On the last Sunday in September, with the first chill of Autumn in the air, we gathered near Feering village green to board the coach for our first joint outing.  Somehow it seemed suitable that our visit should be to Windsor, which William the Conqueror had exchanged for the parish of Feering with the Abbot of Westminster, almost 1000 years ago.

After collecting our last passengers, following the  communion service at Kelvedon, we avoided traffic problems in Kelvedon and, with the help of Father David’s knowledge of the minor roads from the motorway, we arrived at the coach park in Windsor.  A sharp uphill walk took us to the castle and the door of St. George’s chapel.

Gentlemen in morning dress ushered us to our seats in the nave, where the light streamed through the large windows.  Throughout the service the singing of the choir rose into the high fan-vaulted roof with its colourful bosses and we enjoyed joining in with the hymns.  Walking through the 'tunnel' in the wall-like screen to take communion at the altar rail, where the spot lights caught the colours of the knights’ banners overhead, as well as the altar cloths and the priestly vestments, was a breathtaking and uplifting experience.

The sermon was punctuated with good humoured comments about the frailties of heroes.  There were amusing moments in the service with one priest’s obvious astonishment that there were still more of us coming through the screen!  I was struck, rather irreverently, by memories of a recent performance of Iolanthe at the Savoy theatre.  The procession of the military knights, with their swaying gait and red tunics was followed by the Lord Chancellor, whose 'purse' and black and gold gown were held by 'pages' in court dress!

We had a short time to explore the chapel after the service and see the recent memorials to the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret.  After a showery break, when we scattered to local hostelries for excellent lunches and time to explore Windsor from the Castle to the river, we boarded the coach for the short journey to Iver Heath.

'Skip' Papworth, dressed in his Town Crier’s uniform, led us into the church hall where we were greeted warmly by the members of Father David’s former parish.  As the sun streamed through the windows, we were treated to a delicious spread of home made sandwiches and cakes and welcome cups of tea.  We were made so very welcome and the warm atmosphere continued as we all joined together for Evensong in St. Margaret’s church.

In the failing light we were sorry to leave and hoped to meet again.  We had all had  a very long day, full of memorable experiences which filled our chatter on the long journey home.