Fellowship and Hospitality

Written by Frankie Gaiter

Photographs by Frances Reincke

Whilst most of the parish were celebrating the King and Queen’s coronation of the previous day at the Civic Service at St. Bartholomew’s, at St. Christopher’s a team was busy setting up marquees and bunting, raising the Union Flag, carrying out tables and chairs and lighting the barbecue - all in brilliant sunshine. What a contrast to the grey and damp of the day before!

We have to thank Robert Fox and Richard Reincke, together with their group, for the faultless organisation, Alistair and Katie Morgan for the barbecue, Lucy Manley-Cooper and Frances Reincke for the catering, Catriona’s show-stopping salad and Annabella’s non-stop serving - as well as all the guests for the wonderful selection of quiches, cold meats, salads, cheeses and puddings which arrived as if by magic.

Rector Chris welcomed everyone, said Grace and the party started.

The afternoon passed with lots of eating, drinking and chatting, with dozens of small children adding to the family atmosphere. Much of the chatting covered memories of the late queen’s coronation, 9 inch black and white TVs and sleeping overnight on the pavements in the rain (no tents or sleeping bags in those days)!

Music was provided by Justin and Lucy’s son-in-law Zander and his bagpipes. And all afternoon the sun continued to shine!

This happy, convivial, occasion ended with all standing to sing the National Anthem.

On behalf of those of us who enjoyed such a memorable afternoon, I’d like to thank everyone whose hard work made it possible.

God Save the King.