This weekend has been the busiest of the year for St Mary's and Sidlesham! On Saturday the Church Fete, busier than ever, and despite a sharp shower of rain in the middle, the total takings exceeds last year. Amazing hard work from so many members of the Church and Village. Wonderful to see so many people coming to the Fete, some from far afield and many from close by. Special thanks to the Fete committee for their hard work, and an especial thanks to those who helped to rescue Tents and Gazebos which were battered by the weather overnight on Saturday.

 Sunday morning dawned clearer with the occasional shower cloud going over, as we assembled for the Parish Eucharist at 10 o'clock. The Gospel reading, from Luke, recounted how Jesus taught us to pray, and Father Stephen continued this theme in his sermon. The Choir sang 'What Wondrous Love is this' music by Geoffrey Weaver as the Anthem, and there was coffee after the service.

 Sunday Afternoon was the long expected visit of the Bishop of Chichester. We assembled in and around the church to examine the layout of the new building marked out on the grass, and to drink a glass of champagne. Bishop Martin arrived at 3:00pm and was asked to ceremonially remove the first piece of turf which he duly did, and offered some very positive and encouraging remarks about the project. We then went into the church and were treated to music. Joanna Chivers Gibbs and Beryl Rodd played several pieces from the Dolly Suit by Gabriel Faure, the Choir sang some folk songs, The Lark in the Clear Air, All in the April Evening, Linden Lea, The Long Day Closes, Country Gardens, and the Irish Blessing. As people took tea in the Tent on the Vicarage Lawn, Joanna and Beryl played 'Eine Klein Nachtmusic' by WA Mozart, the music was relayed to the tea tent with a very high quality of sound reproduction allowing us all to share their excellent performance. Finally Joanna and James Roriston played a Bach Organ Duet, showing their talent and the joy of our (relatively) new Organ. The Bishop left after tea, many people stayed on enjoying the sunshine and the wonderful tea supplied by the WI! In addition to being an excellent occasion we also raised some money towards the Annex project.