At its July meeting the Grants Committee of Suffolk Historic Churches Trust awarded grants totalling £42,500 to eight churches.
Awards went to St Peter’s in Levington, St Mary at Stoke in Ipswich, St Peter’s in Henley, All Saints, Little Cornard, St Mary’s, Langham, Felixstowe Baptist Church, St Gregory’s Rendlesham and St Botolph’s, Iken.
St Mary at Stoke, Ipswich ( photo by Simon Knott)
St Mary at Stoke, Ipswich and St Peter’s, Henley were each awarded £8,000, the largest grants on this occasion.
“We are pleased to help the churches chosen this quarter” explained Grants Committee Chairman, John Devaux. “In this, our 50th anniversary year, the Trust is, as always, welcoming applications from churches of all denominations when they need help with essential maintenance, or improvements, such as toilets, to make their building more suitable for fundraising events.”
Suffolk Historic Churches Trust give grants towards the cost of repairs and improvements to churches, chapels and meeting houses, four times year.
Projects this time included repairs to roofs (at St Mary at Stoke, Litte Cornard, Langham and Little Cornard) and walls (Felixstowe Baptist church and Rendlesham).
All Saints, Little Cornard (photo by Simon Knott)
This year the annual fundraising event Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride (for sponsored walkers and cyclists) around over 500 Suffolk churches, chapels and meeting houses, and Pedal & Drive (for vintage and classic cars), is on Saturday 9th September. More details about the events are HERE (Ride and Stride) and HERE (Pedal & Drive)
More details about applying for a grant can be found HERE
‘Stand on the Faith’ is a brand new song written to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Suffolk Historic Churches Trust, which is released this Friday 21st July 2023 on Youtube and on Saturday 22nd July on all audio streaming platforms.
Children from Sexton’s Manor School in Bury St Edmunds have been recorded and filmed singing a new song in the form of a contemporary hymn written especially for the 50th anniversary of Suffolk Historic Churches Trust, the charity that raises money for church buildings.
As well as the song being released on all streaming platforms and video being released on YouTube, they will sing the song at a special service at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in September.
Experienced local musician, songwriter and producer, Andrew Rayner, from Wendy House Music in Felixstowe, wrote the song, recorded and filmed the key stage 2 children at Fornham All Saints church, after being approached by the Trustees of Suffolk Historic Churches Trust.
Andy said ‘It was a privilege to be commissioned to write and record this song. As part of the song writing process, it was inspiring researching the history and journey of the Christian faith in Suffolk over the last 1200 years. The lively and celebratory song was written with children in mind and was taught to the whole school by music teacher, Emma Jones.”
Invited to the special cathedral service will be two representatives from every historic Suffolk church, chapel and meeting house.
“This was an amazing opportunity for us at Sexton’s Manor, said music teacher Emma Jones. “The children have loved learning the song and it has become our song of the year! It was a privilege to work with Andy Rayner and to be part of such a great project. The children had great fun recording and filming for the song and can’t wait to show their families and friends the final results of their hard work.”
“The Suffolk Historic Churches Trust is very grateful to Andy Rayner for giving us his time and expertise to create such a joyous modern hymn for our special anniversary, and involving the children in such an exciting project,” explained Rachel Sloane, Trustee of SHCT. “This year we are celebrating fifty years of supporting historic church buildings in Suffolk, with thousands of pounds of grants, raised through legacies and sponsored events such as the annual Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride. The service at the cathedral will be the opportunity for church people to come together to mark this great achievement.”
Churches, chapels and Meeting Houses who wish to send representatives to the special service should contact shctcathedral@gmail.com for an invitation or should reply as soon as possible if they have already received an approach, as there are limited tickets available.
The Cantus Firmus choir are planning a Pilgrimage of Song on our fundraising day and invite any other singers to join them. They are going to walk from Coddenham to Ipswich singing at churches on the route.
Please get sponsored by your family and friends at the same time and raise money for Suffolk Historic Churches Trust and for your chosen church, chapel or meeting house.
Jo Burge and his Rolls Royce with Trustees and Cantus Firmus choir members
Joining the cyclists, walkers and a 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom 2 at the launch of the 2023 Ride and Stride/Pedal & Drive at St Michael’s church, Woolverstone, were singers from Cantus Firmus inter-church choir. The launch was featured live on BBC Radio Suffolk with interviews by reporter Matt Marvel.
The day-long fundraising events will be held on Saturday 9th September and is for anyone who loves Suffolk and its historic churches, or is looking for a good excuse for a walk or bike ride, or take their vintage or classic car for a spin.
