A busy weekend for us at St Marys! After the torrential downpours of Friday it was all hands on deck at 7:00 am to prepare the field for the Fete! Marvelous efforts by all concerned had the stalls ready for the opening at 2:00 pm. We were blessed with a lovely sunny day so different from the day before and as it turned out the day after! The theme of the Fete, Poldark and Cornwall, was reflected in a large number of black and white flags on many stalls, and the opening song, sung by the Choir with ample help from the assembled company with the chorus, of 'Trelawny' The Cornish national anthem!!

A splendid afternoon enjoyed by all, a wonderful community event. Many thanks to all who came, put it up, enjoyed the afternoon and then those who took it all down and cleared the field afterwards, and to the local businesses who sponsor us or supplied prizes and other help.

Pirate Treasure at the Cake Stall

Best in Show at the Dog Show

Sidlesham's famous Ice Cream!

Sunday morning dawned to pouring rain again, but at our 10:0'clock Eucharist  we heard the news that our hard work had paid off and we had made £500 more than last year, as Father Stephen pointed out, this was a great help as we are having a new boiler for the church at a considerable cost!! The Gospel reading was from St John recounting the feeding of the five thousand. As always with St John's Gospel there is much to understand and take away from his accounts, with many layers of understanding. Father Stephen spoke of these in his sermon, leaving us with much food for thought!
The Choir sang 'Panis Angelicus' setting by Cesar Frank as the anthem, and we finished out service with a spirited rendition of 'Guide me O though Great Redeemer' an end of term treat as the Choir is now officially on holiday for August.

Next Saturday at 6:00 pm at Russetts we are to be treated to a Yorkshire 'High Tea' to celebrate Yorkshire Day and raise some money for the New Rooms project. There are still a few tickets available from the Churh Wardens, do come along.