VILLAGERS, members and churchgoers joined together last weekend to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Old Basing Methodist Church.

Across Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4, a flock of people joined Reverend Jayne Webb and her congregation in looking back on the church’s history.

A guest speaker spoke to the attendees before a nice spot of cream tea on Saturday afternoon, when the Chapel Close church’s newly-refurbished kitchen was given its first road-test.

Then after a special service on Sunday morning, members of the church enjoyed a lunch together.

Revd Webb said: “It was absolutely excellent and there was far more people than expect.

People from across the village, from other churches and past users – it was fantastic fun.

“The whole weekend was informal and just a good kind of friendship from all sorts of people was in spirit.

“I was so pleased the village came out to support our 150 years with us. It made it very special. And we will be out and about at the Old Basing Carnival too.”

“We’re just a small church but we’re starting to make a big difference.”

She added: “We were a bit worried about getting the kitchen ready for the anniversary but thankfully managed to get it ready with a day to spare.

“It looks fantastic and much better than the one we had.”