When we were unable to go to Iona this year, Frank said what about Sheldon (The Society of Mary & Martha). After much humming and hawing on the part of Sheldon, I was told that yes we could have a parish group holiday. This was to be a new venture for them as well as us.
What a success it turned into, tucked in the quietness of the Devonshire countryside, beneath thatched roofs, once an old farmhouse and buildings, now a place for retreats and a chance to find peace, quiet and a chance to make new friends. We did have a few chores to do, no cleaning like at Iona. They seemed to have liked us there and said we may be able to go again, think about it when you see the notice about it.
Thanks be to God.
I let my hair down!! Six days at Sheldon refreshed my soul, my whole being. Grateful thanks to all concerned.
We all set out for Guestling on a wonderful sunny day,
A stop was made at Battle to eat lunch on the way,
Not a such a bright idea with hind sight, as we all know
At the choir rehearsal, all that food made notes a little slow
At three o’clock we made the move to then rejoin the coach
Then off we set for Guestling from a westerly approach,
The atmosphere was light hearted, as the church came into view
So here’s our destination, the choir knew what to do.
Unload our robes into the church then time would be our own
To gaze upon the beautiful display’s, as round the church we’d roam,
That Flower Festival of Guestling was something to behold,
Forty three displays in all, and colours oh so bold.
Every nook and cranny had been used in some creative way
Following the theme they’d chosen, to express the day,
So many “Crafts and Hobbies” where had they all come from?
From flowers holding music, (their choir’s exhibit) to bees without a
song.
From cricket stumps, and wicket pads climbing up the pillar
To baking bread with flour and yeast from the jolly miller,
Pets or fishing, needle work through to The Family Tree
What wonderful ideas they had, all impressing me.
Then it came to Evensong, all the pews were packed
From the very first row flowing right up to the back,
God’s wonderful creations we offered back to Him,
The great array of colour, our Anthem plus congregational hymns.
Thus the day so ended, time for us to depart
With wonder at the festival and a joyous grateful heart,
That our Father in his wisdom gave us such an array of colour
To make his earth so beautiful, for us humans to discover
So thank you folk of Guestling for the festival you gave
To show us all that glory, in our memories to save,
We had a really lovely day, shared with friends old and new
And one day maybe Holy Trinity will have a festival just like you?
N.B. Their festival made £3,200 for the roof fund, what a wonderful effort. If anyone wants to see their marvelous creations for themselves, we are making the trip again next year the Sunday before the August Bank Holiday, so mark your diaries.