(For those who might have looked for last week’s Village Voice, Rosie was not well and didn’t write one. She’s now better, and normal service is resumed!)
St Andrew’s church was the venue for the wedding last Saturday of Joseph Ramsdon and Esther Adams. The weather was kind to the couple and it was a most beautiful summer day; the Church was packed with family and friends to welcome the couple and support them through the service, and the flower arrangements in church were of pastel shades chosen by the bride. Esther arrived for the ceremony in a vintage car with her father Ian, and the bridesmaids also arrived in a vintage car of their own and they wore stunning gowns in silver grey. Esther wore a beautiful full length lace gown in white, with her hair swept up in a chignon style, very classic. The service was conducted by the Rector, Neil Barker and the opening sentences were…”A wedding is one of life’s great moments, a time of solemn commitment as well as good wishes, feasting and joy. St John tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion at Cana, and there gave a sign of new beginning as he turned water into wine”…The music for the procession was Johann Pachelbel’s Cannon in D, and the first hymn was Jerusalem. Readings included Song of Songs chapter 7, vv 10-13, and a poem written for Esther by Joseph, which was read by Andrew Petrie. The congregation then sang Amazing Grace followed by the prayers. The final hymn was Lord of all Hopefulness and the couple and their guests left for a reception at the Fisherman’s Rest.
Last week on July 11th, St Andrew’s held the annual Church and Village Fete.  Again it was a stunning day, and the Rectory Gardens were packed with people enjoying the sunshine.The entertainment for the large crowd included the Uke ‘n Sing group based in Modbury and starring, amongst others Rev. Neil Barker. The group sang and played their way through a brilliant programme to ensure everone was royally entertained. For the youngsters, Emazdad, the entertainer came up with loads of ways to keep the children occupied as their parents enjoyed their day too. All the stalls reported brisk business and many budding young jockeys enjoyed the pony rides, courtesy of all at Challon’s Combe. The ladies in the Hall were kept busy providing cream teas and everyone enjoyed waiting for the grand draw to get underway. In all, it was a lovely family day out, and much enjoyed by everyone.The final total raised for Church funds was £2683.30. Well done to all those who helped run stalls, and those who helped put up stalls, and of course who helped pack everything away again.