Parish Jottings

Parish Jottings - July 2021

Elongating Pandemic

Last month we thought we were at the beginning of the end of the pandemic and hoped that on June 21st, the government’s provisional date for the ending of all restrictions, would materialise. Unfortunately, we are now in the grip of a third wave of the pandemic caused by a new and more infectious strain of the virus, called the ‘delta’ variant, which is spreading like a fire, due to human behaviour. We are constantly told that to avoid becoming infected or infecting others, we must continue to keep our distance; this is most important, and, in addition, we must observe all the other precautions.

The ending of restrictions has now been delayed until 19th July to allow time for more people to be vaccinated, and to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with Covid patients. Let us hope that this last push to vaccinate the population will be the last. However, it is likely that we shall have to learn to live with the virus for years to come.

Church Notes

Our church continues to meet for services, and to show them on-line. Recently, coffee has started to be served at the end of services. Churchgoers sit at individual tables in groups of no more than six, and are served by the coffee helpers. P.C.C. meetings are now held in church; previous meetings took place via an on-line link. Our Annual Church Meetings are due to take place this month in church. Over the weekend, 11th / 12th September, an Away Day is being planned for the church, including ‘Trinity at Four’, at Saint Katharine’s Parmoor, Frieth, in the parish of Hambleden. As an alternative to returning home for the Saturday night, participants may camp there overnight. Should churchgoers who are not already on the electoral roll wish to be so, application forms are available in church. Being on the electoral roll enables you to vote at church meetings.

Churchyard Flowers

Churchyard Flowers

Who said our churchyard was untidy, and the grass needed cutting? It certainly bears no resemblance to a bowling green finish. This is because it is a haven for wildlife. At this time of year particularly, there is an abundance of wild flowers to spot. In 1992, the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Naturalists Trust made a habitat survey of the churchyard and some 117 different flowering plants were identified. Sally Rankin, of Henley Wildlife group, recently gave churchgoers a tour of our churchyard, and, on another occasion, of Gillott’s Field, to highlight the abundance of flora there is to see in these locations.

Henley railway station – the end of the branch line in Holy Trinity parish
Henley railway station – the end of the branch line in Holy Trinity parish

Contacts

Vicar:
Reverend Duncan Carter
Vicarage, 16 Church Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1SE (574822)

Trinity at Four Minister:
Reverend Sam Brewster
29 Gainsborough Hill,
Henley-on-Thames,
Oxfordshire, RG9 1ST
(07899 843461)

Churchwardens:
Peter Jones
Michael Forsdike

WELCOME

Welcome to Holy Trinity C of E Church.

Whether you have come to a service of worship, for private prayer, or just to enjoy a few moments of peace and tranquillity, we offer you our friendship and hospitality. This website gives some general information about the church and our fellowship.

Duncan Carter, Vicar.