Weekly Newsletter

9th of July 2025

Something to reflect on....

Dear colleagues

God at Glastonbury

If you’re a fan, I hope you got tickets for Glasto – or if like me, you just enjoyed many back-to-back hours, flitting, albeit remotely, from stage to stage on the BBC iPlayer Glasto channel. If you aren’t a Glastonbury fan, please keep reading : God at Glastonbury isn’t a wind-up.

I have an eclectic love of music, across classical, jazz, pop, funk, disco, reggae and more genres (sorry to rap lovers, but it just doesn’t connect with me!). For several years before they became mainstream, I’ve enjoyed the music of a band that draws inspiration from a fusion of jazz, Afrobeat, hip-hop, reggae, salsa, and Ghanaian highlife. They intentionally study music from the recent or distant past, to move forward and create something fresh and innovative.

The band’s name is based on drawing inspiration from the past; building on foundations laid by earlier musicians; to create something new. Hence the name Ezra Collective : on the approach taken to building on others’ work and study by Ezra, an Old Testament prophet, who specifically learned from and leaned on the writings of Nehemiah. And Ezra Collective were at Glastonbury – this was the band who brought onto their stage teenagers from their churches’ Youth Groups to sing with them. This was the same band who thanked on Prime Time TV, the teachers, youth workers and others who give to children and young people the support, inspiration and care that is tangible.

This is the band who honoured by name, Jesus, at this year’s BRIT Awards along with Stormzy - boldly placing their Christian faith at the heart of their acceptance speeches. As they collected their first BRIT Award for Band of the Year, frontman Femi Koleoso began by saying: "First and foremost, let me thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”.

This is the band who last year appeared on Strictly Come Dancing – why not gift yourself three minutes right now to enjoy their music? Click here :Bing Videos The lyrics to God gave me feet for dancing :

Birds flying high
I don't know how they feel
People outside in search of something real
And I need mine to get me started
Something to get me started
Got to get me started

Give me bass line
Give me dollar wine
God gave me feet for dancing
And that's exactly what I'll do
Give me high life
Give me good times
God gave me feet for dancing

Time ain't waiting
It's a rhythm that you play
Don't let it go
Be ready when tomorrow comes
When tomorrow comes
Take the hands of the ones that you love
And when the high life comes
Together, we'll dance as one

So here we are, identical strangers
And we move the same way and let the music change us
Birds fly high and it's got me started
Now I've got mine, that's got me started
Got me started

God gave me feet for dancing
God gave me feet for dancing
God gave me feet for dancing
God gave me feet for dancing

As we navigate through hugely complex and difficult times across countries and cultures, let’s also remember the joy and music we share that brings us together, across the miles and across the artificial (while significant) barriers that some construct to separate us as sisters and brothers.

Thank you for all you’ve done over this academic year, rooted in who you are, across our diverse and vibrant communities. I trust you’ll have some good rest and recuperation over the summer.

Best wishes and thanks

Jeff

Book and film recommendation: The Snail and The Whale by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

This is a delightful tale of adventure and friendship by the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo. I left copies of it along with a two-metre soft toy blue whale in Winchester Cathedral underneath our TriWonder Installation, as well as copies of Jonah and the Whale – and have watched families sit and read it with their children. One little snail longs to see the world and hitches a lift on the tail of an enormous whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, past icebergs and volcanoes, sharks and penguins, and the little snail feels so small in the vastness of the world. But when disaster strikes and the whale is beached in a bay, it's the tiny snail's big plan that saves the day. An uplifting story, showing the wonders of creation and the power of children in saving a whale – a must for every family!

And as we enter into a time of rest and recuperation, why not enjoy the equally lovely film version – T he Snail and the Whale - BBC iPlayer It’s 26 minutes to indulge on your own or to experience alongside a child – well worth the investment!

Princess Anne attends Canada Day event at Liphook CofE Junior School

Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal as attended events to mark Canada Day in Bramshott and Liphook. HRH Princess Anne read from the Bible during the Remembrance service which included poems read by children from Liphook C of E Junior School in St Mary’s Church in Bramshott. More than 90 pupils from the school also laid a single maple leaf on the graves of individual Canadian soldiers whose lives they have researched this term. There are 318 Canadian soldiers buried there, as Bramshott Common was a vital training ground for Canadian troops during both world wars. During the First World War, Bramshott was one of the largest Canadian military camps in the UK.

Following the service, the Princess then travelled to the school, where for the past 20 years, they have recalled the sacrifices of soldiers in a variety of ways. This year, the Year 4 pupils presented the story of Canadian servicemen Ernest and Ronald Ede in an impressive drama, song and video presentation. The pupils had visited the graves at St Mary’s and selected a Canadian soldier to research. They had drawn sketches and written letters, prayers and poems around each individual as part of the three-month project. Headteacher Jacky Taylor said: “This work is a reflection of how our children learn from the past. They don’t just remember, they understand. They have each researched the history behind an individual buried in the churchyard, walking in their shoes for the past three months.” You can read more about the day here.

Portsmouth Leavers’ Days & Installation

The first Leavers’ Day and service at Portsmouth Cathedral took place yesterday, and we wanted to share some early photos of the installation. There will be more to see, but as this is our last Bulletin this term, please see the photos below. Bishop Jonathan’s dog, Bonnie, made a special appearance when Jonathan was talking about creation and caring for all of God’s creatures and the planet.

Winchester Cathedral Year 6 Leavers Workshops & Services

Our amazing installation of creatures from Land, Sea and Sky has been seen across Meridian TV, and numerous media outlets. Do come and visit – enjoy the Cathedral and the installation until September 8th. Meanwhile enjoy some photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ELBEfvELMfKveEdk7

Calendar for the Church year

The calendars of the church year for the next three terms are available below. These give the dates of the key festivals and seasons and show when the liturgical colours change.

Autumn 25 Spring 26 Summer 26

National Holocaust Museum - Schools Outreach Educator

Jane Austen 250 Years

This year marks 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen. To mark this significant anniversary, our Cathedral joins local organisations to celebrate her legacy. You can find out about a whole range of events including lectures, tours, cream teas and more at the website: Winchester Cathedral | Celebrating Jane. Importantly, a newly commissioned statue of Jane Austen will be permanently located in the inner close. This will be unveiled on 16th October – meantime, there's a variety of events happening so do consider a visit!

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