Newsletter Number 231 - September 2026

After many weeks of blue skies and hot sunshine, it is now time to enjoy the colours of Autumn before we start to think about the chilly days of Winter.

Soon after our very wet and windy Open Day in June, summer returned and we were blessed with a beautiful sunny day for the Summer Tea Party at the end of July. Not only was this an event enjoyed by many it also raised over £500 towards the upkeep of St. Edmund's. With the threat of rain for August Bank Holiday Monday we were all very pleased and relieved that once the gazebos were up the clouds cleared and the sun came out for the rest of the day. Thanks to all those who helped and those who came along to support us we raised over £400. On 18^th September (the day in the month when St. Edmund's is always open from 10-12 noon) for the very first time we offered tea, coffee and cake in the Church. We were delighted with the response to our invitation, over 60 people came along, many of them visiting St. Edmund's for the first time. Due to the generous donations of these people £224 went towards the preservation and upkeep of St. Edmund's

In the January Newsletter I said that we were awaiting the formal Quinquennial Inspection Report (QIR) - this has now been received. As we expected, it confirmed there was no serious decay or deterioration. However, it did show that one of the cross beams in the roof above the aisle in the nave needed attention. I am pleased to report that all the necessary work has been completed. The report also recognised that major work on the west end wall, as Gary reported earlier, is required. To this end Gary and Tim Sage, our architect, are generating the work specifications, finding suitable contractors and obtaining quotations for this costly activity. As the initial work is outside, the aim is to have all the details, a chosen contractor and the necessary Archdeacon's approval during the winter period. This would allow the repointing to be carried out in the early Spring when the weather will hopefully be getting warmer allowing the lime mortar to dry out.

There are still a few outstanding subscriptions so if you are not sure whether this could be yours and you wish to continue your membership, please contact Edmund Ahern, the Membership Secretary (membership@fococ.co.uk).

Looking ahead at events for the rest of the year - Harvest Festival will be celebrated at St. Edmund's at 09.30 on Sunday 11^th October. Following this, on Wednesday 14^th October at 12 noon, there will be Harvest Soup and Sandwiches at the Rotary Wheelhouse, Hill Head. Tickets at £10 are now available from the Parish Office (01329-661154) or from me (01329-665164). Numbers are limited so please get your tickets soon!

Our Yuletide Fayre will be held at the Parish Centre on Saturday 28^th November from 10am to 12 noon, entrance 30p. As well as refreshments and a Raffle, there will be the usual stalls of Christmas cards and Gifts, Cakes and Produce, Toys and Jigsaws, Books, Bric a Brac etc. Contributions for these stalls will be very welcome and do please come along on the day.

The following day, on Sunday 29^th November at 4pm in St. Edmund's Church, The Solent Choir will again present an Advent Concert. This is always a very popular event and a wonderful start to the Advent season. Admission is free with any donations going to FOCOC.

On Friday 11^th December at 11.30 Doug and I again 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 of which will be for FOCOC.

The annual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols will be held at 4pm on Sunday 20^th December and as usual there will be the ever popular Nativity Service for children and the young at heart on Christmas Eve at 5pm. As always, on Christmas Day we will celebrate BCP Holy Communion at 09.30.

Details of events for 2027 will be announced early in the New Year.

Just a reminder that St. Edmund's Church is always open on the 18^th of every month 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.

September is far too soon to be saying Happy Christmas so as this will be the last Newsletter of the year, I will just end by saying enjoy the season and all the events ahead.

All good wishes

Sue Johnson

Chairman