Three men in a boat (a Rib) successfully completed, (Sunday 17th May) the 2009 Rogation circumnavigation of Hayling Island thus maintaining a local tradition begun by The Revd John Beaumont MBE in the 1960’s.
Messrs Ginever and Knight together with their Skipper Nigel Tuttle, of Hayling Island Sailing School re-enacted a practice which goes back hundreds of years when the ‘Bounds of the Parish’ were marked out (beaten) and prayers of blessing said at various farms for a successful harvest.
Since John Beaumont's revival of this ancient practice it has been re-interpreted. Now prayers are said for the emergency services including the RNLI. We also seek God’s blessing on local commerce, agriculture, industry and technology not forgetting those who travel upon and protect our seas, namely the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy. We prayed for all who exercise power and influence including politicians, local, national and European. We held up for blessing all who exercise care in our community including the medical centre, teachers, and the staff of our care homes. Those responsible for local transport, voluntary organisations and the witness of local churches were also prayed for. All this as we bobbed up and down on the water.
This custom is unique to Hayling Island stressing its special place as an offshore island I believe traditions like this are worth preserving because they give a community a sense of identity and value.
Incidentally many thanks to all those from our community who expressed good wishes during my year long battle with cancer. As you will gather I am feeling a lot better.
Yours gratefully
The Revd Paul Ginever.
PS. We saw ten Seals at the mouth of Chichester Harbour.