Organised by Suffolk Historic Churches Trust (SHCT), Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride, and Pedal & Drive is an annual event which sees several thousand cyclists and walkers of all ages, (and drivers of vintage and classic cars) taking part in the annual fundraising event for the repair and upkeep of Suffolk churches.
This year the Trust is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Cantus Firmus choir are also inviting singers to walk with them as part of Ride and Stride in September, as they walk from Coddenham to Ipswich, singing a short service at churches on the route. The Pilgrimage of Song, led by St Edmundsbury Cathedral & Ipswich Music Development Director Richard Hubbard, is part of the cathedral’s InHarmony Project. The services will be led by Rev’d Mary Sokanovic.
“2023 is a big year for the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust, a 50th anniversary. Let’s make it a really big and fun day out on 9th September. Find a friend or two and “Get on your Bike”. Discover new parts of Suffolk and the beautiful churches that we are so lucky to have as part of our history,” said Simon Ronan, the Chairman of Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride .
Cyclists and walkers get sponsors or donations for their journey around some of Suffolk’s churches, choosing their own route, long or short. The money they raise help save this wonderful part of our history, with half going to the Trust to give out as grants for church buildings, and half to the participants chosen church. Hundreds of churches will be open to welcome participants on Saturday 9th September.
The Pilgrimage of Song starts with a workshop at St Mary’s Church, Coddenham Church, to learn the music which will be sung during the day. The group will walk to St Botolph’s Church, Whitton, singing services at Barham and Akenham, then ending the day with a hot meal.
“The music wide-ranging”, explained Richard Hubbard, leader of the Cantus Firmus choir. “There’ something to suit all levels of ability. We’d encourage singers who want to participate in Ride and Stride to make this their route. As well as registering with Ride and Stride, you’ll need to book a singing place at www.cantusfirmus.org.uk “
Also, on the same day, the Suffolk Churches vintage and classic car rally Pedal & Drive is held with the cars travelling a provided route, around a selection of churches, ending at Lavenham.
“We are proud that, over 50 years, we have raised & distributed over £10 million (in today’s money) for the upkeep of Suffolk’s glorious legacy of churches, and we are determined to make this year’s fundraiser bike ride on Saturday September 9th break all records. Help us by cycling, walking, welcoming the cyclists as a sitter in their church or by turning out in a beloved vintage or classic car, or by digging deep to sponsor one of the participants. Those wonderful church buildings which grace our communities & our landscape don’t look after themselves, so please help us help those who care for them,” said Trust Chairman and organiser of Pedal & Drive, Geoffrey Probert.
Jo Burge (car owner) and Simon Ronan, (Chair of Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride)
More details of Ride and Stride are now available from SHCT Ride and Stride local organisers, by email shct@btconnect.com , by phoning 01787 883884 or click here
The annual ride, began in Suffolk in 1982 but has now spread across England, appeals to families, local history lovers, keen cyclists and walkers, church supporters and those who just enjoy an annual trip around the villages and towns of Suffolk.
A list of churches that are open, and a sponsor form, is available (click here) and from participating Suffolk churches. Cyclists and walkers can choose whichever churches they wish, and disability scooters are welcome too.
A photography competition for participants will also be held and details will be announced on this website nearer the time.
Saturday 4th March 2023 10 am – 3 pm at Haughley Park Barn
Programme
How it all Began SHCT the First 50 years – Howard Stephens
A Look at Victorian Churches – Roy Tricker BEM
Furnishing & Decorating the Medieval Church – Clive Paine
The day took place on 4th March at Haughley Park Barn
Howard Stephens started the day with ‘How it all Began SHCT the First 50 years’ with the story of those especially concerned about the parlous state of many of Suffolk’s medieval churches. In 1973 under the leadership of the then Duke of Grafton several people with an interest in Suffolk’s eccesiastical heritage got together to form the Trust to raise funds for repair grants. The talk was illustrated with photos from the archives plus some fascinating facts and figures on how much has been achieved
Roy Tricker shared his enthusiasm and love of the Victorians influence on Suffolk’s churches illustrated with many photographs and drawings which served to underline how they made a significant contribution to the preservation of medieval churches and also built some interesting churches of their own such as Higham, St. Stephen by Sir George Gilbert Scott.
In the afternoon Clive Paine talked about how our churches were furnished and decorated in medieval times and how much has survived. Rooves, figures and niches; wall paintings, stone carving, woodcarving there is so much to look out for. Clive with his expert knowledge was able to point out so much that is still visible but with significance not always understood. Highlights included the distinctive work of Master Mason Hawes of Occold, one of the few mastercraftman known to us by name. Also the facinating range of roof carvings at Gazley recently photographed for a book Men, Myths and Monsters.
