Race Night, Saturday 26th February
The evening began with glasses of Tony’s famous hot punch, great for putting everyone in the mood for a really fun evening!
There were eight races, each with six horses, bets of £1 each were made and the horses ‘galloped’ along the track (set up on the stage). Their progress was decided by 2 large dice, one gave the number of the horse, the second how far it was to move.
As usual every horse I bet on moved through its race at a leisurely pace unperturbed by its fellow runners overtaking it. Even my sponsored horse “Feisty Lady” failed to live up to her name! By now I am quite used to this happening!
At half time we stopped for supper, chilli, veg chilli or beef bolognese, jacket potatoes, choc ices and hot drinks. A great evening at which £800 was raised.
World Day of Prayer
This year’s World Day of Prayer was held at Waterlooville Baptist Church on Friday 4th March. The theme for this year’s service was I Know the Plans I have for you. It was prepared by the Christian Women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
After a welcome and greeting there were Songs of Praise, a bible reading from Jeremiah, prayers and Voices of Women answering the question “So what does it mean to feel excluded in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?”
“Lina” described living in poverty and missing meals so her children did not go hungry. “Natalie” living in fear of an abusive partner. “Emily” living in loneliness. But they were also stories of hope, as they progressed to better and more fulfilling lives.
Afterwards there was tea and cakes served in the adjoining hall.
Mothers’ Union
At our 1st February service in Christ Church, Portsdown, there were hymns, a reading, a Homily by the Revd Andy Wilson, and Intercessions led by Branch Leader Ros Molloy. We then adjourned to the small hall for our AGM. Following this there was tea and bics, a raffle and Norma had Easter cards etc for sale.
Our March meeting began with prayers and my favourite hymn Just as I am but sung to a tune I had not heard before.
There followed notices of forthcoming events and Margaret read out a letter received from our Link Branch in Australia.
As it was St David’s Day the theme for our meeting was Wales. We heard details of the life of St David, Wales’ Patron Saint, and members had brought items including small models of coracles, love spoons, daffodils, a Welsh blanket, two dogs made of Welsh coal, two Welsh Teddy Bears and a leek!
Norma read us a Welsh prayer - but in English! There was a raffle and we enjoyed mugs of tea and some Welsh cakes.
