A big thank you to St Michael's and All Angels and Boundstone Community College Band for a very enjoyable afternoon on Sunday, June 16.

The South Coast road traffic going through Lancing must have wondered what was going on - a large crowd standing on the grass, a band, lots of flags and bunting and a boat. This was the St Michael's "Blessing of the boats", an annual service on the beach dedicated to the local community and, specifically, those who sail the seas.

The service by Father Barry was, as always, a thoughtful one and there is something special about hymns sung in the open air, especially when the music is provided by such an able band, led by Aedan Kerney.

All the staff and students (past and present) of Boundstone involved on the day should be commended for their efforts. All gave up their Sunday afternoon without a second thought to support this community event.

The band also treated those who remained after the service to a selection for its extensive repertoire, many familiar to its regular followers. For many of the band, this was also an opportunity to rehearse before the forthcoming tour of band and choirs to France, a venture in conjunction with Worthing's twin town, Les Sables d'Olonne, co-ordinated by the Worthing Twinning Association.

Well done, St Michael's and Boundstone, for providing Lancing with something a little special for our community.

One sad note: Cliff Venn passed away last Thursday and the service was with him firmly in mind. He was a tremendous supporter of the church, college and community and the sense of fun he brought to everything will be hard to replace. Our thoughts are with his family.

-John Lamb, Barfield Park, Lancing