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?!”

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!

Trevor holds Cross for 60 Years

Many congratulations to our dedicated Crucifer, Trevor Tague. Family, friends and congregation joined Trevor during last week’s service to help support and celebrate his 60 years of service as Crucifer at St Mary’s Church in Fordinbridge. What an amazing achievement - thank you Trevor!