AVC Ordinations 2026!

We’re thrilled to be able to congratulate our very own Alex Sains and Julian Sims, as they become Priest and Deacon respectively. They tell us what it means to them…

Alex writes…

Being priested this year has been very emotional for me. Becoming a Deacon last year felt much more like a public celebration but this year it all felt somehow more intimate. As I walked into the cathedral, I couldn’t stop crying at the enormity of what this meant for me, and as the bishop’s hands were laid on me, I felt myself filled with peace and wonder and love. This is both the climax and the beginning of the journey. I have somehow got to where Gary Philbrick said I should be all those years ago, and yet this is now the beginning of my journey as a priest and I am excited to see what God has in mind for me!

Above: The official photo of Alex with all of the bishops at Winchester Cathedral.

Above: Alex’s recent first communion at St. Mary’s, Fordingbridge

(Left to right: Vicky Semple, Graham Fry, Alex Sains, John Towler)

In the meantime I am finding my feet in learning what it means to be a priest and presiding at a eucharist has been the first step. And what a privilege it is. I felt hugely humbled by my first communion and it was especially wonderful that we managed to get my 97 year old dad to be there – he is still someone who’s faith inspires me every day. I am so thankful to be part of the Avon Valley Churches ministry team and remain committed to serving everyone here in this parish to the best of my ability.

Above: Rev Alex Sains was absolutely thrilled that her 97 year old Dad was able to enjoy her first communion!

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Julian writes…

Despite the heat which was somewhat oppressive in the Cathedral, my Ordination as Deacon was a wonderful time to share with family and friends – as well as the rest of my cohort of 16 new Deacons. The high point for me was when we sang the closing hymn “To God be the glory” and sharing the joy and enthusiasm visible in all 16 of us.

Above: The official photograph of Julian with the bishops of Winchester Cathedral.

I look forward to continuing my ministry within the Avon Valley Churches in this new way as a Deacon and learning what this will mean over the coming months.

Above: A very happy Rev Julian Sims with members of his family at Winchester Cathedral.

Many congratulations to both Alex and Julian - and we look forward to continue being alongside them on their journey of faith!

Hyde Tent Service 2026

The Annual Tent Service held on Harrys Field in Frogham took place on the 28th June 2026, where the marquee was kindly left erected for the church to use following the Frogham Fair on Saturday.  There were over 60 people at the service where the guest speakers were Tom Cosby and daughter Millie from MAF UK - Mission Aviation Fellowship.  We were joined by Hyde Band who accompanied the Songs of Praise style service in fine tune. 

Photo above:

Our regular pianist Marguerite, who was due to play for us, unfortunately broke her arm on Friday.  One of Tim's pianist colleagues came to the rescue last minute to save the day.   Despite Marguerite spending a night in A&E, she was still able to join us for the service. 

The Tent Service was led by Hyde Church Warden Jan Butcher and Julie Francis, Ordinand.   Julie said “It was wonderful to see so many of our local community attend this annual service, especially those who don’t normally attend church.  We even welcomed a few well behaved dogs”.  We were treated to a beautiful poem, written and read by Esther as well a a lovely prayer, recited by the owner of Harry’s Field.  Fortunately the weather had cooled down enough for the service to he in a comfortable setting.  All proceeds from today's service will be donated to MAF, which is a Christian mission organisation, who use planes to overcome the barriers of remote communities. MAF planes are taking off and landing every six minutes and are able to see isolated people globally, changed by the love of Christ.

All photos taken by Julie Francis

Join us for a Summer of Music!

We’re thrilled to announce a fantastic line-up of local (and not-so-local!) talent set to take to the stage… well, church, this summer!

We’ll even be hosting John Challenger (Assistant Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral) for what is set to be an amazing concert on the organ. Plus, we’ll have local talent like Ed - who will be wowing us with unique compositions, mainly on the grand piano.

