Festival Fever

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness:
Come before his presence with singing. (Psalm 100: 1-2)

Our season of Patronal Festivals reached its climax on Sunday with our celebration for Mary Magdalene. The Hackleton School Steel band and choir certainly added a carnival feel to the occasion. 

The joyful service was led by Reverend Beverly Hollins and the Right Reverend Donald Allister, Bishop of Peterborough, who re-dedicated the children's chapel to Mary Magdalene. This dedication marks the creation of the new parish of Piddington with Horton, a name that recognises our incorporation of Horton Church, which sadly closed at the end of last year. 

The new chapel has at its heart the altar that was previously in use at Horton and also the beautiful hassocks designed by Margaret Wright and worked on by the ladies of the villages of Horton, Hackleton, Piddington and Hardingstone. Bishop Donald continued the service with the blessing of the new toilet and servery and his final task of the day was to hand out prizes to children who had entered the colouring competition we have been running as part of the Magdalene festival.

The service on Sunday was preceded by an open day on Saturday, which gave everyone the opportunity to view the new facilities; admire the fabulous embroidery designs of Margaret Wright and the dedicated work of the women embroiderers in the local villages in making the hassocks; taste the wonderful creations of our master bakers in the men's baking competition and the ladies' refreshment stall; try their hand at bell ringing; marvel at the magnificent flower arrangements and partake of Freddie's fantastic BBQ. For more pictures please go to the gallery!