Community Together at St Mary's

Since reopening in March, St Mary's has continued to welcome visitors through a growing programme of events, activities and community gatherings. The past few weeks have seen families, nature enthusiasts, games players and gin lovers all enjoying the newly restored building in different ways, demonstrating the wide range of opportunities now taking place within this beautiful historic space.

Springtime Spectacular Delights Visitors

Our Springtime Spectacular in May was a wonderful celebration of spring, community and heritage. Blessed with glorious sunshine, visitors enjoyed a packed programme of activities including crafts, bell ringing, wildlife-themed activities, refreshments and family-friendly entertainment throughout the day.

The event brought together people of all ages and showcased how St Mary's is evolving into a thriving community hub while still celebrating its rich heritage and beautiful surroundings. It was particularly encouraging to welcome many visitors who had not previously stepped inside the church and to see families exploring the building together.

A huge thank you goes to our volunteers, activity providers and supporters who helped make the day such a success.

Games Night Returns

Following positive feedback from our first Games Night, we welcomed players back for another relaxed evening of board games, strategy games and friendly competition.

From chess and backgammon to classic family favourites, the evening provided a great opportunity for people to meet new friends, reconnect with neighbours and enjoy the church in a completely different way. Laughter, conversation and a little healthy rivalry filled the building throughout the evening.

One of the most rewarding aspects of these events is seeing people who may never normally meet spending time together around a shared activity.

Gin: A Story in Three Serves

June saw a rather different audience gather at St Mary's for our "Gin: A Story in Three Serves" evening.

Guests enjoyed an entertaining and informative journey through the history of gin, learning about different styles and discovering what makes the perfect serve. Live demonstrations, cocktails, delicious canapés and a fun tasting challenge made for an enjoyable and sociable evening.

The event received excellent feedback from attendees and demonstrated once again the versatility of the newly restored building as a venue for learning, socialising and community events.

Special thanks go to Helen Murphy and her team for creating such a memorable evening.

Moth Discovery Morning Reveals Hidden Wildlife

Early risers gathered at St Mary's for our fascinating Moth Discovery event, led by our ecologist, Richard Wren and moth enthusiast, Kate Smith.

Using specially designed moth traps set overnight, visitors were able to see an impressive variety of species up close and learn more about the remarkable wildlife living on our doorstep. From beautifully coloured moths to masters of camouflage, there was plenty to discover.

The event formed part of our environmental heritage programme, helping people connect with the natural world around St Mary's while contributing to a greater understanding of local biodiversity.

Many visitors left with a new appreciation for these often-overlooked creatures and the important role they play in our environment.

Looking Ahead

There is plenty more to come over the summer and beyond.

Our online fundraising auction launches on 19 June and runs until 10 July, featuring a wide range of prizes and experiences donated by local businesses and supporters.

Families can also look forward to children's activities during the summer, including our popular Sandpit Excavations, while Cornerstone Café continues to welcome visitors every Monday and Tuesday between 11am and 3pm.

Whether you are interested in heritage, wildlife, community events, learning new skills or simply enjoying a coffee in a beautiful setting, there is something for everyone at St Mary's.

To find out more about upcoming events, visit our What's On pages and follow The Way Forward project on Facebook and Instagram.