On Sunday 28th May the Christening of Alexander James Barnett was held at St. Denis Church. Patricia and Mark arranged a delightful service during which their baby son was welcomed as a member of the Church. The congregation entered the church to be entertained by the singing of hymns by Ruth Smith who accompanied herself on the keyboard.
The service was conducted by the Reverend Canon Professor John Richardson, Patricia’s godfather who had travelled from Edinburgh where he officiates at the Church of St. Columba by the Castle.
This was a truly family service with prayers led by Alexander’s aunt and cousins, Kyle and Calum, the keyboard played by his father, Mark and his uncle Philip Saxon accompanying his father and mother with Ruth Smith singing special hymns.
Alexander was baptised by the Reverend John Richardson supported by godparents Zoe and Nigel Baxter of Pailton, Julian Bailey and Gary Whiteside.
The congregation of family and friends was invited to the village hall for a delicious buffet lunch following the service. Alexander’s many presents were opened by his parents while he slept contentedly. The celebration ended with the distribution of an artistically decorated christening cake made by Zoe Baxter. It was a day that all will remember with affection. At a happy occasion such as this villagers may reflect on the good fortune which, over recent years, has brought many incomers to the village bonded by an enviable spirit of community involvement.
Villagers are making feverish preparations for the Open Gardens event to be
held on Sunday 18th June.
A circuit of 12 gardens will be on display from 11.30 am to 4.30 pm for the
admiration of visitors. A special competition has been arranged for the children
to increase their interest in each garden.
Refreshments will be available in the village hall throughout the event which
will raise funds for St. Denis Church.
Your District Diary contributor, Phillip Morris-Jones, returned home on 10th
June after 6 weeks in hospital following an industrial accident which broke
several bones. He extends his grateful thanks to the many well-wishers, visitors
and others who sent an array of get-well cards conveying good wishes much appreciated
by Phillip and attracting considerable attention from the nursing staff ! He
will now continue his convalescence at home.