CHILDREN dressed up in outfits to celebrate the past millennium as they helped to launch birthday celebrations at a 1,000-year-old church.

Pupils from Meonstoke C of E Infant School paraded to nearby Corhampton Church dressed in costumes ranging from Vikings to Victorians, from Saxons to suffragettes. They lined the churchyard path to welcome the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Eleanor Bell to the Saxon church and waved her off again.

The staff and pupils met the Mayor to help launch a needlework project that will be part of next year’s celebrations of the church’s 1,000th birthday. Children and members of the community will be jointly stitching a commemorative piece of needlework one day a week during this academic year, and their historic costumes aimed to embody that vision.

The Mayor was also shown around the church by the rector, the Rev Tony Forrest, who showed her its Saxon chancel arch, historic wall paintings, and its font.

Corhampton Church is thought to be the oldest church in our diocese in continuous use. Its C2020 celebrations will mostly take place during next year, and will include worship services, music performances, a celebratory summer party, an art exhibition and a wild flower festival.

The programme includes a visit by Bishop Christopher, which should include a walk through nearby villages and the blessing of a new icon performances by the Madding Crowd and Winchester Chamber Choir; commemorative mugs being given to pupils from Meonstoke C of E Infant School; and a talk by a yew tree expert which will start at the ancient yew tree in the churchyard, which may also be 1,000 years old.

The full programme for the year will be available as soon as it has been finalised.

The PCC has been awarded grants by Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council and Awards for All, to reflect their desire to bring together all members of the community, in an inclusive manner, for a series of cultural and heritage-based events.

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