Hayling churches welcome community to lots of fun events

We’re blessed with a close-knit community, plenty of local businesses, stunning scenery, opportunities to enjoy watersports, and so much more.

In the summer, there’s the added pleasure of people coming to enjoy various festivals and activities, like kayaking and kitesurfing.

The three Anglican churches, alongside Christians of other denominations, play an important role in the life of the island, as together we seek to serve the spiritual and practical needs of the people who live, work and play here.

After two months as the new vicar, I’m still getting to grips with all the fantastic work that goes on around the island.

Each of the Anglican churches has a distinctive character and calling, each of which enriches the others and the whole island.

I’ve already been struck with just how blessed I am to be part of such a fabulous extended team.

It’s amazing what the other clergy, lay ministers and volunteers among the three congregations achieve together.

It has also been great to see the three churches working together to host all sorts of events and services.

I’d love you to join us at any of these.

This Sunday we’re welcoming local geology expert David Bone to St Peter’s Church, in Northney.

He’ll help us understand more about the history of the stones in our church building from 2pm to 4pm, followed by cream tea.

On July 30, we’ve got a great concert of music at St Mary’s Church, with songs from the 1950s to the present day.

You don’t need a ticket, just turn up at 7.30pm. Any donations will go to our church’s building project.

And the big summer event that unites all three of our churches with the local community is the Three Churches Fete in Hayling Park, from midday to 4pm on Wednesday August 10.

This is a traditional, family church fete, with refreshments, stalls, sideshows and donkeys.

There’s going to be an arena with some entertainment, including a magician, the Aziza Egyptian Dancers and music.

These are the kind of things that help to create real community spirit in the area, and I’m proud to see the churches here are at the heart of that.

Don’t hesitate to say hello if you see me.