Last week saw the retirement of John, our long serving postman to our villages here in the Langtons, Stonton Wyville and Glooston.
John took up his round 34 years ago. A staggering number which we’re all quite amazed by. It feels like five minutes! The time truly flies!
Over the years, John has become a friend to us all, always ready with a smile and wave.
All the villages paid tribute one way or another and his last round on Friday took much longer than usual as he was greeted along the way.
Gifts and cards were given and I reckon his van was riding a little heavier on the way back than when it came out!
Local artist, Maxine Dodd, was asked by Church Langton residents Sue Atton and Maxine Johnson to create a leaving card for John. A task that she was delighted to undertake for this valued friend of the community.
Maxine created a map of his route with a card from the people. The envelope bears a special stamp featuring the King himself toasting his dedicated postie!
John’s card
The card was printed and signed and the original framed as a special gift for John to remind him of us.
The framed artwork and card by Maxine Dodd
We were all out waiting to wave him off…
Church Langton resident Sue presents John with his gift and card.
We are a small community and the post is a vital service. How fortunate we were to have such kind and dedicated man to bring our post to us.
Thank you John, happy retirement and come and see us soon!
Autumn is a wonderful time to reflect on and enjoy the night sky. The days draw in and October gives us a chance to enjoy beautiful sunsets.
Once the sun has set, the atmosphere changes again.. The stars are out and bats may be glimpsed darting through the trees, especially so in an ancient churchyard…
These glorious photographs of St Peter’s church and the night skies were taken by James Cullen.
The images are dramatic and striking in colour and viewpoint.
The building looks amazing, but the stars beyond hold even more wonder…
A Night of Remembrance and Community at St. Peter’s in Church Langton
Last night, despite the rain, members of the community gathered at St. Peter’s Church in Church Langton, for the All Souls service. It was a moving evening filled with the warmth of shared memories and the promise of eternal hope. The event brought people together to remember their loved ones, whose names were read aloud and for whom prayers were offered.
In the midst of the hushed, reverent atmosphere, attendees were invited to light candles in memory of their dearly departed. The soft glow of these candles illuminated the hearts of those in attendance, providing a tangible connection between the living and the departed, a symbol of the enduring love that transcends the boundaries of life and death.
Candles for our loved ones
The address given by Reverend Martin Hathaway. He spoke of Jesus’s promise, one that brings comfort and solace to those dealing with loss. “In my Father’s house are many mansions,” he quoted, drawing from the Bible’s Gospel of John. These words offer the reassurance that there is a place prepared in heaven for all of us, where we will one day be reunited with our loved ones. It’s a promise that provides comfort and hope during moments of grief.
The service reached its conclusion with the hymn ‘Praise my soul, the King of Heaven.’ As the congregation joined in song, the power of communal worship and shared faith became palpable.
After the service, attendees gathered for a time of fellowship over coffee and biscuits. This opportunity to share stories and console one another served as a reminder of the strength that comes from coming together as a community. It is in these moments of shared grief and mutual support that we find solace and healing.
St Peter’s Prayer Tree
Additionally, attendees had the chance to explore the newly installed Prayer Tree, a symbol of hope and inter-generational connection. The tree is adorned with paper leaves that contain prayers, contributed by Year 4 students from the church school. These heartfelt wishes hang from the branches, the children’s collective aspirations and desires.
The Prayer Tree is a testament to the enduring power of prayer and the unity that it brings. Congregation members and visitors are encouraged to add their own prayers to the tree, either in person or by sending them to the church. As the tree continues to grow with new leaves, it becomes a living testament to the shared faith and hope that binds the community together.
The Prayer Tree
In conclusion, the All Souls service at St. Peter’s in Church Langton was a night of remembrance, faith, and community. Despite the rain, the warmth of shared memories and the promise of Jesus’s words on ‘many mansions’ provided comfort and solace to those in attendance. In moments of grief and loss, coming together as a community and offering prayers for our loved ones is a powerful reminder that love endures and transcends the boundaries of life and death.
Jesus’ words of comfort
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
St Peter's Church, Church Langton 