THE rain held off for a large crowd of participants gathered at the Lock Gates in Bude for the Blessing of the Sea service on Sunday, August 20 at 5pm.

This service has taken place at Bude, annually, for around 100 years.

With the lifeboat crews, Coastguards and RNLI officials in attendance the service was conducted by father David Barnes and consisted of well-known sea hymns, prayers and an address. Bude Town Band accompanied the hymns.

At the end of the service, father David blessed the sea, the lifeboat crew and the lifeboat. Then the rain came down but it didn’t dampen the stirring rendering of ‘Home From The Sea’ sung by the RNLI crew and accompanied by Tim Browning on his accordion. Everyone said how uplifting the event was.

Please give the same support for the next event, which is the Grand Auction at St Michael’s Church Bude on Saturday, September 9 at 2pm.

There are a variety of desirable items to bid for which include quality furniture, artwork, glass, china, a bike, scooters and much more including desirable vouchers given by generous townsfolk.

Viewing starts at 11am when light refreshments will be available. Please see their advert next week for more information.

On September 23 there will be a mini fete and gift day from 9.30 until noon where there will be plenty of fun for the children as well as a cake stall, scarf stall, tombola, books and tea, coffee and biscuits available.