On Sunday 2^nd September we were pleased to welcome the new Bishop of Bradwell, Bishop John Perumbalath who came to lead his first service in the Benefice at the United Benefice service in Orsett.

At the end of the service it was announced by Sue that Canon Glyn Jones was stepping down from officiating in church services. The Bishop presented Glyn with a gift from the three churches of the Benefice.   Glyn has served the Benefice for many years, bringing his rich wealth of experience and wisdom. We all wish Glyn a happy retirement … if clergy ever really retire!

This year the theme was the end of WW1 and as ever those who took responsibility for flower displays based on the theme made the church look wonderful.

The weekend which coincides with our church’s patronal festival, opened with a service in the church, where we had the seldom heard Horndon School Choir sing a wonderful song.

We had a display outlining the lives that people experienced during WW1 and after and included the 1911 Census and April 1920 Electoral Roll for Horndon to give people an opportunity to look up any ancestors from the period.

There was a marvellous range of musicians throughout the weekend to keep people entertained when they came into the church, while they sat and drank and ate their purchases of tea, coffee, cakes, sandwiches and savouries.

Outside in the church grounds Horndon Branch Royal British Legion and Thurrock Foodbank had stalls to raise funds and awareness, members of the congregation and their families were running a number of fundraising stalls and for the first time we had an area for families to sit and maybe enjoy some food, which included some games and activities for young children. This did seem to be well received as there are few places for people, especially those with smaller children, to sit away from hub bub. The games and activities were kindly paid for by the Feast and Fayre as part of the overall entertainment for the event.

We would like to thank all who came into the church and bought a cup of tea or cake, or spent some money on one of the stalls or just left a donation. Your generosity meant we raised over £2000. Thank you.

This was inspite of England’s world cup match on the Sunday.

The new Bishop of Bradwell (Dr John Perumbalath) and his family took up residence at The Bishop’s House, Orsett Road, Horndon on Tuesday 17th July.

Sonia Ward (Churchwarden Horndon) took a welcoming gift of a basket of Horndon related items, which she said was welcomed warmly, as was she.

We look forward to seeing Bishop John and his family around the village and look forward to him conducting the United Benefice service at Orsett on Sunday 2nd September.