Rowan’s Fete Sept 2nd

This afternoon we attended the Rowan’s Fete, which had been postponed from the 22nd of July, due to the bad weather conditions at that time.

Opening the fete

Although the weather today was cloudy and damp, a large number of people were on hand to visit the many stalls around the field at Purbrook Heath, and to watch the varied entertainment that took place in the central arena.

The Ukelele Orchestra

Amongst the events taking place were Judo demonstrations, singing by the Pitchpipers choral group, the Portsmouth Ukelele Orchestra and a light-hearted dog show.

During the official opening of the Fete, the past Mayor of Havant, Councillor Ken Smith, presented a cheque for £10,000 to Ruth White, the Chief Executive of the Rowan’s. The Rowan’s was one of two main charities from Ken’s year as Mayor, the other being the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

St. Mary’s Hayling Sept 2nd

This morning, Elaine & I attended a service at St. Mary’s church on Hayling Island, led by the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Right Reverend Christopher Foster with Reverend Paul Ginever and the associate Priest, Reverend Pennie Payne.

The service was to mark the Patronal Festival of St. Mary’s and, in addition, to bless anew altar and to dedicate a new ambo. These were both made for St. Mary’s from Croatian Oak by a member of the church congregation.

Attending the service were parishioners from all three of the Anglican churches of Hayling, with members of St. Andrew’s and St. Peter’s, together with a large number of Sunday School pupils, joining those of St. Mary’s.

Headway Waterlooville Sept. 1st

This was the official opening of the new Headway charity shop in Waterlooville.

Cutting the ribbon

Headway is a charity set up in 1979 to help those who have suffered from brain injuries. Many of them are victims of road accidents, while for others the cause could be medical.

Although Headway is a national charity, the local branches must raise their own funds to enable them to give the help and support where it is needed. This new shop is the third in the local area, following on from Cosham and Fareham, and there will be one more opening next week in Havant.