Higham, St. Stephen Occold arcade, Wingfield Angel and organ Gazeley
Tributes to mark Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee carry on into 2023 in Suffolk, with the news that the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust (SHCT) has awarded £152,000 to 51 churches.
A record annual amount is given to support church buildings in time for the 50th anniversary of the Trust.
Figure announced for the money raised by Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride and Pedal & Drive Day.
Last year the Trustees of the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust decided to allocate £70,000 to a Jubilee Fund for projects the Trust saw as a fitting tribute to the Queen’s remarkable 70 year reign.
They deliberately ruled out applications relating to structural work which is the bread & butter of their normal grant-giving and instead to ask for works they would not normally fund like the restoration of clocks, monuments, paintings, textiles, books, organs, stained glass and churchyard works. To spread the money grant would only be awarded to projects that would not exceed £5,000 ,with the requested grant expected to cover the bulk if not the entire costs of the project.
In the event, the Trust received 55 applications adding up to over £180,000. Owing to the enormous generosity of two supporters of the Trust who had recently left very substantial legacies to the SHCT, the Trustees felt able to bridge most, if not all, of the gap and to award £152,000 to 51 churches right across Suffolk.
Chairman of the SHCT Geoffrey Probert commented ‘Our Charity is here to help in the upkeep of our glorious inheritance of Suffolk churches and chapels, so it gives us huge pleasure that so many churches came forward with imaginative ways to mark the Jubilee. Her Late Majesty was Patron of the National Churches Trust and I’m sure she would have been thrilled to see so many projects being realised in her name in Suffolk’.
The successful projects ranged from a Jubilee Garden at St Mary Martlesham to installing a Royal Coat of Arms at St Mary’s, Raydon, and the skyline of Suffolk will be enhanced by a new weathervane at St Mary Magdalene, Debenham. The restoration of St Mary Withersfield tower clock and the repainting of the sundial at Bradfield St George also feature. All manner of improved community facilities have been funded, such as a wheelchair ramp at St Andrew Brockley, new notice boards at St Peter’s, Thurston and St Mary’s, Mendlesham, and a commemoration bench at St John Elmswell, (see full list below).
Restore the hatchments at St Nicholas, Hintlesham New wooden and glazed door at St Andrew’s, Gt FinboroughRestore the churchyard gates at St Mary’s, Dennington Restore the sundial at Bradfield St George
The Trustees of SHCT continue to award grants towards church, chapel and meeting house building projects, four times a year, so these grants are in addition to the £60,000 awarded to ten churches at the January grants meeting.
“January has proved to be an exhilarating month for the Grants Committee which has been able to award a total of £212,00 this time,” said a delighted SHCT Grants Chairman, John Devaux, “as we have increased our maximum grant to £20,000, we have been able to award £15,000 to St Margaret’s at Thrandesdon and £10,000 to St Peter’s, Stutton for essential work on their roofs. This means that the total awarded in the year 2022-23 amounted to an amazing £317,700.”
Churches awarded Grants for building and improvement projects:
Brantham, Stutton, Thrandeston, Stradbroke, Ringsfield, Shelley, Beccles, Boyton, Fornham All Saints and Hintlesham.
The money came from legacies to the Trust, and also money raised by the annual Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride and Pedal & Drive events held in September.
“We are delighted to announce that in one day our cyclists, walkers, drivers and volunteers raised almost £180,000,” added Geoffrey. “A quarter of those taking part were families but also included many over 70 year olds! We would like to thank everyone who got involved, including all the sponsors.”
Next year’s Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride and Pedal & Drive is on Saturday 9th September and will be part of a Suffolk Churches Fortnight as the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust celebrate their 50th anniversary with a service at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, and other events.
