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Category: Friends of St Mary’s

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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.

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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”

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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”
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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!

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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”

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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”

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Bats in the Belfry?

Coop voucher schemeBats in the Belfry?

As previously announced the £10,000 target for repair of the roof and the tower at the Old Church has been reached.  Unfortunately work has not yet started as a bat survey indicated that the bats were still roosting in the church. Apparently the bats are late leaving this year because of the cold spring but should leave soon.  The Churches Conservation Trust have given assurances that everything is in hand and should start work by September.

Ongoing Fundraising with thanks to the Co-op

The Friends of the Old Church continue to fund raise for the ongoing maintenance of the church.  In time they also hope to have electricity laid on and install lighting in the building. At present they rely on the generosity of the owners of  Bergholt Hall for a limited electricity supply.

In this vein they would like to express their thanks to the Co-op and their customers who supported the Old Church with their tokens.  This has resulted in a generous donation of £500 to kick start the next wave!

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You’ve Kept the Bell Ringing – Target Reached!

Keep the Bell Ringing target metYou’ve Kept the Bell Ringing – Target Reached!

The Friends of St Mary’s Old Church are delighted to announce the success of their Keep the Bell Ringing Appeal.  The initial target of £10,000, required to trigger the various grants needed for the Church restoration, has been achieved in the incredibly short time of 8 months. This is down to the hard work of the Events team lead by Jane Lloyd but even more to the generosity and goodwill of the community of West Bergholt who have wholeheartedly supported the appeal.  We have seen great Continue reading “You’ve Kept the Bell Ringing – Target Reached!”

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Comrie Singers at Old Church

Comrie Singers in Old Church

Jubilant Brass in action while 3 Saxes wiat their turn
Jubilant Brass in action while 3 Saxes wait their turn

Comrie singers in Old Church
Comrie Singers Performing

Comrie Singers at Old Church

The Comrie Singers together with Jubilant Brass and The 3 Saxes (all amateur groups from Colchester), gave a concert in St Mary’s Old Church on Sunday 25th June. The audience were entertained with a varied and beautiful programme of music ranging from Continue reading “Comrie Singers at Old Church”