The @Toms annual family BBQ took place on Wednesday 6th July and was well attended by 120 children and family members. Despite the threat of rain it was a fine evening, and parents were able to chat and relax in the vicarage garden while sausages and burgers sizzled on the grill. The children played lots of games and had opportunity to be creative, but were still eager to join the adults for food. We all ate together before singing some lively songs and listening to a talk which began with the question 'How many times should I forgive?' Parents, as well as children, were keen to take part and contribute ideas. Finally, ice creams were served, which was a perfect end to a fantastic evening.

The young people of St Thomas's put on a dazzling show in their annual concert, with solo performances on piano, oboe, trumpet, cello, euphonium, saxophone, flute, tuba, voice and violin introduced in characteristic witty style by Richard Stones.

This was followed by a sparky rendition of a new musical, Esther: for such a time as this - lyrics and some of the music written by Margaret Hobbs, other numbers having been crafted by Carmen Alger and James Murray.

Dearly Beloved in the Lord

Looking back at the last letter some things stand out:

A brilliant performance of the Messiah on Good Friday (raising around £600 for the Spire Fund); a Holiday Club with a very consistent attendance of over 150 every day, and many members of the church working together; a restful month in Canberra (March), visiting my mother most days, and enjoying Australia’s “Bush Capital”. It was sad for us also that George Leeson passed on to glory: he had been in good heart, but had been going backwards and forwards to hospital for a long time. The choir turned up in force for his funeral, and George’s family were very appreciative.