Village Voice by Rosie Warrilow, 6th April 2023

This weekend the weather was really kind as the congregation from St Andrews church gathered outside the Fishermans Rest to start the Palm Sunday Parade. With the intrepid travelers were two lovely donkeys, accompanied by their owner, Allie and her family. The Parade was led by Mr David Scott, a friend of the church for many years. There were Bible readings as the parade moved off and into Fore Street, and Palm Crosses were distributed. The procession stopped at various points along Fore St and eventually reached St Andrews church. The donkeys were so sweet and well behaved and just 4 years old, amazing. They were rewarded with some juicy carrotts and a hay net for their efforts!                

Our friends at Deer Wood are planning another Bluebell Weekend and the signs are looking good for a bumper crop of the blue beauties this year! Everyone is looking forward to a carpet of blue and of course the lovely scent! The Deer Wood folk are going to be launching the opening of their new Learning Shelter too and will be showcasing some of the new courses, the well being area and offering outdoor therapies, plus there will be a stand for local eco-collectives to display information about what they do and chances o get involved with this. If you are wishing to attend please email Lisa on the deerwoodtrust at gmail.com. The Bluebell event will take place on the last weekend of April, 29th-30^th. 

The congregation of St Andrews and members from the other churches in our Benefice will be taking part in A Walk of Witness on Good Friday, on this most solemn occasion. There will be reading, hymns and a procession through Fore Street. Everyone is welcome to come and join in and the procession will start at 10.30am, outside the Fishermans Rest. There will be a Lay led service after the parade and there will be refreshments, Hot Cross Buns, after the service. The church will be open from early in the morning for folk who want to just sit and be quiet. On Easter Sunday, there will be a Holy Communion service by extension with Reader Joyce Hewitt, starting at the usual time of 11am.