This has been a very special week, with the licensing of Rev Canon Marvin Bamforth as the Benefice's Associate Priest at Highclere on Thursday and our harvest celebrations today.

The appointment of Marvin is the culmination of weeks, months and indeed years of hard work by Christine, Churchwardens, the Diocese and others to find a replacement for Rev Carolyn Petts who retired three years ago. Everyone is delighted that he has joined us and we all extend a very warm welcome to him and his wife Sue, wishing them a very happy time with us.

Thank you to all those who came to the Harvest Festival service this morning. The floral decorations around the church, put together by our wonderful and very talented flower team, looked spectacular and created the perfect environment for our celebration and thanksgiving. This was then followed by lunch at the Village Hall. Thank you to those who attended and made it such a happy occasion and also to Mark Horlock and his fantastic culinary team for organising such a successful event.