Patches of meadow saxifrage are springing up over much of the rear of our churchyard. These small white flowers are now sadly uncommon in England, with their strongholds being mainly the undisturbed and unimproved land of old cemeteries.Also known as Fair Maids of France, they flower from April through May, holding their dainty white heads about six inches above the leaves and dance in the breeze.If you visit the churchyard, you will find a notice with further information on these beautiful residents of Charlton.#EcoChurch #wildflowers #ChurchesCountOnNature
We had a glorious procession to the Church, complete with Zebedee the Donkey. Waving palms and tambourines, a band of villagers walked from the South end of Lower Road to All Saints', in Spring sunshine, singing Hosannah as we walked.Maggie Metcalfe led a short and informal service of hymns and readings, ably accompanied by Arthur on the organ. Parishioners from 2 to 90 enjoyed the child-friendly service, and we were pleased to welcome newcomers to the Church.#SingHosannah! #ChalkeValleyChurch #CharltonAllSaints
Local artist Geraldine Rutter has donated use of her beautiful pen and ink drawing of the West face of All Saints' Church. With generous sponsorship from another parishioner, we have turned this into a postcard which is for sale to help raise funds for the restoration of our Church.A real bargain at 50p each!If you like this card, you might like to collect the full set of all four cards, by visiting St Peter's in Britford, St Mary's in Odstock and St Andrew's in Nunton.
On Friday and Saturday, a band of pilgrims followed in the steps of many others over the centuries, by walking from the western end of the Benefice, stopping off at every church, and finishing at Salisbury Cathedral, our Mother Church, for Choral Evensong on the Eve of Mothering Sunday.The pilgrimage was the idea of the Rector, Ruth Howlett-Shipley, who walked the whole route. Others joined, for the whole journey, or for a section, or came out to cheer on the pilgrims. The weather on both days was kind, with spring sunshine and a gentle breeze.On our arrival at Salisbury Cathedral, tired but happy, we treated ourselves to very welcome refreshments in the Refectory. We enjoyed Choral Evensong, sung by the St Cecilia Singers, which made a very fitting conclusion to the Pilgrimage.The planning of the two-day event was a successful team effort. Many thanks must go firstly to Ruth, but also to all those who provided the maps, the brochure, the refreshments along the route and the encouragement to get us to the finish line!#pilgrimage #chalkevalleychurch #motheringsunday