ST Peter’s, Stutton (photo Simon Knott) St Margaret’s, Thrandeston (photo Simon Knott)
Churches awarded Jubilee Grants:
St Mary Magdalene, Debenham – weather vane
St Mary’s, Kersey- 3 new windows, clear with a red, white and blue highlight in the centre
St Andrews Brockely – wheelchair ramp
St Michaels Beccles – lectern
St Marys Kentford – handrail
St Peter and St Paul, Fressingfield – door curtain and altar cloth
St Peter’s Acton – refurbish organ
All Saints, Hitcham – bench end panels
St Mary’s Raydon – Royal Coat of Arms
St Johns Denham – porch commemorative window
All Saints, Hollesley – catering unit
St John, Elmswell – a churchyard bench
St Mary’s Withersfield – clock restoration
St Edmund, Assington – mobile servery unit
St Nicholas, Thelnetham – 25 kneeler kits
St Peters Thurston – notice boards
All Saints, Sproughton – organ modification
St Mary’s Hinderclay – sound system
St Marys Mendelsham- noticeboard by the gate
Bradfield St George – restore sundial
St Marys Pakenham – tea urn
St Andrew Cotton – replace QEll Coronation Light
St Peter Hepworth – automatic clock winder
St Andrew, GT Finborogh – glazed porch doors
Holy Trinity, Long Melford – eight flower stands
St Marys Nettlestead – churchyard bench
St Bartholomew’s, Ingham – churchyard wall
St Peter, Spexhall – restore creed boards
St Mary’s Walsham le Willows – replace flags and curtain
St Marys Dennington – churchyard gates
St Gregory’s Barnham – conservation of hatchment
All Saints, Gt Ashfield – Clergy chairs
St Mary at the Elms Ipswich – remote bell chimer
All Saints, Worlington – churchyard gates
All Saints, Chelsworth – restore the font
St Mary’s, Martlesham – Jubilee garden
All Saints, Stanton -altar
All Saints, Stuston – bird doors in porch
St Mary’s, Worlingworth – organ bellows
SS Mary’s and Botolph, Whitton– window roundel
St Mary’s, Clopton- altar repositioning
St Mary’s, Bures – live stream videoing
St Nicholas, Hintlesham – restore two hatchments
All saints, Hartest – display boards
Our Lady and St Edmunds, Withermarsh Green – restore tabernacle and gradine
May is the month to discover more walks in Suffolk as it is when the Suffolk Walking Festival is held, and this year some guided walks are of special interest to church lovers.
Seventy walks are planned between 13 and 29th May in 2023 and each has a walk leader who can interpret the landscape, knows about the history of the area or has specialist knowledge for that walk.
“We have the launch on 13th May at the beautiful Thornham estate with five walks in one day,” David Falk the Festival Director explained. “The Henniker family have been there since the 1800’s so we have a walk about the history of the estate, two foraging ‘tasting walks’, nibbling food as we go, there is a night safari, and a walk from Thornham to Mellis Common, along Cow Pasture Lane, a 1000 year old droving trail, coming back via the 14th century St Mary’s church, at Thornham Parva with its frescos.”
Simon Knott on his website Suffolk Churches says,
St Mary’s. Thornham Parva (Photo by Simon Knott)
“You have to step inside to discover Thornham Parva church is one of the most remarkable small churches in East Anglia, a treasure house, an aesthetic pleasure, a delight. …A church that attracts visitors from all over the world. If it were in the Victoria and Albert Museum, we would willingly travel to London to see them and pay handsomely for doing so.”
There the walkers will see a depiction of the martyrdom of St Edmunds and learn more about the 14thcentury church.
There are two church-related walks for Rogation Day, when on 15th May a long distance walk will leave St Edmundsbury Cathedral to follow the parish boundary of St Mary’s with St Peter’s. You can also join in with ‘Beating the Bounds’ for Rogation Day on 20th May with a challenging and varied walk following the boundaries of the ecclesiastical parishes of Exning with Landwade, St Agnes Exning and St Mary Newmarket.
Some of the 70 Festival walks are free and for some there is a small fee which go towards covering the cost of organising the Festival, and any specific expenses, such as transport or refreshments. Most of the marketing and all the ticket sales are now online and the advertised walks state the length, time it will take and level of difficulty.
Grants awarded to eight churches …and there is still time to apply for a Queens Jubilee grant, in HM memory.
At its recent meeting the Grants Committee of Suffolk Historic Churches Trust awarded grants totalling nearly £45,000 to eight churches.
The largest grant, of £10,000, was awarded to St Mary’s at Stoke by Nayland, after the fall of the outer flintwork of the south aisle wall (pictured above). United Reform Church had a grant towards replacing their heating system, and at St Mary’s, Stonham Aspal the money will go towards improving disabled facilities (pictured below).
Also awarded grants were St Margaret’s Westhorpe, St John’s Ilketshall St John, St Peters Fakenham Magna, All Saints Gt Ashfield, and St Peters Copdock.
Suffolk Historic Churches Trust give grants towards the cost of repairs and improvements to churches, chapels and meeting houses, four times year in January, April, July and October. Details of how to apply are HERE
Special Jubilee Grant for 2022- closing date approaching!
