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Abthorpe Feast

On Sunday Abthorpe Church celebrated its Patronal Festival and remembered its patron saint St John the Baptist a Jewish itinerant preacher in the early first century AD who helped prepare the way for the acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah. Our Rector the Revd Paul McLeod led an inspiring service.
 
On Sunday (30th June 2019) Abthorpe Church celebrated its Patronal Festival and remembered its patron saint St John the Baptist a Jewish itinerant preacher in the early first century AD who helped prepare the way for the acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah. Our Rector the Revd Paul McLeod led an inspiring service. Sadly there were only five Abthorpe people present plus others from the other four churches in the Whittlewood Benefice  of which we form part.
 
Thirty years ago the Patronal Festival, or Abthorpe Feast as it was known locally, was a significant event in our social calendar. The village féte was held on the Saturday either on the village green or in the garden of Leeson House. In the evening there would be a communal supper or social event.

Then on the Sunday the Patronal Festival service would be reasonably well attended. But times have changed and other events have been substituted. But it is sad that such an important part of our tradition and heritage is disappearing.

John Riches

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