THE community of Manor Valley were blessed with fine weather for the annual St Gordian’s Day..

The afternoon started with the open air service beside the old cross above Kirkhope, high up the valley.

The Rev Malcolm Jefferson took the hills as his theme and it was not difficult for the congregation, seated on the grass, to raise their eyes to the hills, as bidden.

The hymns were led by Fiona Sinclair on accordion, with some percussion from Claire Garnett. A treasure hunt for children followed the service before everyone moved down to Woodhouse for the Rounders Match. This hotly-contested competition between the ‘Uppies’ and the ‘Doonies’ has missed a few years and everyone, from ages seven to 70, as well as a number of enthusiastic dogs, enjoyed taking part..

The teams then lined up for a Tug-o-War which was such fun - much laughter and camaraderie filled the hay field on this sunny afternoon.