News from Woodmancote & Popham

It was a wet and cold day for the Rogation Walk this year, how different from our virtual Rogation last year, all filmed in glorious sunshine!

However, the intrepid walkers, around two dozen of us, turned up to brave the elements and we all had a lovely afternoon walking a beautiful route through the farm and woods at Woodmancott and Popham, some of which had been specially opened up for us. We visited the farm yard, paused by a boundary stone, prayed for a Christmas tree plantation, asked for blessings on crops of growing corn, visited the pond at Popham, looked across meadows and wild flower areas and enjoyed the beautiful flowers in Mary Wallis’s garden. The afternoon tea there, was delicious as usual and we were so lucky to be able to use the large outside covered area, which kept us dry. Linda Albin expertly guided us along the route, Rev’d John led the Service and James Gray gave a short talk. Many thanks to all those who did readings so beautifully along the way and how wonderful to be able to sing hymns as we were outside! We are so grateful to all those who provided refreshments, delicious cakes and sandwiches and to the Crosswell family for allowing us access to a walk through such lovely countryside. No rain showers were going to dampen our Rogation day!

Life is slowly returning to normal–I just wish the weather would do the same! As I write this in May, with it raining outside and the heating still on, it’s hard to believe Summer is just around the corner! Hopefully, by the time you read this we will be back in our shorts and flip flops! Our next service is Holy Communion at 10am on Sunday 6th June. Jane