The rain may have fell relentlessly on Saturday, but that did not stop the barbecue celebration that brought together for the first time the community of the New Forest Edge Churches (NFEC).

The NFEC comprises five churches on the edge of the western side of the New Forest, with churches from the villages of Bransgore, Burley, Hinton, Sopley and Thorney Hill.

There was plenty of food, conversation and good company as friends old and new mingled and conversed. This celebration is no doubt the start of many joyous gatherings between the churches.

This has also been the week in which the churches have been celebrating Harvest Festival. Services collecting food from the congregation, with singing and reflection on all good things around us, that were sent from Heaven above.