Easter has come and gone; we all enjoyed the glorious weather….unusual but very welcome for a public holiday! On Passion Sunday evening, 3rd April,  most of us attended the Service of Compline at St Mary’s Church, West Harptree, sung by the Choir of the United Parish. It was a fitting start to Passiontide and much appreciated by the congregation from Stowey.

On Good Friday morning, Mark took a short Service of Meditation, which those of us who attended found was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the awful events of that day. This was followed by coffee and delicious hot cross buns, after which our small group of helpers decorated the church for Easter. In the evening, some of us heard the Choir (and superb soloists Derek Griffin and David Rees-Jones) singing Stainer’s Crucifixion at West Harptree Church. This work fell out of fashion for many years, but its qualities are now being recognised once more. It was a very moving performance and a memorable occasion. On Easter Day Mark celebrated Holy Communion and we sang some wonderful, joyful Easter hymns, with Easter eggs being distributed after the service.

Turning to the Platinum Jubilee, the special service of Choral Evensong will take place on Sunday 5^th June at 6.30pm. The Choir of the United Parish will be with us and Canon John Simpson will give the Address; and we’ll be serving drinks and canapés in the churchyard afterwards.  It’s a service not to be missed to bring to a close the celebrations of this special day…make a note in your diary now!!  Please let me know if you’d like to attend. I am taking “bookings”, to ensure we cater correctly and that seating is appropriate for the number attending.

And finally, 3 gardens in Stowey will be open for the National Garden Scheme on Sunday 17^th July from 2pm to 6pm. The gardens are at Manor Farm, Stowey Mead and Dormers, with ample parking in the field opposite Dormers. Teas will be served at Stowey Mead and plants will be on sale at Dormers. Make a note of the date now!

Jill Nicol, Churchwarden