A church project in Southam had a busy day on Saturday. In the morning, Rector of St James Church, the Rev John Armstrong and his wife Vicki led a prayer stall in the library grounds for anyone worried, bereaved, sick, stressed, frightened or in need. A large team from St James offered to pray with and for them.

After lunch, a group of Southam parishioners led by Vicki Armstrong and lay minister Jo Ognjanovic were seen in the town on Saturday afternoon following the ancient tradition of Beating the Bounds. This involves residents walking the parish boundary, pausing as they pass landmark trees, walls or hedges that denote the border line to pray and ritually beat them with sticks.

Vicki and Jo’s modern take on the tradition involved six groups setting out from St James church towards the boundaries of the town, praying en route for residents, schools, businesses, police, council and at the boundaries for God’s blessing on the town and its community.

Pictured right, residents of all ages who turned out for the traditional Beating of the Bounds at Southam on Saturday. It was part of Southam Combined Churches' commitment to Hope08.

At the end of the event everyone returned to the church for prayer, tea and cakes. The day ended with the Congregational church hosting Just Desserts – a social evening of food, fun and games all with a chocolate theme.

All events were part of Southam Combined Churches’ commitment to Hope 08 – working for the community and taking the Christian Faith to the people of Southam. On April 27 there will be a bring and share lunch at St James Church from 12.30. From May 3 to 5, parishioners take part in 1 million hours of kindness in the community throughout the UK. On July 12, Celebrate – Fun in the Sun takes place on the recreation ground at Southam from 2-7pm. The event is free to all.