There’s always a lovely rosy glow about the Scratch Nativity in St Johns church, mainly because of the lovely effect cast by the heaters above, but on this occasion it was also driven by the thought that this might be the last time St Johns hosts the event. Nothing is yet certain as we do have a Priest in Charge , theRev Tony Forrest. However nothing dampened the spirit of the nativity which should have been taken, as tradition has it, by Rev Terry Louden. It was shattering to hear that he had a road accident on his way to the church on Christmas Eve, thankfully he has recovered though was shaken at the time. Joy Sang did a masterful job at handling the children and the script in his absence and the nativity had its usual number of Marys, Angels and supporting cast. In fact the recently born grandchild of Nigel and Robina Talbot-Ponsonby made an amazing appearance as the baby Jesus and was almost the quietest child there. The Scratch band with musicians from the village also played their part and the carols were sung with gusto and enthusiasm. The Christmas story was played out within the hour at 4pm on Christmas Eve after which preparation was made for the Christmas Day service. Due to Rev Terry being unable to officiate we were delighted to have Rev Charlotte Hetherington take the service on Christmas morning. Rev Charlotte lives in Langrish and was available to take the service for the parishioners on this day. She is associated with the Portsea Parish.
The PCC is very pleased to be able to inform you that Father Tony Forrest has accepted the post of Interim Priest-in-Charge of the parishes of St. John the Evangelist, Langrish along with East Meon, West Meon and Warnford, commonly known as ‘The Upper Meon Benefice’. It is ‘interim’ because it is, initially at least, for only 3 years but there is a possibility that it could be extended. Father Tony’s appointment had unanimous support from those involved in the interview process and we are delighted with the outcome. Father Tony has owned a house in East Meon for many years and is currently living there, although he and his wife Linda will move into the vicarage once it is vacated by the current tenants. We have been in vacancy for a long time and to have an experienced priest who knows the area willing to fill this appointment is a relief to those who have been shouldering the burden within the benefice but also gives us all renewed hope for the future. Tony’s licensing is scheduled for Tuesday 23rd January in All Saints’, East Meon, the exact timing has yet to be confirmed but it will be an evening event and we shall inform you of the time as soon as we know. It is not foreseen that this appointment will make any difference to our request to close Langrish Church, but it should help smooth the path of absorbing Langrish Parish into that of East Meon when the time comes to do so.
David Mowlam, secretary of Langrish PCC talks to Phill Humphries about the decision to close St Johns church Langrish The prospective closure of Langrish church | Petersfield's Shine Radio
A packed sold out house listened to the internationally acclaimed trumpet soloist Crispian Steele-Perkins accompanied by Ian LeGrice on the organ.Crispian’s CV is impressive and he started playing the trumpet at the age of 10 and, after training at the Guildhall School of Music in London, he became a member of the English National Opera, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the English Chamber Orchestra. He is renowned for the quality of his performances and his wide ranging musical experience.He collects and restores antique trumpets upon which he has performed with the Kings Consorts, The English Baroque Soloists to name but a few. His presentation on Friday took us from the early beginnings of the horn, through to demonstrations of various brass tubings and sliders, and he no less made music through a hosepipe! He played a succession of antique and Baroque trumpets, describing to the audience the evolution of each and the composers of the time and how they related to each of the instruments. The return to seats from the interval was expertly commanded by the hunting horn rally and everyone eagerly took their place for the next instalment. Crispian boldly said, ‘I won’t need to play much more of this tune for you to recognise it...’. In fact it was the tune to the Antiques Roadshow...He was ably accompanied by Ian LeGrice, whose organ playing gave a lofty air to the wonderful church organ which is over 100 years old. His career embraces all aspects of organ playing. He has held teaching posts at the Royal College of Music, Trinity College of Music and the University of Reading. In summary, it was a splendid evening, with over £1100 being raised for Hounds for Heroes, this being a local charity in Ramsdean, our neighbouring village.
