The Friends of St Mary’s are pleased to report that their regular Christmas events will still go ahead this year.
As you may have noticed, work started a week ago on the redecoration of the Old Church. The Friends’ Keep the Bell Ringing appeal of 2016 raised money towards the repair of the roof and tower to make the structure watertight. The Churches Conservation Trust, of course, also helped a lot with that project. Now the internal redecoration work, using Continue reading “Decorating Won’t Stop Christmas Events”
To get the best from the Dawn Chorus means an early start but it is well worth it. Steve Hallam will be leading this years’ Dawn Chorus Walk around Hillhouse Wood, offering the chance to see and/or hear nightingales and many other dawn choristers like the Blue Tit having its own early start (see right).
Peter Noakes, a local historian & Chairman of the Local History Group, shares his first thoughts on using a new mapping tool offered by the National Library of Scotland (yes you read that right, Scotland), to explore West Bergholt. Also, a quick reminder about a talk Peter will give on 18th May.
Almost a year after the Friends of St Mary’s announced that funds had been raised for urgent repairs to the Old Church, the Church is reopening to the public. The builders removed the scaffolding from St. Mary’s Old Church almost two weeks ago and committee members have been beavering away cleaning a rather dirty and dusty church. As from this Sunday 24th June, we are very pleased to say that it is back in use once again. It will be open every day from 10 am – 4 pm.
When you visit you may be surprised that there is not much discernible difference inside the church. The recent repairs addressed the roof, 2 dormer windows and rotten timbers were replaced. The tower was also reclad with Cedar panels (see above). The next phase will involve redecoration of the interior. The work is being done by the Churches Conservation Trust who are responsible for the fabric of the church along with 350 others. The village Friends’ group aims to keep the Old Church a part of village life by opening and closing it daily and raising enough funds to keep it and the churchyard properly cared for.
Reopening Concert
On Sunday 24th June at 3 pm, we are delighted to welcome back the Comrie Singers together with Jubilant Brass and The 4 Saxes who will entertain visitors with a musical concert. Tickets are only £6 and this includes refreshments served after the concert. Please do come and enjoy this annual event.
More about the Performers
Comrie Singers
Comrie Singers Performing last year
The Comrie Singers choir has been going about 7 years now. Originally formed by parents with an association to St. Mary’s School. The name derives from Comrie House, their Lower School in Lexden, where they used to rehearse. They now rehearse every second Monday at Philip Morant School, and cover all genres of music, as long as it is fun. The Choir always welcome new members. Not all members can read music, that is not necessary, but it does help of course.
Jubilant Brass
Jubilant Brass in action while 3 Saxes wait their turn last year
Jubilant Brass formed in 2012 which was Jubilee year, hence the name. It was originally a quartet until the Tuba player joined three years ago making them a quintet.
The 3 Saxes
The 3 Saxes are a group that plays at weddings and other social events and are all members of other bands and orchestras in the area.
The Friends of St Mary’s Old Church can report that the repair work being carried out at St. Mary’s Old Church is underway. Unfortunately the church will not be open again until the work is finished; this is unlikely to be before mid-January 2018. The Churches Conservation Trust builders have found more decay in the belfry than they had hoped, so they and the architects are deciding on the best way to proceed.
NO Carol Service BUT…
Because of the ongoing building works, the Friends regret there will be NO Carol Service this Christmas. They will, however, be holding their usual Mulled Wine and Mince Pies gathering on Saturday 2nd December, 11am – 1pm in the NEW Church Hall.
As well as the mulled wine, there will be coffee, soft drinks and sausage rolls. There will also be an opportunity to renew membership of the Friends’ group to help maintain the church and churchyard. This is just £5 per family.
A new selection of Old Church Christmas cards will also be available to buy, and a display of photographs of the work being done at the Old Church will be on show.
Entrance is free. The Friends hope to see you there!
