The Parish Church of St George the Martyr, Waterlooville

Princess Ida

On Saturday July 11th St George's Church was transformed into a fairy  tale scenario by Havant Light Opera. With the help of Gilbert and  Sullivan we met Prince Hilarion who was keen to meet his childhood  bride, Princess Ida, and make the marriage official. Unfortunately she  had discovered the joys of education and had founded a women only  university - from which all men and any mention of anything masculine  were banned. Hilarion and his friends infiltrated the university in drag  but were eventually discovered. His father, King Hildebrand, mounted a  full scale invasion with the threat of danger to Princess Ida's father  and brother, who were being held hostage back at Castle Adamant, if the  princess didn't give up her university and return with her husband.  Needless to say, love conquered and all was well in the end.

The cast of Havant Light Opera sang wonderfully and created a great  atmosphere - and lots of laughs. Princess Ida is the only 3 act opera by  Gilbert and Sullivan and is the only one with dialogue in blank verse so  the cast rose to the occasion and acted brilliantly. There were a lot of  words to remember. A thoroughly enjoyable evening raising money for St  George's and The Rowan's Hospice. Thank you Helen Wilkes for arranging it.

Race Night

A Race Night was held at Glendene on Saturday 18th July.

We arrived with picnics, food for the barbecue, chairs, tables, rugs and even lights.

There were eight races, the numbered cut-out horses were lined up to start and we placed our bets. Dice were thrown and the horses “ran” their race.

None of the horses I backed managed to win, which is usual, gambling would obviously not be a good ‘career choice’ for me, but as it was in aid of the Church funds it didn’t really matter.

The weather had been warm and sunny for most of the day, but grew chilly with a slight drizzle as the evening progressed, but everyone was determined to stay to the end.

A total of £656 was raised for St George’s Church.

Summer Fete

Looking back to June, Saturday 13th was a busy day in the Church Calendar, with the opening of Waterlooville Music Festival, and music throughout the town including at the Church Fete where we were entertained by Cowplain Sambistas and the Urban Vocal Group.

Various stalls, sideshows and games, a lunchtime barbecue and grand draw all helped contribute towards the day’s takings which ended slightly up on the previous year at just over £2,300, an important contribution towards much needed church finances.

The photograph (bottom left) shows Churchwarden Rosy Stone’s grand-daughter helping on the jewellery stall.

Lynda’s birthday

Lynda Sheffield’s 60th birthday was on 14th July and was celebrated with wine and cake in the church hall,  see photo on the left.

New Chairs

Thanks to some skilful purchasing by Colin Monk, 67 new chairs have been purchased from Stedham Village Hall. They are comfortable, cushioned and stackable, and will ensure that the hall and the church has sufficient seating for events.

The cost has been met by the Waterlooville Music Festival, and  a working party got together to clean them up (photo below) as a result of which the chairs are now in ‘as new’ condition.

Janet Johnson

with contribution from Rosemary Monk





Summer 2015

News from the Pews


Princess Ida

Race Night

Churchwarden Rosy Stone’s grand-daughter helping on the jewellery stall at the Summer Fete

Lynda Sheffield celebrating her 60th birthday in the Church Hall

Cleaning up the new chairs