on the Green to join in races and other
sporting activities.
I can't describe any celebrations that took
place locally on the Saturday and Sunday,
as I went up to London to join my
grandchildren and wave my flag, sing God
Save the Queen, and get extremely wet
watching the Pageant on the Thames.
Back home on Monday, it was time to get
ready for St Mary's party at the Church,
and the lighting of the Beacon on the
Church Tower. The weather was kinder
than we had expected, so from 7.30pm
people began to gather in the churchyard
and the Church with picnics and drinks. A
bar was provided in the porch, and the
remains of the Jubilee cake soon
disappeared. The event was widely
publicized, and we were delighted to
welcome lots of Alresford residents, and
visitors from Basingstoke and beyond.
Some people went into the Church to
watch the Jubilee Concert relayed onto the
side wall, while those outside enjoyed the
sunset.
Promptly at 10.15 the Beacon was lit to
cheers from about 200 people then we all
squeezed inside to watch Her Majesty light
the national beacon, and sing a medley of
patriotic songs, finishing with the National
Anthem. Readers will note that I have not
named any of the helpers, as there are too
many to recall, but I must mention Erica
Sisk who organized the Tea Party, Gail
Straker who masterminded the publicity,
and Lady Wakeham, who not only
supplied the beacon but climbed to the top
of the tower to light it. A memorable
weekend indeed!
Toni Booth
1st Sunday 9.30am Holy Communion
(said)
2nd Sunday 9.30am Parish Communion
3rd Sunday 9.30am Parish Communion
4th Sunday 9.30am Parish Communion
Thursdays
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
9am
Holy Communion
11am
11am
11am
11am
Family Service
Parish Communion
Matins
Holy Communion
Jubilee Beacon alight on top of St. Mary’s
5