What's on at St. Mary's Whaplode
Latest News
The Primary school now has a Bishop's Visitor appointed, the first time in over 9 years and the message from the Headteacher Mrs Grist is that the school are looking forward to working with Capt Paul Whiteley. This is an important area of the school's development within the Lincoln Diocese, as they get the Bishop's message delivered by the Bishop's Visitor, as well as them becoming a friend and supporter of the school, keeping everyone informed in what is going on both at Lincoln Cathedral and the wider part of the Diocese.
The Church now has a new and updated Welcoming Notice Board at the main gate. The design incorporates the insignia of Canterbury, Lincoln Diocese both old and new versions and the Whaplode Crest. The latest up to date security systems have now been incorporated into the church, which means that all those sensitive areas are alarmed, especially the roof area. The system is so sensative that the minute movement is detected on the roof area, the alarm is sounded and the control centre are alerted with an immediate call to the police to investigate. It is so accurate, that any chance metal thieves are likely to remove the roof material, they will be caught before they can get back down to the ground. Another recent change is the introduction of removable barriers in front of the main gates, thus replacing the lock and chain that was used previously. The barriers are designed to prevent vehicle access into the churchyard, unless disabled people are visiting and the barriers are removed.
After many trials and tribulations, we are now much closer to having proper effective lighting and wiring systems throughout the whole church. It is hoped that with a successful application for the required Diocesan Faculty approval, the system may be ready for the Flower Festival.
Another note of celebration for one of the choir members was their achievement in earning a 'distinction' for a singing test as part of her development programme - she has recently taken her RSCM Bronze.
During the past year several U3A groups have been on orgainised tours of the church. These are proving to be quite popular events and some of the local congregation volunteer to provide refreshments for the visitors, which all go down a treat - if you know of such a group and they are interested in visiting the Church, please contact either of the Churchwardens.
The Flower Festival theme for this year 'God's Colourful World.' There will be a meeting in the Heraldic Suite on Monday 11th March at 7.00pm (all are welcome). This year we will be entertained on the Sunday afternoon by a local female folk singer, the change has come about because prior to the Flower Festival we will have held a concert featuring the usual group that perform - "Pennyless." We also be featuring a 'Cake Stall' (this is on a trial basis, since we don't want to detract from the very successful sales of scones, cakes and other refreshments provided by Janet and her wonderful group of workers in the heraldic Suite). But, as the sayng goes, if we don't try it we wont really know what benefits it might bring.
There will be the usual horticultural exhibition and competition organised by Roy in the Village Hall, but it is hoped that this year there will be many more entries - so if your keen to exhibit keep an ear to the ground.
On Sunday the 3rd March we held a United Service of Songs of Praise and were delighted that the Bishop of Lincoln the Rt Revd Christopher Lowson gave the address. We were also pleased that his wife Susan could come along, together with the Bishop's Chaplain Sal McDougall. As the service included all the other four parishes that Revd Richard Morrison has responsibilty for, the churches centre aisles and much of the south and north aisles were quite full. After the service the Parochial Church Council provided a mixed finger buffet, as well as teas and coffees, enjoyed by everyone.
It was a great opportunity for us to show the Bishop and his guests some of the wonders of St Mary's Church, as well as them being shown around the Snowdrop Walk by Miss Shona White (Shona is rapidly becoming an expert on not only the history and development of the church, but also the varieties of snowdrops in the grounds). One of the guests asked if we could identify a bird smaller than a wren with a yellow streak through its head - unfortunately it wasn't until later in the day that we realised it was 'goldcrest' quite a rare visitor, but not quite as rare as the 'Muntjack deer' seen by Mr Willingham, one of the Churchwardens.
On Saturday 18th May the local Folk Group "Pennyless" will be playing at a concert - further details and publicity will be available nearer the time.
On Wednesday 3rd July at 8.00pm there will be a concert by the very popular Choir "Cantamus" under the direction of the renowned musician and Royal School of Church Music examiner Eric Wayman. This will be a 'FREE' event, when we hope the church will be filled to capacity - usual refreshments will be available at the end of the evening.
Upcoming Events
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.