Alresford, Old and New

Old Alresford

Once again geocaching taught us something we didn't know about the area we live in. We have previously driven past this lovely church, but have never stopped to look at it, until a geocache took us to the area. This is St Mary the Virgin and it is the birthplace of the Mothers' Union.

The Alresford Deanery Mothers' Union Banner

This banner was made at the turn of the century and had hung in the New Alresford church for many years before being stolen. In 1985 it was discovered in an antiques shop in Sussex and was purchased and returned to Old Alresford.The Mothers' Union Prayer by Mary Sumner

A modern version of the prayer was also on display in the church :-

Almighty God, our heavenly Father,

who gave marriage to be a source of blessing, we thank you for family life,

with all its joys and sorrows.

May we know your presence and peace in our homes,

fill them with your love and use them to your glory.

Bless all who are married and every parent and child.

Pour out upon us your Holy Spirit,

that we may truly love and serve you.

Bless the members of the mothers' Union throughout the world,

unite us in prayer and worship, in love and service,

that, strengthened by your grace,

we may seek to do Your will;

through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

New Alresford

We then moved onto New Alresford, a delightful country town with Georgian houses and the home of the Watercress Line, a heritage line that runs steam trains from Alresford to Ropley. Old Alresford is mentioned in the Domesday Book and New Alresford (locally we just say Alresford) was built circa 1200. Our visit coincided with a Thomas and Friends Day. When our children were younger we attended a couple of these events, including the Santa Special.
Alresford's Broad Street is lined with beautiful Georgian houses and we walked along part of the Millennium Trail .
Of course we went into the church of St. John the Baptist .
The Fulling Mill on the River Arle.It was a very pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon.