Igor and Oleksiy performed with real style and panache once again, delighting the audience and raising over £1,300 for their Hippokrat Charity which supports the young adult victims of Chernobyl. Many thanks to the generous audience.

The Totally Tropical Evening raised just over £2,000 for church funds. HUGE thanks to all those who helped and to guests who joined in the spirit of the Caribbean and helped to make such a great party. Virginia and Peter allowed their house and garden to be transformed into a jungle paradise – parrots, ferns, cicadas, trickling water. And what sumptuous food! Denzil’s Bar, thatched of course, did brisk business. It can truly be said “a Great time was had by all” thanks to the vision and hard work of some very talented folk.

Very many thanks to all who gave their time for a major clear up of the churchyard recently. We had 14 volunteers wielding strimmers, rakes, mowing machines, and a few pyromaniacs in charge of the bonfire! Probably one more session will see it finished and looking smart again.

On Thursday 20 November Alan Perry will give an illustrated talk in Swalcliffe Village Hall about the 20 Orthodox monasteries on Mount Athos, their history, current monastic revival, icons, relics and other Byzantine treasures, and the mountain’s beautiful scenery, flora and fauna. The talk follows Alan’s visit to Athos this Spring. Light Greek refreshments will be provided during the Interval. Talk starts at 7.30pm and the evening will be concluded by 9pm. There is no charge but there will be a retiring Collection to defray costs and to raise funds for Swalcliffe Church.