All around the diocese, churches have been planning some fun, creative and community-spirited events to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. There will be prayer vigils and services, screenings and picnics and parties, barbecues and fetes, flag flying and bell ringing, and even a light show and an escape rooms to find the stolen coronation jewels! (And especially well done to all the creative people out there putting together such beautiful posters…). Have a look at some of the fantastic efforts below…
Stolen Crown Jewels Escape Game
St Andrew’s Dibden Purlieu has unveiled a video to advertise one of the main attractions of their Coronation event on Saturday 6th May (1-4pm) – the ‘Stolen Jewels Escape Game’. The brainchild of Children’s and Youth Co-ordinator Helen Cheeseman, the game consists of a video introduction, with clues and puzzles to solve.
The video here shows Rector Peter Toller being rung by the Police, to say they suspect the jewels are somewhere in the church building. The Rector appeals to those watching for help in finding the gemstones. Helen Cheeseman explains: “Some of the Crown Jewels have been stolen and hidden in our church. Do you have what it takes to crack the clues, solve the riddles and locate the Jewels before the thief’s accomplice arrives?”
Teams are invited to join in as part of the parish festivities for King Charles III’s Coronation, which also include a community picnic, live music and dance showcases, traditional fête games and a bouncy castle, plus a livestream of the whole Coronation. Final preparations have also included a community display of fabric crowns on the fence along the side of the car park at St Andrew’s, with the royal theme including ‘King of Kings’ – a title for Jesus.
To book your team, email coronation@dibdenchurches.org.
New recruits to bell ringing
The Winchester and Portsmouth Guild of Bell Ringers have reported that new ringers have been training for many months ready for the big day. Special ‘Fit to ring for the King’ practices will continue to be held at Easton, Twyford, Old Alresford and Stockbridge.
Rachael Barber, Master of our Guild, said, “Across the Guild, hundreds of volunteers have answered the call to learn this intriguing and quintessentially English activity. This plan would not have been possible without the enthusiasm and immense commitment of our ringing teachers who have worked tirelessly over the past six months to train all those stepping forward to learn! We have greatly appreciated the support from the local clergy and Parochial Church Councils who have made extra training sessions possible, allowing the new ringers the practice they need to be ready in time. There has been such a buzz of excitement surrounding the plans to ring for the Coronation and it’s brought communities together as they work towards this unique goal. History will be created over the Coronation weekend which future generations of ringers will be able to look back on in years to come”.
Messy Coronation at ACNB Churches
The Parish Churches in Ampfield, Chilworth and North Baddesley have been getting creative ahead of their Messy Church for the Coronation and started making a papier mache royal orb – what a great idea!
Other activities around the diocese…
