Thank you from Father Tony

Together with both our schools, we recently celebrated St Nicholas, Bishop of Myra at West Meon on 8th December (St Nicholas’ Day is 6th December).

Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and children, amongst other people. His legend speaks of him giving three girls a dowry to allow them to marry when their family fell on hard times. He delivered the gifts at night to avoid being recognised – Nicholas is the original Santa Claus – Father Christmas.

Across the parishes, we have collected quantities of mostly brand-new toys for children, who have to spend their Christmases in women’s refuges or in homeless hostels - escaping violence and abuse, but with very little other joy. At our TOY SERVICE, we launched our anonymous toy collection for the children who will spend Christmas at the Roberts Centre in Portsmouth. The generosity this year has been wonderful THANK YOU! You have brought happiness to those children, and joy into your heart, by giving with willingness.