SUMMER SERVICE

at LITTLE BADDOW URC

June 2018

On Sunday, 3 June, members of Chelmsford and District Welsh Society joined the congregation of Little Baddow United Reformed Church for their morning service. The tradition dates back to 1964 when Eric Davies, a member of the church, was the President of the Society, so this was the 55th joint service. The Society also celebrates St David, the Patron Saint of Wales, with a church service in early March each year. In 1990 this service moved to its spiritual home at Little Baddow Church, when the Society leads the service and is joined by the church members. The severe weather of the “beast from the east” had led to the cancellation of the service this March, and the society were grateful that the church members allowed elements of the belated St David’s celebration to  take place, and so the Rev. Dr. Cally Hammond, Dean of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge was invited to lead the service. Cally has officiated at the St David’s celebration since 1999. It was an emotional service as it was to be the last time she would be officiating; she was presented with flowers and a Society slate plaque. It was a lovely service on a beautiful day – no beast from the east this time. The singing was particularly good, the sermon uplifting. The service ended with holy communion, with the Rev. Christine Fowler the minister of the church officiating. The organist was Brenda Hooson, who always opens with a Welsh air and concludes with Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. Afterwards Coffee and biscuits were served in the vestry. The Society are grateful to the elders and congregation  of the church for their kindness and friendship.