We really would love to see you at one (or all!) of these concerts - we think we’ve got something for everyone, with a whole selection of talent, genres, and instruments being played. But rather than bang on about it, why not click the images on this page (or the button below) to go straight to our dedicated webpage to find out more, and how you can secure your tickets:

Kinkiizi Update - 19/06/2026

We’re really pleased to be able to give you an update on our parish links with Kinkiizi, as part of the Christchurch Deanery ‘Kinkiizi Action Group’. Gill Tybjerg has been in touch, and she reports back with exciting news ahead of her upcoming visit to Uganda. She writes…

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I am shortly to go to Kinkiizi - leaving Monday 29th June, back on July 15th. I'd appreciate prayers for the visit, for myself and Jane who's going with me, for safe travels,  good health and for blessings for us, and them. There will be lots more to tell on my return, but I’d love to share an update before I go…

The first big bit of news is that I'm taking £4950 from the Deanery Lent appeal for Bwanja School, plus another £1000 outstanding from the previous Buy a Brick campaign. These funds will go towards providing the additional items as requested by the teachers - new latrines for just the teachers' use (at the moment they share old latrines with the students), a rain harvesting system, a cooking shelter/kitchen, solar panels for some electricity, (they are off grid for both electricity and water).

I am also taking lots of baby blankets knitted by various knitters, including a team from Woodgreen to give as a gift to the new mums and babies at the Health Centre:

Above: A beautiful tower of colourful knitted blankets ready to be packed for the trip. Wool can be very hard to come by, particularly in such a remote area of Uganda as Kinkiizi is.

Above: How many blankets can you get in a large holdall?? Answer: 24 and counting, if you vacuum pack them!! There are still more to pack…

Forest Edge Federation of Primary Schools (Hyde, Breamore, Hale) is sending 2 teddies, one to stay with their link Nyakatare School, as a kind of mascot, the other to come home with lots to share with the children at NFE Federation of teddy's experiences visiting Kinkiizi, and Nyakatare school in particular. I’m really looking forward to sharing photos with you of ‘Teddy on Tour’!

Above: Adventure Teddies! Bob (Brown) is coming home to Breamore, Hale & Hyde, his pal is to be given a name by Nyakatare School and is staying with them!

I'll try and keep you update on a more regular basis, but obviously there's more to share now before and just after a visit. AVC are very supportive of all the Deanery is doing to nurture our link with Kinkiizi. Thank you very much to everyone!

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How to donate:

Whilst we can’t accept card payments, you can send BACS transfers or hand cash or cheques in to support the Kinkiizi Action Group in their worthy mission. Please speak to your Church Wardens or Treasurer if you are able to use Gift Aid.

BACS:

Ref: Bwanja
Account number: 25750607
Sort code: 52-21-34 (NatWest)

Cash/cheque:

These can be handed into the Church Office (10am-noon) or placed in the safe of your local church in an envelope clearly labelled ‘Kinkiizi’.

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A huge thanks, not least to Gill, but also to those in our parish and further afield who do so much to fundraise for what is a very poor part of the world. If you ever get the chance to visit, it is an eye-opening and incredibly rewarding trip. Every donation really does make a HUGE difference - and we’re really proud to have been able to do our part collectively to improve the life, work, education, and health of the people in this small part of Uganda.

Mothers Union celebrates its 150th anniversary!

150 years ago, Mary Sumner began a Mothers Union at Old Alresford in Winchester - our own Diocese.  To celebrate this incredible milestone, a celebration was held by Sheilah Collis in the beautiful garden of Heather Cottage…

Photo credit: Julie Francis

… and it’s fair to say that not even showers and a thunderstorm could dampen the spirits! The party was held under cover in a Marquee, with an array of home made scones, pastries and the most wonderful cakes, as would be expected by our wonderful MU bakers! We were also joined by Mothers Union visitors from the River Mude Benefice.

Photo credit: Julie Francis

Jeremy Houghton Brown treated us to a short talk on the history of the Mothers Union which was topped off by a wonderful celebration cake made by Heather Brook.

“And speaking of cake, the ‘icing on the cake’ was a raffle - raising an amazing £185 for a worthy Mothers Union charity.”

Grateful thanks go to all who helped erect the Marquee and to Ellingham Church for the loan of tables and chairs.

