They will help to celebrate half a century since St John’s Church in Fareham was built. And in one case, four generations of the same family will celebrate together.

They’ll mark the church’s birthday with a special weekend in June, which includes an open day, a 1960s evening and a special service with Bishop Christopher.

Joan Hills, 85, can remember when St John the Evangelist Church was originally built in 1963. In fact, she worshipped in the neighbouring church hall while the church was being built.

“The church hall was built with some of proceeds from the war-damaged Circus Church in Surrey Street in Portsmouth,” she said. “We were part of the parish of Holy Trinity, Fareham, but we needed our own church.

“We started in the hall, and they built the church next door to it. They designed the roof of the new church to look like the bottom of a ship. The first vicar, the Rev John Simmonds and possibly the architect were ex-Navy, as we used a ship’s bell for christenings!

“I remember raising money with Harvest suppers and we made our own entertainment. I came to services here with my daughter in her pram, and there was a pancake race every year. My two daughters Gillian and Heather were confirmed here, helped in the Sunday School and were married here.

“It’s a good congregation, and there is so much going on, I’m frightened I’ll miss things! There’s a café and tables at the back of the church now, and everything we do involves food, which is great.”

Thelma Dunger, 87, moved to Fareham in 1955. Her daughter Elizabeth Webb, 61, was married there, and has been PCC secretary and churchwarden over the years. Her son Mark, 33, and his wife Amy, 38, are also part of the congregation, with their three children. Amy is training to become a vicar herself.

“I brought all four of my children to Sunday School here, which was quite a trek,” said Thelma.

And Elizabeth, who is also chair of governors at Neville Lovett Community School, said: “I can remember worshipping in the church hall when I was very small. When, after having married, we moved back to Fareham I was determined that we would come back to St John’s and I’ve been heavily involved ever since.

“My family are at church, but to me church has also been my family. People have come and gone, but the nucleus of people have been here for a long time. And all our vicars have stayed here for a long time too, so we’ve always had complete faith in the church’s leadership.”

The anniversary weekend includes an open day on June 22, from 10am-4pm. It includes displays in church and church hall, a bouncy assault course, music in church and refreshments. And the 60s night, quiz and fish and chip supper will happen from 7pm.

And on the Sunday, the church will welcome Bishop Chrostopher, and some former clergy, to a celebration Communion service from 10am. It will be followed by a hog roast. For more details, please contact the parish office on 01329 280762 or see www.stjohnsfareham.org.uk.