Newsletter Number 227 - September 2025

Whether you consider that Autumn starts on the Meteorological Date of 1^st September or (like me) with the Equinox on 22^nd September, it is now very definitely Autumn offering a new colourful season to enjoy before, dare I say, Winter and Christmas.

At the end of July we enjoyed a Summer Tea Party at the Parish Centre raising almost £500.

August Bank Holiday Monday again saw us with a stall at the Stubbington Fayre selling Jigsaws and Produce, we were blessed with a beautiful, warm sunny day. As well as adding £521 to the funds we met lots of new people some of whom had not heard of St. Edmund's and two people who have now joined our congregation, so a very successful day.

A few days after abseiling down the Spinaker Tower and raising over £2500 for Cancer Research, Derek Titheridge hosted a Coffee Morning at his home, this raised £184 towards the upkeep of St. Edmund's, but as well as raising money, it was a time of fellowship and it was agreed another Coffee Morning next year would be a lovely addition to our calendar. If you would be willing to host a Coffee Morning, I would be delighted to hear from you (01329 665164). The committee and I would be there to help you.

On 5^th November the Quinquennial Inspection is due to take place at St. Edmund's. This inspection is a mandatory survey of church buildings conducted every five years by a qualified professional to assess the building's condition and identify necessary repairs. We are already aware of a few problems to be dealt with including some work on the roof and some internal plastering and we await the assessor's report to know of any more, so continued fundraising to keep our much loved Church in a good and safe condition remains essential.

As I started this letter by saying, it is now definitely Autumn and this brings us to the Harvest Season. Our Harvest Festival Service at St. Edmund's will be on Sunday 12^th October at 09.30 and the following day, Monday 13^th, there will be a Harvest Soup and Sandwiches at The Rotary Wheelhouse, Hill Head at 12 noon. Tickets are now available at £7 from the Church Office (01329 661154) or from me (01329 665164). We are limited to 40 people so please buy your tickets soon.

The year is flying by and our Yuletide Fayre will be held at the Parish Centre on Saturday 29^th November from 10.00 to 12 noon (please note this is a later date than given in an earlier Newsletter) Entrance 30p. We will have stalls selling Bric 'a' Brac, Books, Cakes and Produce, Christmas items, Jigsaws, Jewellery, Toys and more, as well as Refreshments and a Raffle. We welcome items for these stalls and please come along on the day and get in the "Christmas Mood" !

The following day, Sunday 30^th November at 4pm, we will again welcome the Solent Community Choir to St. Edmund's presenting an Advent Concert. This is always a very popular event, admission is free with any donations going to FOCOC.

As we get closer to Christmas, on Friday 12^th December at 11.30am, Doug and I invite you to our home, Cedar Cottage, 2 Haven Crescent, Hill Head for Wine and Mince Pies. Admission is £6 payable at the door. All money raised will be for FOCOC.

Then it's almost time for St. Edmund's annual Service of 9 Lessons and Carols to be held on Sunday 21^st December at 4 pm. As usual on Christmas Eve at 5pm there will be a Nativity Service for children and the young at heart. On Christmas Day at 9.30 we will celebrate BCP Holy Communion.

Just a reminder that St. Edmund's is open on the 18^th of every month from 10 to 12 noon for visitors and private prayer. Services are held at 09.30 every Sunday; BCP Holy Communion on the 1^stand 3^rd weeks, Morning Service on the 2^nd and 4^th weeks, and Common Worship Holy Communion when there is a fifth Sunday. Tea and coffee are served after the Services on the 2^nd, 4^th and 5^th Sundays.

As yet, the Committee has not finalised events for 2026 but these will be announced shortly. Meanwhile, enjoy the season and all the events ahead of us.

All good wishes

Sue Johnson

Chairman