What's on at St. Mary's Whaplode
Latest News
We have now completed the first part of the programme organised by Rosemary Field (the Diocesan Music Co-ordinator) who was running the introduction programme 'From Schoolroom to Choirstall' and although we have to date only managed to recruit four very musical scholars, we do hope that we will see an increase in the numbers. The children who have so far taken part are thoroughly enjoying the short service as well as the opportunity to learn how to develop their singing talents.
The Revd. Richard Morrison has now been licensed as the Priest in Charge for St. Mary's Whaplode and Holbeach Fen St. John's. His official start date was 1st August. Richard was asked if there would be a special service of recognition, but since he has been with us for almost 5 years now, he thought it wouldn't be appropriate.
The Lincs Effect Concert held on Friday 30th July was a huge success with over 70 people attending. The group opened the evening's singing with a Gregorian Chant, as they walked from the west end of the Church through to the Chancel. One couldn't help thinking just how remarkable it must have been to have been present in the building in the 13th century, when there were over 15 monks/priests serving the Church and the outlying Chapels, as they sang the various hours throughout the day and night. The first half of the concert concentrated on High Choral Singing in Latin, which was very well received. After the interval, when cold and warm drinks were served, they resumed their programme, but this time they stood near the pulpit, which increased the audience sense of their presence. The programme in the second half was as different as chalk and cheese from the first half. They sang a variety of songs ranging from Michael Jackson, the Beatles, Elton John and few more well known artists materials, together with some of the old favourite standards from the 50's and 60's.
When asking those who attended how much they had enjoyed the evening, every person to a man said it was a truly magical evening and could we please repeat it again next year.
Following these suggestions, we have approached Keith Halliday who organises the programmes for "The Lincs Effects" and they are more than happy to come back to Whaplode Mid-July in 2011 - so make sure you put the date in your Diary for 2011.
For the more observant amongst us you will have noticed that Church clock is stopped at 12 o'clock, that's because it is a legal requirement for any public clock that ceases to work to be showing that time (you can learn something new here all the time). However, the clock is stopped temporarily whilst the parts are being overhauled and converted to accommodate the electrification and automation (this means that David Green and his deputy will be relieved of having to climb the tower steps a couple of times a week to wind the mechanism).
Plans are going ahead nicely for the annual Flower Festival 27th August to 31st. If you hear of anyone having a house clearance, or in need of 'downsizing', please ask them to contact Cyril on 01406 371848 as he is arranging storage for the Bric-a-Brac stall this year. We have secured the loan of 12 Manequins (I would rather call them Tailor's Dummies) for the display of various vestments and their accessories. It is surprising the variety of names that these items bear, some of which are peculiar to religious vestments. June Crawford has most of her flower ladies organised, so we are hoping that there will be yet another exceptional display in church come the end of August. We have also been able to engage a local Folk Duo "Pennyless" to entertain us from 12.30pm on Sunday 29th August. They have just completed their first album of Folk Songs and Music "In Spring and in Blue," their music ranges from Irish Jigs and reels, American Country Bluegrass, Cajun and Eastern European Gypsy. So a mixture for everyone to enjoy. Their contact details for anyone wishing to engage them: Penny Stevens 07875192054; Email: and their webpage is: www.myspace.com/penntlessduo. We have taken delivery of the promised Recipe Books, which will be on general sale during the Flower Festival at the princely sum of £2.50 (each book contains over 140 recipes varying from soups, sauces, breakfast, dinner, bread, cakes, wines and other drinks). The Hog Roast tickets are on sale now and you need to hurry to reserve your places as they usually go quite quickly and last year Roy reckons he could have sold double the amount of tickets he had printed - See either Roy or June Crawford for tickets.
Soon after we have done with the Flower Festival, we will be organising two simultaneous events - The Annual Lincolnshire Heritage Open Days from the 9th to 12th September when the Church will be open for Guided Tours and light refreshments. The Tours will be available from 10.00am to 4.00pm and will cover both the history of the Church and the changes that have taken place over the 885 years of its existence, together with some snippets of local history.
On the Saturday we have the Annual Lincolnshire Churches "Ride and Stride" events when sponsored cyclists and walkers will be visiting as many local churches as hey can fit in. Half of the money raised goes towards the upkeep of some of the more unfortunate churches in the Diocese, with the other half going to the Church that cyclists, walkers support. This year St. Mary's is hoping to have several teams of cyclists - so please help by sponsoring these people and look out for the Yellow Stickers.
Upcoming Events
We welcome all newcomers and visitors to join with us in celebrating Holy Communion on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays of every month. The first Sunday in each month the service of Holy Communion is moved to 8.00am, whilst the 10.30am service is a service of Family Worship. On the months when there is a fifth Sunday, it is a Joint Service with the Methodists.
A Choir Practice is held the Friday before the first Sunday in the month at 5.30pm in the Churc h. Anyone who enjoys singing and thinks they would like to try, would be more than welcome in the choir.
On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month there is a Sunday Club for the children and youngsters, which joins in with the normal service, then after the first hymn moves into the Heraldic Suite where they take part in Art activities about the theme of the service for that day.
A Family Service will take place this morning, when the children are welcome to join in the first part of the service before going off to their "Children's Sunday Club" in the Heraldic Suite. The numbers for these "Childrens Services" have been increasing lately and we will soon have a settled group of children beginning to grow through their experience of Church.
Today sees the start of the above programme when visitors will be welcomed to the Church for Guided Tours and light refreshments.
The Guided Tours will start from 10.00am to 4.00pm and visitors will be welcome to enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits before or after the tour.
The theme of the event this year is "Lincolnshire Churches at War" which I suggested could span from the time of the Norman Invasion and include the Crusades, that is if our mystery burial site is in fact a Crusader's grave.
The event continues today and the Church will once again be Open for vistors to take Guided Tours and enjoy some light refreshments.
Today sees the third day when the Church is Open for visitors exploring the various venues as part of the Lincolnshire heritage Open Days, see more details on Thursday 9th September.
We welcome all newcomers and visitors to join with us in celebrating Holy Communion on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays of every month. The first Sunday in each month the service of Holy Communion is moved to 8.00am, whilst the 10.30am service is a service of Family Worship. On the months when there is a fifth Sunday, it is a Joint Service with the Methodists.
A Choir Practice is held the Friday before the first Sunday in the month at 5.30pm in the Churc h. Anyone who enjoys singing and thinks they would like to try, would be more than welcome in the choir.
On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month there is a Sunday Club for the children and youngsters, which joins in with the normal service, then after the first hymn moves into the Heraldic Suite where they take part in Art activities about the theme of the service for that day.
This morning we shall be able once again to enjoy a properly sung Eucharist.
This is the final day of this programme for visitors who are taking part, all are more than welcome to come and join in our regular Church Service prior to the Guided Tours taking place from 12.30pm.
For Your Diary
We are proud to present a group of seven very gifted and talented choristers from Lincoln Cathedral who have not only appeared at many venues throughout the county, but have also had the opportunity to appear on BBC Radio 3, as well as the BBC TV programme 'Look North.'
They describe their performance as being a concert of choral contrasts from "The Sacred to The Profane."
The doors will be open from 7.00pm and tickets £6 will be available on the door. The performance will start at 7.30pm and there will be refreshments available, both before and after the performance - proceeds from the ticket sales and refreshments will go towards Church Funds, after expenses.