Former war re-porter turned author and broadcaster Kate Adie OBE will be taking part in this year’s Ethelflaeda Festival at Romsey Abbey.

The festival (October 22-26) aims to raise the profile of women in the church, in society and in the arts. Kate is giving the Ethelflaeda Lecture on Saturday, October 25, which will focus on the influence and impact of Christian women in the First World War. The lecture begins at 7.30pm and is free but there will be a retiring collection.

In addition to a selection of music by women composers, the guest preacher on Sunday morning is the wife of the Bishop of Winchester, and widely regarded preacher and teacher in her own right, Rev Sally Dakin.

Also on the Sunday Roger Lamb will give a tour entitled Ladies in the Life of the Abbey, starting at 3pm.

Commenting on the festival, Rev Tim Sledge said: “It is a real coup to have Kate Adie coming to the Abbey. An internationally regarded journalist and writer, she has focussed more recently on the historical contribution of women in society and I know that this lecture is going to be a stunning insight and a fitting tribute to the women who served in the First World War. “Once again we are delighted to have the support of the Friends of Romsey Abbey in putting on this wonderful weekend”.

The festival is named in honour of St EthelflaedaSt Ethelflaeda was one of the founders of the Benedictine Convent which went on to become Romsey Abbey and she was its second abbess.

Legend has it tha EthelflaedaLegend has it that the nun, who lived in the mid 900s, would strip off and stand naked in River Test during the dead of night chanting psalms for hour-after-hour.

For more festival information visit romseyabbey org.uk or pick up a brochure.