Ham Common - 19

Here is a photo of an elder bush growing in the grounds of St Michael's Convent on Ham Common.



The Sisters have a lovely walled garden. I don't know whether they make elderflower wine or elderberry wine - but perhaps I will know tomorrow - after visiting the stalls at the Ham Fair.

Have you been to Petersham Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme,
Remember me from one who lives there,
For she once was a true love of mine.

Ham Common - 18

Here are some flowers growing in the cottage garden - foxgloves:



lupins:



and roses and red hot pokers:



What a splendid sight!

Ham Common - 17

Here is a photo of a lovely cottage on Ham Common.



Hard to believe it is only 13 miles from Trafalgar Square. Small wonder that properties on the common are in such demand! Tomorrow I shall be showing you the lovely cottage garden.

Ham Common - 16

Here is a photo of the pond on Ham Common.



The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows for our play,
The rushes by the water,
To gather every day;

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

This is one of my favourite hymns - especially when sung to the tune 'Royal Oak'.

Ham Common - 15

This is the sort of house that I would like to have. Sadly, the address is considered a little too grand for a deacon!

Ham Common - 14

Why not come to Ham Common this coming Saturday for the fair? St Thomas Aquinas Church will be having two stalls.



You can come by bike...



or by horse...



and there will be more than just football to play.



It should be a great day out. Please pray for fine weather!

I shall feature the fair in this blog next Sunday.

Ham Common - 13

Here is St Andrew's Church on Ham Common.



I find it so sad that this is not a Catholic church! It is Church of England - yet in so many respects the liturgy is much better than that at St Thomas Aquinas, Ham. Indeed, this Anglican parish is a most lively one. The lack of unity amongst the various Christian denominations is truly pathetic.

Please pray for the Vicar, other clergy and laity who worship in this lovely building.

It is interesting to note that Dr John Sentamu, the Anglican Archbishop of York (who jumped out of a plane at 13,000 ft* on Friday to raise money for the Armed Forces) served as a curate at St Andrew's Ham during the early 1980's.

*Please note - he was wearing a parachute and had a safe landing!

Happy Sunday!