Looking Back in May

16 Jun 2023 • Other News

LOOKING BACK

The SERVICE IN CELEBRATION OF THE CORONATION was a delight!Hanbury School shields decorated the church and also flowers arranged by ‘The Guild’.Prior to worship, Andrew and Nikki Kristy set the scene with music played on organ and cello which was followed by a BCP style Holy Communion led by Canon Keith. Keith preached on the history of the newly restored stone and coloured glass ‘pavement’ in Westminster Abbey which depicts ‘the universe’ and upon which the Coronation Throne was placed. Hymns included, ‘O God our help in ages past’ and ‘O Jesus I have promised’ and the service ended with an enthusiastic rendition of ‘God save our gracious King!’ Thank you to all who made this service especially memorable.

Thank you to our loyal ringers for bells on Coronation Day itself at 7 pm and also for the Sunday morning service on the following day to be ‘the icing on the cake!’

Fifteen of us rallied to the King’s suggestion to volunteer on Coronation Monday. Lots was achieved during a two-hour stint which increased our familiarity with the treasures of Hanbury’s churchyard.

The most elaborate box tomb is now visible, as Golden Ewe branches were lopped and removed for the site.Dense ivy covering various pieces of stonework were removed as advised by our architect and gateways and drain covers cleared.Bug habitats were arranged, tree fungus was protected and two Slow-worms were spotted, making three locations now known to the team. Dead shrubs were replaced and wild flower seeds were scattered. Thank you to all who volunteered and to those who provided lunch for the workers. Several visitors accepted our invitation to join us for lunch which made the morning feel even more special! God save the King and long live volunteering.

On the 13 May, thirty people took part in JANET’S WALK which is organised annually by Janet’s family and friends as an ongoing fundraiser and memorial to her wonderful qualities as a matriarch and teacher. Thank you to soup makers and servers and to all involved for raising £110 to be shared between Red Cross and Hanbury church.We remember Janet with fondness.

Thankfully, the weather was perfect for John’s ROGATION SERVICE. The next hope for fine weather will have been on Thursday 18 May when Hanbury hosted the BOWBROOK GROUP ASCENSION DAY COMMUNION at 7.30 pm.