THE Easter Celebration at Sandford Congregational Church was held on Easter Sunday afternoon, and organised jointly by Marion Nosworthy and Pamela Tilney Ellis, and involved members of the congregation.

Marion gave a welcome and introduction and explained that the spring flower posies would be placed on the Wooden Cross during the service.

The wooden cross was carried by the Rev Paul Fillery on Palm Sunday around the Square, and up to St Swithun’s Church. Afterwhich it was placed outside the Congregational Church for Holy Week, and used at St Swithun’s on Good Friday before being placed back on the railings at the Congregational Church, It was then used for the Easter Day Service, when it was carried into the Church by Mandy Tothill.

Pamela Tilney Ellis gave the New Beginnings, followed by a Hymn. Readings were given by Mandy Tothill, Margaret Tucker, Marion Nosworthy and Pamela Tilney Ellis. Nancy Heard, with Marion Nosworthy, sang The Old Rugged Cross. Nancy, at 94, still has a wonderful and powerful voice, a joy to hear!

Members of the congregation all tied small posies on the Cross. Prayers were led by Kathleen Eakers, and Marilyn Winter before the final reading by Marion Nosworthy.

Finally the Blessing was given by Pamela Tilney Ellis. After the service the Cross was again placed against the railings of the Congregational Church.

The organist for the service was Margaret Dockings.

The next event at Sandford Congregational Church Hall will be a film afternoon, at 2pm on the Monday, April 24, when Breakfast at Tiffany’s will be shown.

Refreshments and ice creams will be served. All welcome and admission is free. The following day,Tuesday, April 25, will be the monthly Light Lunch which which will run from 12 noon to 2pm.