Beer Hackett

BEER HACKETT REP: John Parker johnwincanton@gmail.com DISTRIBUTOR: Susan Ferdinand

St. Michael’s Church

Village ‘Way of the Cross’ walk on Good Friday

We were pleased to be able to reinstate this event after a break of three years.

We gathered at 3.30pm by the village notice board and were welcomed by Rev. Jenny Nelson who led us on our walk. We shared the reading of seven ‘Sayings from the Cross’ comprising a bible reading, reflection and, at two of the stations, a hymn. Stopping at three more stations in Beer Hackett and then, after walking to the top of Knighton Hill, from the final station we looked down over the glorious Dorset view towards Batcombe Hill on a beautiful blue-skied day.

James and Alice Johnsen then treated us to tea and hot cross buns (with jam!). Thank you to them and to Jenny and to those who joined in. 6

Memorial to the late Col. G.M. Chirnside, churchwarden

On Sunday 19 June at 11.30 there will be a service of Morning Prayer in St. Michael’s taken by Rev. Tony Gilbert.

During the service the tablet in Mark’s memory inside the church will be dedicated. Those who knew Mark during his long and dedicated service as churchwarden might like to join us in this service.

John Bingham Friends of St. Michael’s Church

‘Come and Sing’ Classical Choral Workshop and Concert review

Saturday 23 April was a joyful day of singing for all those who took part in the ‘Come and Sing’ Classical Choral Workshop, organised by the Friends of St. Michael’s Church, Beer Hackett and held at St. Mary’s Church, Bradford Abbas. The event was led by Alice Dicker, Musical Director for the South Petherton Combined Arts Society Choir and the Mid-Wessex Singers. Accompaniment was provided by organist Kris Emmett. 32 enthusiastic singers, representing 15 choirs from across the region, arrived bright and early, met one another, and received their musical scores. Once settled in, Alice took charge of the intensive one-day workshop.

The day culminated in an hourlong evening concert, featuring works including Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ and excerpts from Handel’s ‘Messiah’. Whilst some pieces were familiar, some were totally unknown to this ‘pop-up’ choir and included outstanding performances from soloists Kathy Smyth, Jenny Hillman and Ashley Stafford.

Kathy Smyth, who had suggested the original idea, introduced the evening and, at the end, Simon Clothier, Chair of the Friends of St. Michael’s, thanked Alice and the choir with presentations of flowers and wine.

Grateful thanks go to the Bradford Abbas PCC, for use of the venue and for providing refreshments during the day, and organising the evening bar, and to the Rose and Crown for providing evening meals.

A total of £400 was raised towards crucial repairs to St. Michael’s Church, Beer Hackett.