MANY friends and relatives attended the specially arranged 'Songs of Praise' held at the Church of St Mary the Virgin on Sunday, September 3, to dedicate the kneelers in memory of the late Betty Moorhouse.

A team of dedicated people had spent many hours over the last four years stitching these kneelers in memory of Betty who in her lifetime had done much for the Church. Betty's love of flowers, (she always kept a beautiful garden) all this was depicted in the design of the kneelers. The hymns and readings were chosen by her family. The Rev David Bowers conducted the service and introduced the hymns. The first Reading was given by Peter Remmer, second Reading by Mary-Ann Preece. During the service the beautifully stitched kneelers were brought forward and laid against the altar rail and a prayer of dedication was said by the Vicar.

Unbeknown to the Vicar there was another surprise in store. Mary-Ann Preece the Benefice Reader announced that the following week the Vicar and his wife, Judith were celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniv-ersary. The two Churchwardens, Peter Remmer and Philip Warner were then asked to step forward and present gifts and a bouquet to the happy couple. The choir led the singing accompanied by the resident organist Arthur Lawrence.