ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL CHOIR VISIT BOORT FOR ST ANDREW'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS   The weekend of November 29th & 30th was a very special occasion for our Parish, and more particularly for the congregation of St Andrew's in Boort.  The First Sunday in Advent, St Andrew's Patronal Festival,  marked the 50th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone for present church building - and the celebrations were indeed special!

Recollections of a young girl in the family grocery store owned by her father were the connection between Boort and a concert presented by the choir of St Paul's Cathedral Melbourne on the Saturday evening.  The now world-renowned
Dr June Nixon A.M. conducted the choir in a concert we will never forget.

The Memorial Hall was full as we listened to the thirty-seven strong men and boys present two brackets, including works by Mozart, Bach, and a modern composer John Rutter. Lachlan Redd played Handel's "Suite" sonata in B flat major, the Cathedral septet presented two items and William Tangfelman sang a piece from Orpheus and Euridice.  We then listened to June Nixon play Toccata de la Liberation by Leonce de Saint Martin on the incredible St Paul's organ, courtesy of a CD.

The evening finished with Christmas carols and we can smile as we truthfully say - "we sang with the St Paul's Cathedral choir."
                                                                                                                                                            (from Joyce Young)

The Parish came together on Sunday morning for a Choral Eucharist, with the sun shining through the lovely stained glass windows of St Andrews, and the choir in full voice.  The service was led by the rector The Rev'd Heather Vander Reest with
Fr Peter Holloway as celebrant.  During the service Mrs Marl Worland delivered a "Meditation on the Stained Glass Windows" and Fr Peter shared his memories of the planning and building process, also some anecdotes about the young Dr Nixon, much to the amusement of the boys in the choir.

Our Parish, and the people of Boort and district, were indeed privileged to have Dr Nixon and the choir present an unforgettable feast of music.

Confirmation at St Thomas' Pyramid Hill

On the afternoon of Sunday October 5th the congregation of St Thomas' in Pyramid Hill joyfully welcomed Georgia and Liam Bartels into full membership when they were confirmed by Bishop Andrew Curnow. Georgia and Liam's family have a long association with St Thomas' - their parents and both sets of grandparents are part of the current church family, and their great-great grandmother was one of the candidates confirmed by the Bishop of Melbourne at the first Confirmation Service held at in the original church of St Thomas' in October 1888 - 120 years ago. Georgia & Liam are pictured with Bishop Andrew and The Rev'd Heather Vander Reest, wearing the  embroidered stoles they were presented with on their special day.

St Oswald's Walking Group visit to Pyramid Hill

September 13th & 14th was a very special weekend for St Thomas' congregation when eighteen members of St Oswald's Anglican Church in Glen Iris, our link parish, paid us a visit.  The group included St Oswald's rector Rev'd Ken Hewlett and wife Bev who, unfortunately, were only able to stay for the day.  After a light lunch on Saturday our guests, mostly members of the Ravin' Ramblers Walking Group, headed out to explore "the hill" and surrounds under the expert guidance of Ian Bartels. Dick reached the summit - check out the photos!

What a treat it was to have our visitors join us for worship on Sunday morning, and with a number of choir members amongst their numbers the singing was uplifting.  Morning tea followed the service and and included Peter's much anticipated passionfruit sponge. (Thanks Mary S.)  Saturday was warm and sunny but Sunday dawned quite windy and cold so walking was confined to the town. 

After a finger food lunch we reluctantly said farewell.  Friendships have been forged and our link strengthened.  The support
St Oswald's extends to St Thomas', in all its forms, is immensely valued and encouraging and we look forward spending some more time together on future occasions. 

Many thanks to Judy & Peter Johnson who organised this wonderful weekend.

Click here  to check out the St Oswald's Ravin' Ramblers site for more photos of the Pyramid Hill visit
and other Walking Group excursions