fete August 8th

This afternoon Elaine & I were invited to the 3 Churches Summer Fete at Hayling Park and Community Centre.

Ann Leonard’s Introduction

The opening of the Fete was preceded by an introduction from the Reverend Ann Leonard, the Vicar of both St. Peter’s and St. Andrew’s Churches on the Island. The third Anglican Church, St. Mary’s is served by the Reverend Paul Giniver.

After the introductions I gave a short speech and then declared the Fete to be officially open. A sponsorship cheque for £240 was then presented by Jan Haines on behalf of Geoff Foot, Estate agents.

The Cheque Presentation

Although the weather was cloudy and somewhat humid, the rain held off and all the outside events were able to go ahead without interruption.

There were many different stalls around the field, with a wide variety of goods on sale, from jam and chutney to books and jigsaws. Also there were the Police, Red Cross Neighbourhood Watch, Hayling First Responders and Havant Rotary. The youngsters were able to bounce around on an inflatable Jungle Assault Course.

The central arena played host to two of the Island’s Dance Schools, the Aziza Egyptian Dance Troupe and, for the children, Malcolm the Magician.

St. John the Baptist August 7th

For the second Tuesday in a row Elaine & I were present at the Licensing of a new Vicar in the Borough.

This week we were at the Church of St. John the Baptist in Purbrook, where the service, conducted by the Venerable Trevor Reader, the Archdeacon of Portsmouth, was held to welcome, as Associate Vicar, the Reverend Timothy Wood.

Just as last week, a large congregation from across the area was in attendance to hear the Declaration of Assent, the Oath of Allegiance to the Queen and the Oath of canonical Obedience recited.

After this, the License was read by Trevor Reader and handed to the new Vicar, who was then blessed by the Archdeacon.

Timothy was then welcomed by representatives from various bodies, including the Area Dean, Jonathon Jefferies, the Church Wardens, other Churches, bell ringers, Guides, young people of the Parish and myself, representing the Borough of Havant.

At the end of the service, refreshments were served in the Church hall.

With the new Vicar, Rev. Timothy Wood

St. John’s Church, Purbrook