Making the cards  :  Floral Arrangements

Final preparations for the service on Sunday, continued throughout Saturday. Floral displays for the window sills of All Saints' were placed in position and the posies that would be given to the "Mums", carefully pieced together.
Becky trims off the stems of the final posie as Jake runs through the reading he will deliver from the pulpit on Sunday.
A few of the youngsters , led by Brooke, do a final rehearsal of the song they have been practicing all week.
Included below, several of the colourful flower arrangements made on the previous Wednesday, now adorning the Church
The service today was conducted by The Reverend Tony Cumberlige and was preceded by a full, unbroken half hour of quite superb bellringing from our Bellringers ~ Rebecca, Maureen, Tessa, Hilary Christopher, Colin and Marcus. Some of the payers this year were led by members of the Children's Choir.  - (pictured below) ~ James , Brooke and Tegan took the first three.
Although we have lost a few of our original choristers, the Choir this year has actually increased in size with the introduction of several new and very welcome members.  Susan Holmes, our organist and Choir Mistress expertly took the choir through their two  musical items, both of which drew spontaneous applause from a delighted audience.
Joe, Jade, Becky and Shannon complete the line up of prayer readings from choir members while Sania awaits with posie in hand.
(Above Centre) ~ Jake presents the reading "The First Letter from Peter - Chapter 2 - verses 4 -7a" This was Jake's first time as a participant in the service here at All Saints' ~ I am given to understand that he wasn't down to read at all, but due to an 11th hour withdrawal by the scheduled reader, he confidently took on the task and completed it like a true professional. Well done Jake.
The young ones, led by Brooke, present their song to all " The Wise Man Built his House upon the Rock" an infectious tune that stays in your head for hours after hearing it. This delightful interlude again produced much deserved applause from those within.
The presentation of the flowers and posies to the the all important "Mums"
After the service everyone stayed and chatted to friends whilst enjoying an excellent cup of hot (Fair Trade) chocolate and some rather delicious biscuits. There were several display boards covering previous Church events as seen through the camera lenses of Martyn Wright and myself.   Martyn must be congratulated for the superb job he did with regard to the printing and displaying of the said photos. A chance also to have a look at the colourful flower displays that covered the window sills and ledges of the church.
One point that I would wish to explain about some of the photos included. Quite rightly, respect for the church and certain services within, dictate that the use of a flash gun during a service would be intrusive and totally out of order. All the "in service" pictures above were taken without the use of a flash, utilizing only the ambiant light available. This however, causes white balance problems. Incandescent light is very yellow, where-as daylight is blue. This is why there is a blue tinge or cast on some of the photos where daylight has been picked up by the camera, as it enters through the windows.

Linked Pages
Making the cards  :  Floral Arrangements

Photos and Text : Ken Tarbox

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