It’s hard to believe it’s here – June 2012 – the Flower Festival – the date we’ve all been working towards for (yes, really) 2 years! The least of our concerns at the beginning was making money but, of course, we are a church, fund-raising is always a priority, and the weekend is replacing our usual Spring Fair which raises a substantial sum each year to be given to the charities supported by the parish (which I would have listed in this issue if there’d been any space to squeeze them into!) so fund-raising has become important too. We need you for that. It’s the people who come who raise the money. The flowers will be spectacular! The food is always a treat! The Tomb Trails (I was allowed to tag along on one of the school tours) are both informative and entertaining.
I think the Schools Project is possibly the most unexpected and exciting thing to come out of the Festival. When I suggested to Sheena that we invite local schools to contribute some artwork I had no idea we would end up with a whole local history project! If you haven’t already visited Tombwithaview.org.uk I commend it to you.
But there are other things happening this month too. First, and possibly before the magazine even comes out, the work is starting on repairs to the stained glass windows. We have very beautiful windows and cleaning will undoubtedly make them even brighter and some much needed repairs will help preserve them.
Then there’s the Diamond Jubilee. Several people have contributed their memories of the coronation (although surely it’s the accession we’re celebrating rather than the coronation which wasn’t till 1953? A bit like celebration the millennium a year early but we won’t go into that!)
The final concert in the Classics with my Baby season is on Tuesday 12th. These have proved very popular and they do want to come back in the autumn. And on 16th one of our sopranos, Eleanor Briggs, is putting on a recital – you can find details on page 33 Do come and support her.
The Literary Hour on 20th focuses on Refugees (it’s Refugee Week).
Looking ahead a bit to 1st July we have to say a sad farewell to Lee Ward, our Director of Music for many years. Sad for us but exciting for him as he moves to Brazil to take up new challenges there. Plans for the day include drinks and cake after the 10.30am service – outside, we hope – the Junior Choir Prom at 12.30 and a very special Choral Evensong for which many choir members who have sung with Lee over the years are returning. Following this there will be a party in the Crypt, or even outside again perhaps.
From 5- 7th July the Hampstead Players are performing Waiting for Godot. Details can be found on page 26. And, finally, on 8th July we have an All-Age Eucharist sung by the Junior Choir.
H E L P ! One other item to draw your attention to is the appeal for stewards on page 22; some of us (very few of us) have been left trying to cover this for rather a long time and we need help. Please read the article and get in touch with me if you think it’s something you could do.
June
Judy East