SUNDAY, July 15, 2018 will be a memorable day for many reasons. Djokovic became the Men’s Wimbledon winner; France became the World Cup champions, and, closer to home, St Swithun’s Church in Sandford, celebrated its Feast Day, with a Holy Communion Service and the consecration of the new churchyard extension, led by The Rt Reverend Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter.

In attendance amongst the congregation of more than 70 people were members of the local family who kindly donated the land for the churchyard extension, as well as The Reverend Paul Fillery, the churchwardens, Colin Clark and Linda Bennett-Smith, Bishop’s Chaplain, Pamela Tilney Ellis, the Crucifier, Richard Houlston, members of the congregation of St Swithun’s and local churches, including the local Congregational Church and dignitaries from the district.

With generations of Sandford parishioners buried at St Swithun’s dating back to the 16th century, the land for the churchyard extension was sorely needed as there was very little space remaining in the present cemetery.

The extension will provide the opportunity for residents of the community and the surrounding areas to rest in peace overlooking the rolling fields, in the quiet beauty of the village church, whilst offering a place of solace for their family and friends to visit.

The parochial church council says it is very grateful to the local family who donated the land for the graveyard extension and, although it knows that farmers and gardeners are now hoping for rain, the council was pleased that St Swithun blessed the occasion with such a lovely day.