What a great event took place in St Mary’s, Easton last Saturday. This medieval building played host to a dynamic and fun-filled concert brought to us by “Gospel Collective, Alresford”.

From the photos you can sense that this was not your ‘average’ concert. The energy that emanated from the Collective’s conductor, Tim Uffindell, was almost tangible and, by the end, there were quite a few in the audience who rose to their feet and were caught up in the musical action!

There is something incredibly powerful about ‘Gospel’ music as a genre: and it becomes something which can be warmly appreciated even by those who might be less convinced about the Christian faith at its heart.

So I am very grateful for those who helped fill St Mary’s with God’s praise—especially perhaps on Remembrance weekend which otherwise is rightly filled with solemnity—and to all who helped behind the scenes to make the evening go so well, especially to our hard-working wardens, Chris Ellis and Elaine Labram, who hosted the evening and have written the following report:

There were several familiar faces performing at this wonderful concert in St Mary’s, Easton. The exuberance and enthusiasm of the Choir under their charismatic leader and conductor, Tim Uffindell (with his bright pink shoes!), gave the audience a wonderful evening. The songs were fun, well-performed, and the intervening chat by Tim gave us all food for thought. This was the Gospel Collective’s first concert – we do hope it’s not their last. Do go and see them, if you have the chance!

The concert raised over £1,500 for St Mary’s – money we desperately need of for structural repairs to the building. A very big ‘thank you’ to all the people who helped behind the scenes (and there were lots!), and to all the lovely people who supplied delicious canapés making this a very special evening.

If you would like to sample a taste of what was on offer, you can view it here.

Our next big event in St Mary’s is the Crib Service on Christmas Eve: see you there!

With love and prayers

Revd Peter