There are many things we take for granted – and perhaps because they are just there we do not pay them much attention or use them as much as we should. It is easy in the middle of Portsmouth to forget how fortunate we are to have such a beautiful open space next to Saint Mary’s Church. What is the best way to develop and enhance the space – and how do we make the best use of it?

These are questions not just for ourselves but for the whole community. It is good news that Fratton Big Local, following the work at the Kingston Rec is now also asking these questions and beginning to develop some ideas for how to enhance the area for us all to enjoy and use. Alongside this, we are also thinking over the summer about how we can also use the space to help us to witness to our faith and presence in the community.

There will be a number of events and celebrations over the coming weeks and we hope you and your families and friends will share in some of them.

On July 14th we will be supporting the African Women’s Group as they mark the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela; then on the 15th we will be hosting ‘Music in the Churchyard’ alongside the Strawberry Tea.

In the autumn in October we will be hosting the ‘Journeys’ festival over the course of 2 days with music and other events reflecting on the experience of migrants and refugees. Then in December we will once again be hosting the conclusion of the Fratton Festival of Lights – this year it will include an Art Installation (using neon lights) which we have worked with Aspex Gallery, Fratton Big Local and others to get Arts Council Funding for.

All of these will be important and great fun, but probably the most important will be the celebrations as we prepare to mark the Patronal Festival of the whole Parish with an outdoor celebration on August 12th. This will be a very clear act of witness to the local Community and we hope as many people from all 3 Churches will join us at the Outdoor Eucharist at 10 a.m. on August 12th. This will be followed by a Picnic and music from the Pompey Pluckers – and for the young at heart a circus skills workshop. We are currently in the planning stage and if you would like to be involved in the music, the decorating of the area or have other ideas then please do let us know and get involved.

We hope this Summer and Autumn we will look with fresh eyes at the Churchyard and consider how best we can work with the local community to make it an attractive space that all can use and enjoy. Do let me have your ideas …

Father Bob

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