Thinking about what I might write it seemed obvious that I was going to begin with the Spring Fair. Was I going to say “What a glorious day!” or “It was a wash-out – it rained all day” or “It was a miserable day but we soldiered on”? Given the changeable weather during the preceding week any of the above seemed possible. On Wednesday in an absolute deluge I was engaged in a safety survey of gravestones with Camden Council. I hope you’re glad we’re so dedicated. Several stones have been identified as needing attention and are at present marked with hazard tape. None of them is in imminent danger of collapse – where any were found in such a serious condition they have already been laid flat – but the question will arise soon as to what we do about them. The Trustees of the ABG (Additional Burial Ground across the road from the church) where extremely fortunate that, when faced with the same situation, they were saved by a very generous donation from a local resident. Without a similar donation several more will be flattened in the interests of safety. Meanwhile, do avoid them – just in case!
But back to the Fair – well, if you were there you’ll know already what I’m going to say………. it didn’t quite rain (well, not till it was too late to matter) and we all had a wonderful, energetic and enthusiastic day. Huge thanks are due to so many people who ran games, ran errands, cooked and served, sold and bought to make it a huge success for the parish and for the charities to whom we give the money – for more thanks from the organisers see below, as well as a breakdown of the money raised.
Looking ahead
Much is happening this month – no less than three concerts – Our own Sidwell Memorial Recital with Kathy Nicholson and Rachel Ambrose Evans, The Choir of the 21st Century and the Hampstead Chamber Choir. Details of all these can be found further on in this issue. On 12th June we’ll be celebrating, with the rest of the country, the Queen’s 90th birthday so if you haven’t got a ticket for The Mall, come and join us after the 10.30am service outside the church for a drink and a song from the Community Choir (and possibly the other choirs too?). Then there’s the Open Garden Squares Weekend which clearly doesn’t restrict itself to ‘Squares’ since they were happy, indeed over the moon, with our application. Do come and have a look round and please read Sheena’s article further on in this magazine – there are volunteering opportunities!
Finally on 29th June we have the mysterious Section 12 meeting. This has nothing to do with Mental Health or Public Order but is the next step in the “finding a new vicar” process as the churchwardens have explained in their letter.
“To make an end is to make a beginning,
The end is where we start from” (TS Eliot)
Jonathan Davey reminded us of these words in his intercessions at Pentecost. They seem peculiarly appropriate as we move away from the ending of Father Stephen’s incumbency and towards a new stage in the life of our parish.
Judy East
SPRING FAIR 2016
After the terrible forecast for the weekend, how fortunate we were to have such a good day for this year’s Spring Fair. Very many thanks to everyone who put in so much work to make this year’s Fair the success that it was.
To everyone who contributed, helped and attended a very big Thank You for helping us to raise over £7,000 for the charities supported by the parish.
Eva Wood and Elizabeth Beesley
AND
A huge thanks to all those who not only provided the generous prizes, but to everyone who sold tickets beforehand and to those who gave their time on the day to complete stubs, fold and sell even more raffle tickets. Many thanks once again
Chris Weatherhead
June
Judy East