Now on Video: Big Questions…Big Answers

Rev. Luke Wickings, our Rector, is tackling the BIG questions we have all probably asked at one point or another! No matter whether or not you believe in God, this is an open, honest look at a series of deep-seated and possibly even controversial topics.

Scroll down to view the embedded videos, or select from the links below:

Talk 1 - Does science disprove Christianity?

Talk 2 - If God is a God of love, why is there so much suffering?

Talk 3 - Is death really the end, or is there hope of something more?

Talk 4 - Is it logical to believe in God, or is it just wishful thinking?

Talk 5 - Is there an answer to the sin, hatred and evil that we see in the world?

Our first talk tackles science vs religion with the Big Question: 'Does Science disprove Christianity?'. In this video, Rev. Luke Wickings talks to Professor Richard Thompson of Imperial College London, and also answers some questions from the audience.

Our second talk tackles the Big Question: 'Why is there suffering?'. In this video, Rev. Luke Wickings talks about various reasons why suffering might exist, why it might not necessarily be without benefit, and also answers some questions from the audience.

Our third talk tackles the Big Question: 'Is death really the end, or is there something more?'. In this video, Rev. Luke Wickings explores many reasons to believe that there is in fact an after-life, using logic to understand why such questions give rise to faith. He also answers some questions and tackles statements from the audience.

Our fourth talk tackles the Big Question: 'Is there any evidence for the existence of God?'. In this video, Rev. Luke Wickings explores many facets of our life that can't easily be explained by science or even evolution, but that can be explained by logic. He also answers some questions and tackles statements from the audience.

Our fifth talk tackles the Big Question: 'Is there an answer to the sin, hatred and evil that we see in the world?'. In this video, Rev. Luke Wickings explores human efforts to understand and the attempts made to reduce suffering in the world. He also answers some questions and tackles statements from the audience.

What a Revelation!

That's a wrap - what a Revelation! 🎭

Another fantastic drama written by Jeremy Houghton-Brown (and on a very challenging subject) performed brilliantly by a great cast on 1st November at St Mary’s Church Fordingbridge. We hope you enjoyed the performance, but if you didn't get a chance to see it, watch the embedded Youtube video below, or find it on our Facebook page. (Click the link or the image above)

UPDATE: For a much more complete description take a look at the writeup on the Winchester Diocese website here.

Pictured are just some of the talented people who made it all happen - there are far too many to mention, but the video has the full credits as always. Our huge thanks to all involved; from the cast, crew, helpers, servers, churchwardens, choir, pianist, and of course you - the community! It was also great to have Bishop Philip Mounstephen watch it live.

"Revelation, a glimpse of Heaven" is a new drama, written for & presented by Avon Valley Churches. It is based on the final book in the Bible, and is about the Hereafter; so it is relevant to each one of us. People have found this Bible book confusing, but now its mystery will be unwrapped! St. John's Godly vision shows the ongoing battle between good and evil; we are daily reminded of it in the media. But in 'Revelation' we see the final victory that leads to Heaven!

The Greatest Gift

The splendid performance of “The Greatest Gift” (see the Nativity in a new light) has gained much praise. The Friday show (03/01/25) - and the the Sunday show (05/01/25) in particular - had splendid momentum. There have been compliments from many; e.g.:-

• " The atmosphere as we arrived was so welcoming & joyous, and it ascended from then on!" 

• "The play shone a new light on the Nativity story. Thank you." 

• "We so enjoyed this production in every respect; we all happily joined in."

Also, there is a very good write-up & photos in the Winchester Diocese Newsletter (on-line: 9th Jan.); and we had enthusiastic support from Rev. Luke & Rev. Vicky, representing Avon Valley Churches.

You can see a video of the performance here . See also the excellent write up on the Diocese of Winchester website.

St Giles Shortest Day Service

“The Census at Bethlehem” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder

How wonderful it is to have St Giles Hermitage, Godshill, in our Parish! On the shortest day, or the day with the longest night, we gathered there for a very special service, and it was well attended. 

Acknowledging the painful things in this troubled world, Rev Canon Helen Griffiss led it. She had created a montage, showing a scene of destruction, representing Gaza and other places where war and conflict have taken a terrible toll. We sang O little Town of Bethlehem with new relevant words.  

