This is a text-only version of an article first published on Monday, 25 July 2016. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
Saturday July 23 was a special day for the Rev.
Simon Howard, vicar of Ruscombe and Twyford. He presided over the Patronal Festival at St. James church in Ruscombe, his last before he leaves with his wife Bridget in September to take up a new post in Devon. The festival also gave them both a final chance to climb the 60 foot high church tower, which was opened specially for the occasion. Around 125 people attended the afternoon-long festival, with over 60 of them making a £2 donation to climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the view. Visitors were also able to view plans of the proposed new parish room at the church. Refreshments were available and many visitors enjoyed refreshments on the lawns. Around £300 was raised during the festival, all of which will go towards the parish room building fund.
Picture by Tony Phillips shows Simon Howard and his wife Bridget at the top of the tower.