Whatlington village voice

The church held a special service for the Diamond Jubilee in the churchyard on Sunday the 3rd June. It rained most of the morning but by 5pm when the service was held the rain cleared through and early summer sunlight draped the church and the congregation. I think everyone was energised by the welcome addition of the sunshine. Prior to the service the church bells were rung to welcome the people for the first time since the fire at the church in July 2010. The sound of the bells pealing as we walked up the Whatlington Road to the church was wonderful. Hyms were sung that included “ Immortal , invisible God only wise “ which includes the line “it is only the splender of light hideth thee” that was very fitting and “ Jerusalem.” A gazebo was in place for the keyboard player Russell but we had to find some pegs at short notice to hold his music sheets down as the wind was swirling a little around the churchyard. The sermon from Kevin was excellent ,about the service and dedication of our Queen to the country. Quite a few of the congregation decided to go into the church after an invite from the church warden to see the progress of the building works since the fire which is great as people are now able to go in the church ! Following the service refreshments were taken at the village hall and enjoyed by all. A special thank you for this must go to Valerie Bishop.In addition to this Valerie sent in a very special flower arrangement on behalf of St Mary Magdalene to the flower celebration at St Mary’s church in Battle.The arrangement was was so special this was placed in the porch of the Battle church for all visitors to see as they walked through the doorway.

St Mary Magdalene Church Appeal Fund has risen yet again this week after a generous donation from Battle Wives. The balance now stands at £33,829.78 We are indebted to all those people, groups and churches who have given so generously to our Appeal Fund, especially as we are all having to make our money/income go further in this double dip recession. The money raised initially, was to provide running water to the church, a kitchen and a toilet but because people have been so generous, any excess money will now be used on other improvements required to make the church more welcoming.

Whatlington Diamond Jubilee street party was held on Monday 4th June which was an absolutely fantastic event for the village.I have lived in Whatlington for 10 years and I cannot remember seeing so many people in the village enjoying themselves together. The village came to life for the Queen’s celebration and the event. It was so great to see the village traffic free and children being able to cycle and play without worry in the village.There was a cake competition for adults and for children along with a hat and a “guess the baby” competition. The party is still going as I write this so more info to follow next week along with competition results!

I think a special thanks for this must go to the organisers and helpers especially Angie Moore. Thanks must also go to Alex and the Royal Oak public house for the continued support to the community.

This Wednesday, The Good Companions are having a summer luncheon at the Village Hall. This is a bring and share lunch to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

There will be a raffle and a sing along after lunch is finished. If you cannot remember what you are bringing please telephone Hilda or Valerie. Look forward to seeing you there!

Half term at the local school this week so the pupils are enjoying a deserved rest thinking what might happen in the final part of the educational year !

A couple of events at The Royal Oak this week: On Saturday (9th) we are holding another of our very popular wine tasting evenings. We will be tasting five different white wines from around the world from 9pm and if the last one is anything to go by, this event will be very enjoyable! Tickets are just £5 each, please call Alex on 01424 870492 if you would like to reserve one.

Tuesday 12th is Book Club night from 7.30pm. The Royal Oak Readers will be talking about Wilkie Collins’ classic “The Woman in White” and choosing next month’s book. Everyone is very welcome to come along to this informal evening.

Andrew Ratcliffe, Oak View