LoveBirds

Last year our church [that's United Church Ferndown] put a Christmas Tree in the Festival in nearby St Martin's URC, West Moors. It was a true labour of love, nearly 40 women, of all ages, worked to sew and cross-stitch these lovely diamonds - each bearing one of the biblical names of Jesus.

But you can never win - one or two ladies said they did not have enough time [I had started the project in September] So this year - we have started in July - that way everyone will have adequate time to make their piece.
This year, we are taking as our theme, the words of the angel, telling Mary she was to be the mother of the Messiah

"The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God"

Often the symbol of a dove is used to portray the Holy Spirit. So we are making doves. This is a two stage project - after sewing the doves we will make frames to support them. I've spent June and July preparing packs of materials, and stitching some prototypes. Over 30 people have taken packs, and one has been returned already. 

The packs contains the felt pieces, wadding, and a few beads and sequins - and the needlewomen [no men have volunteered to help!] can choose to work only in white, gold or silver. That way the birds will be individual - but look harmonious.

After the summer, I will have to give out Part 2 of the project.

The other lovebirds we are celebrating at Church today are our friends Geoff and Rosemary. It is their 65th Wedding Anniversary [Sapphire] Tonight they are having an event with family and friends. 

This lovely couple met when they were Maths Students at Southampton, and both went on to be teachers. I haven't a picture of the pair of them together, but here is Geoff with the Mayor when he was nominated for Bournemouth Volunteer of the Year, a while back - after 15 years service as a Volunteer Safety Guide and the completion of 500 safety tours with schoolchildren during that time.

After the party, we will be on holiday. Norfolk, here we come!