Everyone was given an unlit candlelight, representing a feeling of 'longing for light in darkness', which we were invited to put on a table at the base of a large lit candle. We sang Away in a Manger.

Helen based her talk on the C16th painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder “The Census at Bethlehem” in which we could see many people in a Flemish town very busy with their own jobs and chores, worries and concerns, and no one noticing the arrival of Joseph and Mary on a donkey in the snow. Mary’s calm and serene face is the only one in the painting turned to the viewer.  She is bringing Hope into the world. 

After her talk we sang In the Bleak Mid-winter.  We were then invited to go to the table to turn on our candlelights during the singing of Silent Night, reminding us that we are celebrating Jesus, who came into the world to bring Hope, and a Peace that can only be found in Him.

Mulled wine and mince pies concluded the meaningful service.

St Giles is open every day. It is a quiet space and Christian ‘books to borrow’, Christian leaflets as well as New Forest leaflets are all available. There is a beautiful mural painted by a local artist and wall panels showing the local history of Godshill.

Julie Francis - our newly commissioned Anna Chaplain

Julie was commissioned as Anna Chaplain by Canon Michael Anderson on 6th October at Holy Ascension Hyde Church. She has written this rather lovely article which has now appeared on the Anna Chaplaincy blog, as linked below:

Anna Chaplaincy expands in Hampshire parishes on the edge of the New Forest

Read about what it means to be an Anna Chaplain, and as Julie writes: “… with two Anna Chaplains in our parish, who knows what God has in store for us going forward?!”

Fordingbridge Open Gardens 25th May to 27th May

The Chosen

Book free ticket online:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/newlife/t-avopyvx

Or pop in and collect at:

The Branch, 1 High Street, Fordingbridge, SP6 1AS

or

AVCM Shop, 47A High Street, Fordingbridge, SP6 1AS

Jonathan Veira concert 7th October

Internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, author and humorous raconteur, Jonathan Veira, star of screen, stage, TV, churches and halls across the globe, from Guildford to Glyndebourne, from Lymington to La Scala, is bringing his entertaining one-man show to us to raise funds for our church, on 7th October.

Tickets (£10, including refreshments) from the Church Office, Melvyn Beynon (07711 469412) or other appointed ticket sellers at each of the AVC churches.

Tickets (£10, including refreshments) from the Church Office, Melvyn Beynon (07711 469412) or other appointed ticket sellers at each of the AVC churches.

Jonathan Veira - Who is he and what does he do?

Jonathan, as a singer and songwriter, has collaborated and performed with the likes of Richard Lennox, Pam Rhodes (Songs of Praise), Sue Rinaldi, Bryn Haworth and Paul Field to name but a few.

There are many videos online of Jonathan singing, including the following rendition of Bring Him Home at a recent concert:

For even more information about Jonathan, visit his website:

We hope to see you there!

God’s Acre at Hyde

God’s Acre at Hyde, a celebration of Hyde Church and Churchyard, will be held on Bank Holiday Monday, 29th May from 2pm to 5pm.

• Free entry.

• Plant sales,

• AVCM stall

• nature, adventure and ancestor trails

• music and spoken word concert

• wildlife photography exhibition

• free cream teas.

Bishop Debbie to visit AVC

Join us to welcome Bishop Debbie, Bishop of Southampton and Acting Bishop of Winchester, who will preside and preach at a 10am Whole Benefice service at St Mary's Church in Fordingbridge next Sunday 19 February.

Please come and welcome her to our parish!

Charity Shop Manager Vacancy

Avon Valley Community Matters is opening a new charity shop on Fordingbridge High Street!

We need a full time (and part time) Manager to run the shop for us. Could this be you? Retail experience preferred but individual training plan and specialist training provided. Please download the full Job Description on this web page to apply: www.avonvalleychurches.org.uk/avcmatters or email avcommunitymatters@gmail.com for more information.

