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All Saints' Church East Garston
Beating the Bounds
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The ancient church
festival of Rogationtide was celebrated on the 29th April in
three parishes in the Lambourn Valley for the second year running.
This custom dating back to the 5th century was when country
folk asked for God’s blessing on crops and stock in the
hope of a fruitful harvest and rural prosperity in their parishes.
The custom was revived in 2007 and again in 2008, was well received
by the 40 parishioners who took part in the short services along
the valley. |
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The Revd
Martin Partridge conducted each service: firstly at Windsor
House Stables, Lambourn, where Trainer Harry Dunlop hosted the
occasion and gave an introduction to his Yard. Despite the hostile
weather, in the shelter of a barn the crowd gathered and sang
lustily under the leadership of Stephen Holmes, Organist and
Choir Master of Lambourn Church. The format of each service
included a reading and a poem: read at Lambourn by Wendy Holmes
and Andrew Snowdon. |
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It was
then on to Coldborough Farm Eastbury, the home of Ivor and Glenys
Denton, where John Brittain, cousin of Glenys, gave some background
to the farm. Again in a barn amongst the ewes and lambs, a happy
service was held, with Tesse Partridge and Sylvia Ricketts giving
the readings. Afterwards to the delight of everyone, we were
able to visit the Shetland ponies in the paddock and see the
3 day old wee baby foal. |
Maidencourt
Farm |
The last port of
call, when the weather brightened considerably, was the beautiful
setting of Maidencourt Farm at East Garston, on the banks of
the river Lambourn, where David and June Rabbitts have farmed
for close on 65 years, now with their sons Jeffrey and Jonathon.
David recounted many interesting tales of his time in farming
and was proud and delighted that at this service 2 young people
gave beautiful readings: his grandson, 12 year old George and
13 year old Shannon Rodbourn. Both of them are very active members
of East Garston Church. |
In keeping with the
ancient tradition, the crowd then gathered at the local hostelry
at Eastbury – The Plough, for very welcome refreshments.
All agreed that it was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion and plans
are already being made for next year’s Rogation celebrations.
Thank you Harry, Ivor, Glenys, June and David for making it
such a happy, successful evening. |
Text : Sally Wright
Photos : Martyn Wright |
