Two walkers on the Pilgrims Way paused as they heard the traditional sound of Psalm 23 resounding through the open door, sung with huge enthusiasm by the congregation that filled St Swithun’s Martyr Worthy for the Patronal Festival evensong ,  augmented by the shrieking swifts overhead. Bishop David led the service, which included the licensing of The Rev’d Alex Pease as Assistant Priest for the Itchen Valley Parish.

At the party afterwards, kindly hosted by Charles and Isobel Pinder, there was a chance for the Churchwarden, Andrew Impey, to thank the many people who care for the church and prepare the services, and for the Chairman, John Platt, to thank the 70 or so who support the church via the Friends of St Swithun’s.

Verity Coleman

Thank you so much to all of you who attended on Sunday evening – Lucy and I greatly appreciated seeing you.  Thank you to Mark Godson who read the prayers, to Andrew Impey who read the lesson, to Bishop David whose preaching was just amazing and to Amanda for conducting the service.  And many many thanks to all the Martyr Worthies who arranged the evening, organised parking, seating etc.  Thank you also to Dr Isobel Pinder (sorry to be so formal but Isobel’s PhD is rather exciting news) and to Charles for their wonderful hospitality – just fantastic.

With many thanks

Alex