Vacancy: Rector - Avon Valley Churches

See details on the Winchester Diocesan Website

Support our Charity’s New Shop

AVCM Charity Shop

Exciting news! The team behind Avon Valley Community Matters - the charity which organises the Friendship Group, two thriving local Playgroups, Messy Church and outreach projects for children, youth and the elderly - have decided to open a charity shop on Fordingbridge High Street. An opportunity which seems too good to miss has arisen to take over the lease of the Maze shop next to the Coop, and after careful research and consideration, the team has decided to go for it.

The Dream

With the objective of ‘reaching out to all’, it has been a long-held dream of the charity’s Trustees to run a shop which will generate income to fund outreach projects within our Churches and the community. More than just a shop selling recycled goods, our vision is also to create a safe, warm and welcoming space for the cold and lonely, by serving free tea and coffee, and help nurture young people with Special Educational Needs, and others in need of support, by offering them valuable retail experience. With an increasing focus on the environment, and the need to care for others being so great in our community, the AVCM team feel, although it’s nerve-wracking, that the time is right, that perhaps God is calling us…

Will you help support us in this new venture?

How You Can Help

In order to make this dream a success, we need your help with the following:

-          Financial donations, ideally a loan, to help fund the lease until the shop is self-sufficient

-          Volunteers to help clear and re-stock the current shop ready for opening in February

-          Volunteers to help work in the shop when it is up and running

-          To spread the news to help recruit a full-time and part-time Manager

If you can spare donations or your valuable time to support this wonderful new opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Click here to Donate or please email avcommunitymatters@gmail.com or call 01425 540669.

Thank you.

Coop Cheque for Superstars

The Superstars playgroup in Fordingbridge is the happy recipient of £4,500 thanks to donations to the Local Community Fund scheme from customers of the Fordingbridge Branch of Coop. Revd Kate Wilson of Avon Valley Churches and its associated charity Avon Valley Community Matters collected the giant cheque at the recent celebration event held at the Fordingbridge Store. She said:

 “I am so pleased to collect these generous funds on behalf of our thriving playgroup Superstars. Thank you so much to all those who donated and to the Coop team for supporting our charity. The funds will be put to very good use providing support and sensory toys for children with special needs to use at our weekly sessions.”

The campaign was set up to help support inclusion by integrating pre-school aged children with special educational needs or disabilities, with those who are able bodied, by providing access to developmentally appropriate activities. The funds will help support Avon Valley Community Matters’ weekly sensory-based playgroups for 0-5 year olds and their siblings and carers in the Fordingbridge area; Little Acorns is at 9.30am on Thursdays in Hale Village Hall and Superstars is held at 9.30am on Fridays at St Mary’s Hall in Fordingbridge. Each week there are seasonal crafts, sensory activities and toys as well as storytime, songs and snacks.

Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM) was set up with the vision of strengthening the community by empowering local people of all ages to flourish in their emotional, physical, spiritual and social wellbeing. This is being achieved by developing activities to meet the needs of individuals and groups not being addressed. As well as the two playgroups, the charity runs a monthly Friendship Group for the lonely and bereaved on the first Tuesday of every month at the Ship Inn in Fordingbridge.

AVCM’s Friendship Group has been chosen as a Coop Community campaign for next year too! To make a donation please sign up to the donation scheme at www.coop.co.uk/communities and select cause 68718 when using your clubcard. The direct link to our cause is: https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/68718. For those who would prefer to phone, the Coop Membership number is 08000 686727 and is open Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm.

To date the charity have also organised activity bags for children during lockdown, cupcakes and hot-cross buns for young people and the elderly on Valentine’s Day and at Easter, a Den Building Day, hot meals and activities at Messy Church with much more planned including a Miscarriage Support Group.

To join one of our groups, become a volunteer or fundraiser, or to find more information about Avon Valley Community Matters, please visit www.avonvalleychurches.org.uk/avcmatters.

Remembrance Sunday

Members of the community, congregation and uniformed services gathered to our moving Remembrance Day services held at Stuckton Road Cemetery and at the Memorial Gates in Fordingbridge, followed by a procession to the service at St Mary's Church. Thank you to Julie and Ashley Francis for these wonderful photographs.