Today is Rogation Sunday when prayers are said for crops. It’s a time to pray for a good harvest festival later in the year.
The weather is not good but this afternoon at 3.15pm there is the annual blessing of waters from a boat in Mudeford Run at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour.
The choir and congregation of All Saints Church arrive in procession on Mudeford Quay and the priest will be rowed into mid stream. (Probably priest-in-charge Helen Griffiss.)
During the service a silver cross is thrown into the water and retrieved. Prayers said for the safety of all fishermen and for a good harvest from the sea.
The custom dates from 1930. Once the first salmon of the season was presented to the Prior of Christchurch.