Morning Service at Radford Semele

Having visited St Nicholas yesterday and seen the outside we decided to attend the Family service this morning to have a look at the inside. Knowing also that the six bells were taken down after the fire and sent up to Taylors at Loughborough for refurbishment, we took the opportunity to join the local band for a pre service ring. We were able to ring Plain Hunt, Grandsire and Bob Doubles before it was time to bring them down in peal before the service started. It was very unusual for the band to ring a method for Sunday service and so our presence was most welcome.
Almost all churches have their alter at the East end as was the case at St Nicholas before the fire. During the five year and £2.2 million rebuild they were able to think outside the box and redesign the internal layout. The alter was moved to the long North side of the church that completely opened out the area that the congregation occupy. Underfloor heating, superb lighting, an AV system, toilets and a servery were all incorporated into the new build. A credit to the architect and the PCC.
At 1pm we paired up with another boat to climb the Fosse and Bascote locks before mooring at Long Itchington a village that boasts a large number of pubs. As it was Fathers' DAy we rang ahead to try and book a meal. All but was one were either full up or finished serving at 6pm. We managed to get in at the Harvester (no, not the chain) but had to wait outside until 7pm when they opened. Well worth the wait as we both enjoyed a slow cooked leg of lamb each with all the trimmings and some good ale. The cheese and biscuits back at the boat went down well as did the red wine!