Skip to content

Category: Friends of St Mary’s

Posted on

Old Church Reopening Concert

Old Church new belltower roofOld Church Reopening Concert

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 in Old Church
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 wiat their turn
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.

Posted on

Dawn Chorus can reward an early start

Blackcap

Blackcap singingDawn Chorus can reward an early start

It might be an early start but the Dawn Chorus can truly deliver its own reward.  Once again Steve Hallam will be leading the Dawn Chorus Walk around Hillhouse Wood, offering the chance to see and/or hear nightingales and many other brilliant dawn choristers like the Blackcap (see right).

Previous years’ walks have seen and/or heard over Continue reading “Dawn Chorus can reward an early start”

Posted on

Friends of St Mary’s Trattoria Italiana

Last Orders for Trattoria Italiana

After being postponed due to the snow this event will now take place on Saturday 14th April.  The doors to the Orpen Hall will open at 12.15pm. We look forward to welcoming everyone who bought or reserved tickets.  After some cancellations there are still a few tickets available.

Original Post

The Friends‘ latest fundraiser involves recreating a “Trattoria Italiana” in the Orpen Hall.  You are invited to join them for a taste of Italy on Saturday 3rd March at 12:30 pm, there are still a few tickets available.

The Menu offers a choice of: Continue reading “Friends of St Mary’s Trattoria Italiana”

Posted on

Friends Win Marsh Volunteer Award

Friends Win Marsh Volunteer Award

Marsh Volunteer Award Certificate

With the receipt of the Marsh Volunteer Award the Friends of St Mary’s have won rightful recognition for their amazing fundraising efforts.  They received the award at the Churches Conservation Trust‘s National Volunteer Day in London.  The award was because of their efforts raising £10,000 for the Keep the Bell Ringing appeal within six months.  As a result of that contribution, the CCT subsequently raised a further £130,000. Together this allowed the work of repairing the roof and belfry of the Old Church to proceed.

Continue reading “Friends Win Marsh Volunteer Award”
Posted on

Old Church Update – Ongoing Work and Mulled Wine

Scaffolding around Old ChurchOld Church Update – Mulled Wine & Mince Pies

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!

Posted on

Friends Group Pay Respects at Daniell & Sons Memorial

Daniell & Sons Memorial

Friends Group Pay Respects at Daniell & Sons WW1 Memorial

Lacking a village war memorial, some years ago The Local History Group compiled a list of those who died in WW1; the Friends of St Mary’s had this list copied by a Calligrapher and placed in the Old Church.  It has become the Friends’ custom in recent years to gather in the Old Church to remember these fallen from the village; the bell would be rung and, Continue reading “Friends Group Pay Respects at Daniell & Sons Memorial”

Posted on

Entries Surge for Fete & Produce Show

Poster for Village Fete & Produce Show

Poster for Village Fete & Produce ShowNot too late for entries to Produce Show

The Fete & Produce Show will be held in the Orpen Hall & Lorkin Daniell Field from 12-4pm on Sat Sept 9th.

Produce Show in Orpen Hall

Over 350 entries have already been received; it’s not too late for late entries but 1st September is the last day; entry forms available at the Allotment Stall.

There will be certificates for Continue reading “Entries Surge for Fete & Produce Show”