Trustees will soon be allocating money from the special Queen’s Jubilee memorial fund, where churches and chapels can apply for grants of up to £5,000.
“Applications for grants remain buoyant and Suffolk Historic Churches Trust is delighted that it was able to make awards totalling £44,900 in October”, explained John Devaux, SHCT Grants Chairman. “The Trust announced earlier this year that it will, in addition, be awarding Platinum Jubilee Grants of up to £5,000 for projects which would not normally qualify for a grant. The work should be a fitting tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth ll’s long reign and Jubilee.”
Applications to come in so far have included for a church weathervane, wheelchair ramps and handrails, organ repairs and commemorative stained glass.
The Trust decided to award this extra series of grants, totalling £70,000, with each grant generally being up to £5,000 for work that will benefit the community and congregation and will provide a fitting tribute to the Queen’s long reign. Structural work is not included as the usual grants can be applied for in those cases.
Generally, the Jubilee grants will be expected to coverthe bulk if not the entire costs of the project and may include, but not exclusively: clocks, monuments, paintings, textiles, books, organs, stained glass and wooden objects.
The closing date for applications for Platinum Jubilee Grants is 31st December 2022. Further information and a grant application form can be found HERE
Tickets on sale from 30 September for St Edmund’s Day Weekend Spectacular 17-20 November
Tickets for the spectacular light show over St Edmund’s Day weekend will be on sale from Friday, 30 September. Taking place every evening between 17 and 20 November in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, the light show is part of the celebrations for the 1000th anniversary of the founding of the Abbey of St Edmund.
Sound and light projections onto the historic Norman Tower and St Edmundsbury Cathedral Tower will tell the story of St Edmund and the founding of the Abbey using carefully researched historic images, accompanied by an enchanting themed light trail through the Abbey Gardens.
The two video projections will use 3D mapping directly onto the surface of the buildings, as opposed to a conventional screen, resulting in visually striking effects, creating an unmissable finale to the year’s celebrations. Each projection will be repeated during the evening.
Images will be from many historic sources including illuminated manuscripts from the Abbey such as the Bury Bible and Lydgate’s Life of St Edmund, combined with special lighting effects, music and voices.
The Weekend Spectacular experience begins at the Norman Tower. View the projection on the building, then follow the special effects light trail through the Abbey Gardens taking in the Abbey ruins, Rose Garden and the Pilgrims Herb Garden. The trail emerges into the Cathedral car park, where you can view the second projection on the side of the Cathedral Tower.
Rev’d Canon Matthew Vernon, St Edmundsbury Cathedral said; “This is a fantastic culmination of a year long celebration of 1000 years since the founding of the Abbey of St Edmund. We hope residents and visitors alike will join us to celebrate here at the Norman Tower, St Edmundsbury Cathedral, and the Abbey Gardens where it all started 1000 years ago.”
Cllr Jo Rayner, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture at West Suffolk Council said; “This is an opportunity for people from across our communities to come together to celebrate, share and enjoy this special moment in our unique and wonderful history.
“We know that the last few years, when these celebrations were originally planned for, have been difficult and this year continues to present us all with new challenges.
Never-the-less, we and our communities are proud of our history and heritage in West Suffolk. That is why I am delighted that the partnership has been able to secure support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for these events including the Weekend Spectacular which alongside the Christmas in Bury St Edmunds events, we hope will provide some winter sparkle and cheer to communities and local businesses.”
Libby Ranzetta, Chair of Abbey 1000 C.I.C, said; “This fabulous event will evoke the magnificence of the Abbey of St Edmund at the height of its glory, when pilgrims from all over Europe would travel miles by foot and horseback to kneel at St Edmund’s bejewelled shrine and marvel at the huge abbey church. We thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund, local businesses, Bury St Edmunds Town Council and West Suffolk Council for making this and the other Abbey 1000 celebratory events possible throughout 2022.”
Fully accessible, it will take around 20-30 minutes to walk through the light trail with timed and ticketed admission. Tickets for the evening will be on sale from 8.00am on 30 September online at www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk/whats-on or in person at The Apex box office priced at £3 per person, with free entry for under 5s.
The Weekend Spectacular is among nine important Abbey 1000 events supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It is being jointly organised by St Edmundsbury Cathedral and West Suffolk Council on behalf of Abbey 1000 C.I.C, while West Suffolk
College is producing the Abbey Gardens trail. The light show will be created by the award-winning Projection Studio, who have created 3D video mapping on several UK landmark buildings including the Blackpool Tower and York Minster.
