NEWS F'ROM ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS' CHURCH www.stmichaelandallangelschurchesh.btck co.u k

A dry, sunny St. Swithin's Day followed a tremendous Sunday of sport. As Vicar Michael reminded us all in church that morning, there was plenty of action to choose from. I am sure that the fantastic results from England Cricket, Lewis Hamilton and the longest ever Men's Final at Wimbledon will have given many of us the feel good factor. Meanwhile, the 50n anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing reminded many of us, who remember watching the live coverage with awe ln l969,just how old we are!

Many thanks to Vanessa for hosting the 6tr July Coffee Morning which raised f ? ! and provided us with a most enjoyable social gathering. Thanks also to all who provided items for the home bake stall and tombola, those who provided practical help and everyone who came along to support. Fingers crossed that St. Swithin's tradition holds for the next 40 days and provides beautiful weather for the wedding of Vanessa and David's daughter onZ7th July.

I wonder if anyone remembers the old tradition of villagers locking churchyard gates and refusing to allow the bride and groom to leave for their wedding breakfast until lots of coins were thrown to the awaiting people. It was certainly a tradition going strong in Esh lr.1973 when John and I left the church after our wedding. A Tuesday wedding at 12 noon meant that the school children were on their lunch break so there was quite a crowd at the gates! One of our photographs clearly shows Esh's now oldest resident, 100 year old Mary Hannah Soulsby, her younger sister Ethel Thompson and their neighbours, enjoying the fun, as wedding guests on the inside of the gates emptied their pockets and threw what change they had over the gate. Only when sufficient coins were dispensed, were the gates were unlocked! The Friends of the C of E School held their annual fund-raising fair, also on July 6tr - it was good to see so many people supporting both church and school events. Donkey rides proved extremely popular and a rodeo bull was available for the more adventurous. All manner of outdoor games, live music, face painting, hair braiding, home bakes and refreshments, small mammals, guide dogs for the blind stall, amazing origami and the police service helped to provide a super afternoon. The Friends, Anya and Claire, were each presented with a beautiful bouquet by Mr. Park, (Acting Head), in recognition of their seven years of hard work and enthusiasm in organising this and other events. They now hand the baton over to the next generation of 'younger' (!) Mums.

There is no Coffee Morning planned for August, (though it is never too late!), and hosts are needed for September and November. The school hall is available for church events should you prefer not to host in your own home. Please do think about getting together with a neighbour or family member to help to fill the vacant months. Please contact Linda if you are able to help.

The C of E School Leavers' Service took place on l8e July and children are now enjoying their long summer break. Many older children are involved in Duke of Edinburgh Award activities, sports/drama/music courses, family holidays etc. whilst awaiting exam results later in August. If there are any youngsters, (or adults), in the village who would like to lend a hand for half a day to help tidy the churchyard - footpath clearing, fallen branches need collecting and taken to the compost heap, rose bed weeding, builders' rubble removing etc. then please do step forward. I am hoping to persuade two or more grandchildren to lend a hand! The Knit and Natter Group continues to meet in The Cross Keys during the summer, to which everyone is warmly welcomed. Esh W.I. ladies resume their calendar of events in September - great fi:n with a small but lively membership - if you would like to come along for a 'taster', (usually the second Monday evening of the month) please contact Gillian or simply come along to the C of E School at7 pm.

A little reminder that I would like to 'retire' from writing the monthly news for St. Michael and All Angels' Church. It has been a privilege and apleasure for many years but please do think about taking over from me. I have received no news from the July PCC meeting - no news is good news. Interesting recent Church of England news includes the announcement that the Archbishop of Canterbury will become the fust Anglican primate to supervise communities of monks and nuns for 480 years, when Henry VIII closed the great monastic houses and seized their enormous wealth. More than 80 semi-official religious communities, many of whose traditions go back to medieval times, will become full members of the Anglican fold.

Moving with the times is the appointment of the first black woman bishop. The Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin is to become the Bishop of Dover. An evangelis! cu:rently the frst female Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons she was born ir-lamaica,attended a girls' school on the island and later studied at Birmingham University.

And just this week the Church of England called for worshippers to volunteer once a week with older people suffering from dementia. The General Synod has called upon parishes to organise dementia-friendly services, social goups and cafes for sufferers. Synod member, Angela Scott, said, "It is never a waste of time visiting someone who will not remember the visit". It is expected that the number of people with dementia will increase from the current 900,000 people to two million within 30 years. It is often the carers who would most appreciate a visit or an offer of help of some sort, so whilst it may not be an option to volunteer once a week, or for all churches to organise special services, it may be possible for many of us to help someone we know, who may be grateful just for a few moments of our time. A child's friendly wave through the window en route to school or a chat over the garden wall can make such a difference to those who may be lonely or feel 'left behind'.

Enjoy August. If you are travelling please share your experiences with readers. If you are staying at home let us hope that St. Swithin does not let us down!

V/ith best wishes, *,*, I