IN London Westminster Abbey's bells rang out to celebrate the royal wedding and in Northlew the church bells were rung for the same reason.

It was all part of Northlew's street party and the whole day went with a swing.

First thing on Friday morning, having cleared the Square of cars, Mike and Richard Yelland and Ian and Nick Luxton fetched tables and chairs from various places and, with lots of willing helpers, set them up ready for the public tea that afternoon.

While all this was going on, people were bringing a variety of cakes and savouries to the churchroom. There the ladies who had organised the event — Juliet Yelland, Jane Colbourne, Jo Luxton and Alex Crosswaite-Eyre — sorted out masses of cups and saucers and prepared everything for the feast.

The tables were very festive, with red, white and blue covers and flowers, and the Square was festooned with bunting put up by Martin and Brian.

There was a fancy dress competition which was well supported by the youngsters and after 'Grace' was said by the Rev John Peak, everyone tucked in and enjoyed the tea.

Commemorative mugs, given by the parish council, were presented to all the children from the parish and all agreed that that it had been a very memorable day.

Thanks were expressed to all who worked so hard to make it such good fun for everyone.

THE Sunday lunch held recently in aid of Methodist Church funds, was a great success and raised £696.09. Thanks were expressed to everyone who arranged and supported the event.

Midweek church, in Holy Week, took the form of an Agape meal with holy communion. It was held in the Methodist Hall and led by the Rev John Peak.

Bible readings, from the Last Supper to the trial of Jesus, were read by several people attending.

On Easter Sunday Mr Peak celebrated Easter communion and the gospel was read by Miss B Curtis who also played for the hymns.

Midweek church commences on May 10 in the chapel, starting at 7.45pm and all are welcome.

At the parish church, the Maundy Thursday service of holy communion, followed by stripping the altar, was conducted by the Rev Ruth Hansford.

She also led the Hour Before the Cross on Good Friday.

On Easter Sunday the celebration of Easter communion by extension was conducted by Maurie Webber. The organist was Andrew Kristy and the lesson read by Mrs P Durston.

The gospel was read by Mrs Webber. sidesmen were C Baker, Mrs B Dibben and Florrie Millership.

As they left the service the large number of worshippers were offered small Easter eggs while the children had their usual egg hunt, organised by Trixie Hannaford, in the churchyard.

There was a large congregation last Sunday for the family service and the baptism of Little Isabel Amy Peat. Isabel is the daughter of Matthew and Catherine, and her grandmother, Mrs Peat senior, read the lesson.

Caroline's grandparents are Les and Betty Friend, of Wadland Barton, and she was a member of the Sunday School and choir, along with sister Tina, for many years.

The service was conducted by the Rev Ruth Hansford and organist was Mrs D Porter. The sidesmen were Mrs R Squire and Mr S Millership. Ruth Hansford was also celebrant at the evening communion. J Dufty was sidesman and Mrs P Durston read the lesson.