What better time and place to appreciate God’s creation than outdoors, when the sun is shining? Churches from across the Diocese of Winchester have been taking advantage of the glorious weather over the last few weeks, and have put on outdoor events and services. From fetes to music festivals, these events have been a great success, and we look forward to seeing many more of them take place in the coming months.
St Mark’s Church Ampfield Church Fete and Dog Show
Earlier this week, the Ampfield Fete and Dog Show took place, outside St Mark’s Church. People brought along their pooches and prizes were awarded for the waggiest tail, most appealing eyes, scruffiest dog, and the dog that looked most like its owner!
There were also a BBQ, organised games, a plant and jewelry stall, a food area (including ice cream for both dogs and humans) plus a grand raffle.
St Paul’s Winchester Community Day
Over 1,200 people poured past the welcoming team on St Paul’s Hill to enjoy a fun-filled day in the heart of Winchester’s Fulflood district, for the St Paul’s Community Day, with a host of indoor and outdoor activities.
Sarah Elmer got the day off to an energised start with all-age yoga, followed by a beautiful performance from the infants of St Paul’s Pre-school. Florian School of Dance wowed the afternoon crowds, and there was live music from St Paul’s Barbers, Shyman and Garflunkel, and Boru Beats, creating a fantastic carnival atmosphere. Inside St Paul’s, local teenager Katie Peller impressively directed the Fulflood Community Strings in a programme of popular musical classics.
Little ones and older children were kept busy with a bouncy castle, splat the rat, chocolate tombola, nail and face painting and a silent disco. Bereweeke resident Julia Hempenstall said, ‘The kids had an amazing time and it was great to see the children running their stalls for friends and neighbours’.
Many local organisations, including Scouts and local charities Home-Start and Southampton & Winchester Visitors Group, as well as Feed the Minds, Barnabas Aid and Tearfund, had stalls to showcase their initiatives. Kay Mitchell of Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis said, ‘It’s great to attend an event so widely supported by the local community. We had people of all ages come and talk to us today.’
The parish was aiming to give a taste of God’s overwhelming love and generosity – there for everybody to receive. Community Day is firmly back in the annual calendar and everyone is looking forward to its next instalment in 2024!
Open Air Service in Hartley Wintney
Last month, the Benefice of Hartley Wintney put on an open-air service on the school field in Dogmersfield. Within the Benefice, most events are hosted at St John’s as it’s the bigger church of the two. But this time All Saints Dogmersfield was able to host by taking the congregation outdoors!
It was a wonderful time as Bishop David licensed Revd Sam Chandler as Assistant Priest after finishing her curacy. “It was a tiny bit chaotic but great and very joyful!” said the vicar, Revd Angie Smith.
St Francis Festival
Another outdoor event last month was the St Francis Music Festival at St Francis Church, Valley Park. It was the second year of the event which is made a success due to the sheer number of talented musicians who are keen to take part. Some of the acts included Jake Burdock, The Pianists, Elliott Frisby, Kazbaas and Loz & Ben. The festival also included kids crafts and face painting, a cake stall, a barbecue and a pop up bar. Local Christian community radio, Outreach Radio, also broadcast from the festival!
