Tree Planting March 3rd

This morning Elaine & I went to St. James Church in Emsworth for the 10 o’clock Family Service.

The reason for this was to attend the planting of a tree to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

With Dame Mary.

Before the service I met the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Dame Mary Fagan, and had the pleasure of escorting her into the Church.

The service was very well attended and, half way through, three children were baptised.

Planting the tree.

After the service was over, members of the congregation gathered outside to wath Dame Mary, ably assisted by some of the younger members of the church, as she officially planted the tree.

After the planting ceremony, it was into the church hall for a warming cup of tea or coffee!

Eastleigh Charity Ball March 2nd.

Along with other Mayors and Chairmen from across Hampshire, we went to the Botleigh Grange Hotel for the Mayor of Eastleigh’s Masked Charity Ball.

In similar fashion to our own Christmas Charity Ball, the evening was dedicated to raising funds for Rupert Kyrle’s main charities, Wildern Opportunity Group, who support children with special needs, and Countess Mountbatten House, which specialises in palliative care.

There was a silent auction and a tombola with all of the many prizes being donated by local companies and individuals, and there was also a very good magician going from table to table.

A very nice evening and a convivial way to raise money for charity.