The Christening

Saturday 24 November was the day of Dorelia and Maeve's christening. It was a cold, bright afternoon in Chaldon Herring. The village hall had been heated to a massive 15 C but the church was about 10 C. We had a wonderful, inspiring family afternoon. Many rellies and friends turned up, even flying in from Scotland, some of whom hadn't met for ages. There was much to talk about before the service.

We started in the village hall and then processed to the church.

Here Georgia, her sister Harriet and Debbie are admiring the pictures in the village hall which is Harriet's studio for most of the year.

 Georgia is chatting in the background whilst Dory and her lovely young friends admire Harriet's works.

The Mith and Danny behind Harriet's painting of Osmington Bay, which I think would look perfect in our lounge. We do hold the northern collection of Harriet Barbers and this would be a welcome addition, but Chris is unsure and even Harriet herself is not convinced it will work in the space we have. Obviously we'll have to have a try out.

Wendy Barber and her equally talented daughter Harriet.

 Lizzy who is Harriet's best friend, reverend Nicola Coleman and Harriet look over the congregation just before the service in the village's tiny Norman church.

 Dory, Bella, Katie and Maeve. Dorelia and Maeve are in white dresses which they last wore for the wedding of Georgia to Monty. Far left is Lucia unfortunately not looking at the camera.

The service begins with the assembled parents and God parents being sworn in by the vicar. From left to right: Dan, Maggie, H, Nigel, Alison, Ellie, Georgia, then obviously Maeve, Dory and rev. Nicola.

This is the anointing with oil. Below is the baptism and blessing of Maeve. Dory had the same procedure, but the camera man had a pillar in the way never mind a row of pews. So great was the press of congregation that he couldn't get a good line of shot for Dorelia's baptism.

Next came the lighting of a candle for each of them and another blessing.

 And so it endeth. Back to the village hall for tea and cakes. A really lovely afternoon.

H and Debbie walking back to the festivities in the village hall.