On Wednesday 20 February, a presentation was given at St Mary’s to explain more to interested parties about our proposal for a new sound system. The two members of St Mary’s congregation leading the project, Ian Burgess and Tim Price, explain the need for a new sound system and what was being proposed. The Vicar, the Revd Russell Dewhurst, emphasized his support of the project, and the spiritual importance of a first-rate sound system. After questions, there was time for refreshments and discussion. Some regular members of St Mary’s congregation who were present re-iterated their support for the project saying that, despite recent improvements, they still often found it hard…

A recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land was led by the Revd John Baxter and included several members of our congregation. You can read all about it here: http://www.ourpilgrimage.co.uk/

Christmas Cracker proved to be an inspired choice of name for the dinner on Saturday, December 1, as it certainly was a cracking event! St Mary’s Church Hall could not accommodate more than 60 diners so, reluctantly, the organisers had to disappoint many members of the congregation who were keen to buy tickets. For those fortunate enough to get their applications in early, it was a memorable evening. A team from the social committee had transformed the hall into a visual delight of reds, greens and gold and a party atmosphere soon developed as David and Jenny Dance served welcoming glasses of “bubbly”, crackers were pulled, paper hats donned and…

On Sunday, December 2, the morning after the Christmas Cracker dinner, St Mary’s Church Hall was again packed to capacity as members of the congregation crowded in after the 9.30 service for a preview of the copies of the church’s 500-year-old monumental brasses, which have been produced in exquisite replicas for use in displays and brass-rubbing. The replicas were donated to St Mary’s by Eve Myatt-Price to commemorate her 50 years membership of the church. At the unveiling, the vicar said everyone was greatly indebted to her and to another local historian, Charles Abdy, for conducting negotiations with the manufacturer, Michael Ward of Crewkerne. He also thanked Jeremy Harte, curator…

The Revd John Baxter and members of St Mary’s Church, and other nearby churches,  set off on pilgrimage to the Holy Land on Monday 19 November. Read about the beginning of their trip in this article in the Epsom Guardian. A report of the pilgrimage with photographs can be found here: http://www.ourpilgrimage.co.uk/

On 10 November 2012 St Mary’s hosted the latest in our series of organ recitals. On this occasion the recitalist was Ronny Krippner, Organist and Teacher of Music at King’s College School, Wimbledon and Assistant Director of Music at the celebrated ‘Handel church’, St George’s, Hanover Square. The programme was as follows: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) – Sinfonia from Cantata No. 29 arr. Guilmant Francois Couperin (1668-1733) – from Messe pour les Couvents William Boyce (1711-79) – Voluntary in D Herbert Howells (1892-1983) – Master Tallis’ Testament Percy Whitlock (1903-1946) – Folk Tune from Five Short Pieces Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937) – Finale from Organ Symphony No. 6 in G Minor,  Op. 42 No.…