May 1st was Rogation Sunday and we hosted the Benefice Eucharist. Following the service a group of us, complete with a number of dogs, set off on the Rogation Walk through the fields to Jester’s Hill. We paused en route to wonder at the beauty of the countryside and to pray for the local farmers, their stock and crops. We marvelled at the 360 degree views from Jester’s Hill and then shared our picnic in the Barn which Raymond and Caroline had made ready for us.

On May 14th we held Swalcliffe Café in church, with coffee, Miss T cakes, mini historical tours by Caty Stoertz, and welcomed over 30 people including a visiting party of bell-ringers. It was a glorious day so do visit Lizzie Melvin’s website and see the spectacular photographs she took of views from the church tower.

Sunday June 19th 6pm…will this be the first Roman Catholic Mass said in Swalcliffe church since the Reformation? There have been shared services, but not, as far as we know, a Mass. You are all most welcome to attend – Fr Brian Doolan will be presiding.

A week later there will be the Midsummer Night’s Dream al fresco – full details throughout the village; DO book your tickets SOON; this will be a splendid evening including a newly discovered playlet by Will I am Shaklespeer!

Calling all ANIMALS and their OWNERS. We are holding a Pet Service on Sunday June 26th at 5pm – so you can all sleep in after the al fresco! There will be a BBQ tea as well. Do come.

July 10th we will hold BCP Choral Evensong in church at 6pm, with Afternoon Tea for ALL at 5,30pm. The Barnsford Singers – who sing in Cotswold Churches during the summer months, will provide the music, and the organist will be Dr Roy Massey who was organist of Hereford Cathedral.

Scarecrows – July 2nd to 16th. Taddy warmly invite all Swalcliffians to join their second Scarecrow Festival. Last year’s event provided great pleasure so why don’t you adorn your front gardens with imaginative figures!