We started with a meditative service on Good Friday based on “The Seven Words on the Cross”, using hymns, readings and prayers. This was very moving and we were pleased to welcome 27 people in the congregation.

On Easter Sunday we had the largest congregation for many years, with a full church and small overspill into the side aisle. It was a very joyful musical service with full choir, organ and violin, and we were privileged to have retired Bishop Patrick Rooke celebrating. Thanks to the flower team who decorated the church so beautifully. We also used our visual aid – a bare wooden cross covered with chicken wire, which was displayed solemnly on Good Friday, then on Easter Sunday all members of the congregation were invited to insert small posies of flowers into it to celebrate the new life signified by the Easter story.

It was also a time for celebrating the Golden Wedding of one of our former Chaplains, Keith Bretel, and his wife Sherlie who are long-standing valuable members of St John’s.

We then enjoyed a splendid lunch for 36 organised by the catering team with many contributions from the diners.