Civic Ceremonies 2019 - 20

Deputy and Lady Deputy Frank and Win Pomroy
On Sunday 12th January 2020 The Deputy, Liberty members and other dignitaries were invited to the Blessing of the Seas at Margate in Kent.. Greek Orthodox communities around the world hold this ceremony on the Feast of the Epiphany and in Margate it has been held for the last 56 years. The link to Margate goes back to 1925 when Cyprus first became a Crown Colony.

At the Mayor of Margate’s invitation a large number of chairmen, mayors and other civic dignitaries from Kent and Essex join the procession from the Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangel Michael to the Marine Sands at Margate. As the congregation emerge from the church the civic party in their robes and chains lead a procession to the beach where the blessing ceremony is held.
Photographs by Mike Holding
 
Blessing and Reclaiming of the Waters....Sunday 7 June 2020

Although we are all now settled in to 'social distancing', the Covid-19 virus has exacted a severe toll on the events of 2020. Not to be denied this historic event, our Chaplain Reverend Caroline Beckett decided to 'do her thing'. She encouraged households to take part from their front doors, whilst she herself took plessure in spraying her 'Holy Water' on anything that moved.

The following photos are the result of keeping the tradition alive. Do not forget to 'click the link' at the end of the photos and watch a 30 minute video of the day stored on All Saints with St James Facebook page.
Photographs by Liz Artindale and Roger Tabor
 
Photographs by Stephen Heppell
Video of Virtual Blessing
 
The Deputy and Lady Deputy attend the 75th Anniversary of 'Victory over Japan Day'....Sunday 16th June 2020
Due to Covid-19 restrictions a service only was held at the Memorial, ensuring social distancing was possible.

Photographs by Liz Artindale Photography
 
The Deputy and Lady Deputy attend the Opening of the Fisheries....Friday 4 September 2020
at Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea
 
The Deputy attending Remembrance Day within Covid-19 guidlines....Sunday 8 November 2020
Photographs by Roger Tabor
 
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