Lent began on 18th February this year, with two Ash Wednesday services at 10.am and 7.30.pm. Throughout Lent there were additional services each Sunday evening at 6.pm. Evensong, Evening Devotions (my favourite), a quiet, restful Taizé style service with readings and Taizé chants including the beautiful and rather haunting “Jesus remember me when you come into your Kingdom”. On Palm Sunday an evening Eucharist with gifts of Healing.

There have been two separate Lent Groups and George’s Men held a Lent discussion meeting. Also throughout Lent, on different days and at different times so that as many people as possible would be able to come, there were “Stations of the Cross” followed by a short Eucharist service.

Stella Starr

A memorial concert for Stella Starr was held in St George’s Church at 7.30.pm on Saturday 21st March. As well as being our organist, Stella was involved with many different groups and organisations.

A wide variety of music was performed by the Portsmouth Chorus, The Hayling Choir and members of St George’s Choir, together with former pupil, pianist Aiden Ruffle, and Mark Burgess (Organ); whilst soprano Jacquelyn Fugelle had flown in from Spain for the occasion.

The finale Fantasia on Thine be the Glory was conducted by Rod Starr, who had composed the piece and dedicated this to his wife Stella in 1974. The whole audience stood and sang with the combined choirs, together with a brilliant trumpet player Paul Beal.

It was a great evening and a fitting memorial for such a talented and much loved musician and teacher.

Janet Johnson

Easter 2015

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