President's August 2022 Address
August - the eighth month of the year and was named after the great nephew of Julius Caesar called Augustus. The Anglo Saxons called it weed month - Weod Monath because it’s the month where weeds grow more rapidly. Oh dear... On 1st August the Anglo Saxons (again) named it Lammas Day - HLAFMAESSE meaning Loaf Mass. The festival marks the beginning of harvest when people go to church to give thanks for the first corn to be cut. Loaves of bread from the first crop were given to their local church and used in communion. This custom ended once Henry VIII broke away from the church and we now celebrate harvest festivals at the end of the season. Thanks to Projectbritsain.com and almanac.com for these interesting facts. August is felt to be the last month of summer so hope you all enjoy what remains of the long and hopefully warm and dry days. Julie