Friday November 25 |
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Jazz in St Mary's – |
posted Nov4 |
Friday Oct 14 7.30pm |
Organ Recital – Rod Starr Organ Recital in St Mary's at 7.30pm . A Friends of Chidham churches event. Tickets £5, from Steve Clark 574129, Stephen Johnson 572059 (and Father David). |
Friday Nov 25 7.30pm |
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Jazz in St Mary's – Helen MacD and her musicians |
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| Events for 2010 : St Mary's Church Chidham - Celebrating 800 Years |
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Fine Bone China Mugs . St Mary's Church Chidham  Celebrating 800 Years 1210 - 2010 Sold Out Contact Stephen Johnson or tel 572059 For The Friends of Chidham Churches |
On Tuesday 21 December there was
Village Carol Singing
outside
St Wilfrid's,
Broad Road, as the last event of the 1210 - 2010 800 years Celebration. |
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The Occasional Choir sang, and if you look carefully, Chidham Bear got into the photographs. |
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Friday 15th October St Mary's 7.30pm |
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Organ Recital Rod Starr with Stella Starr |
Tickets £5 inc Refreshments from |
Sunday Oct 3rd |
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posted Oct 3 |
Chidham at the Emsworth Museum - September |
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Chidham and the 800th Anniversary of St. Mary's church was featured at Emsworth Museum during September. Thanks to Alyzn Johnson and Philip MacDougall for putting the display together. |
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Fri 17th Sept. in St Mary's |
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posted Sept 2 |
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Friends of Chidham Churches
St Mary's Church - Celebrating 800 years: 1210 - 2010 |
| Roger Hayles and Diana Beale guided us round the Cobnor Coastline taking in the 'Gerald Daniel' and through the woods back to Cobnor House. | |
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Interesting, we learnt about the 'Gerald Daniel', recent archaeological studies, as well as the local ecology, and came back refreshed! Thanks to Roger and Diana |
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| Friends of Chidham Churches
St Mary's Church - Celebrating 800 years: 1210 - 2010 |
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Sat
July 24 |
'Food and Drink from Times Past' in the Vicarage Gardens Taste food and drink from down the ages in a delightful setting. 800 years of food and drink for only £10 has to be a bargain! |
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St Mary's: 1210 - 2010: Celebrating 800 years |
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St Mary's Church Flower Festival Theme: Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 verses 1 – 8 ‘To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the heavens’ July 2/ 3/ 4 see the photos and don't miss the Teazle People |
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Celebrating 800 years |
1210 - 2010 |
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Thanks to Nina and her army of helpers for putting on a wonderful show, and giving a great many people a great deal of pleasure. |
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Village Barn Dance A wonderful evening - balmy weather, fantastic band, great time had by all - see photos. |
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Posted June 28 |
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The windows will be blessed by the Bishop of Horsham at the 10am Service on Sunday 28 November 2010 . The design explores the activities of St. Cuthman wheeling his mother to Steyning and St. Wilfrid teaching the local people to fish. Fishing and fish are, of course, wonderful Christian symbols. St. Wilfrid is shown hauling in the fishing nets, the fish leaping to him and seagulls swooping to join the activity, surrounding the Saint with movement. He is drawing in the fish and fowl almost like a magnet. The balance of the complete composition focuses on this figure in the larger window. The nets are drawn from the left hand window into the right hand window. St. Cuthman is shown on the left. His path is an extension of the fishing nets. In the distance he is working his way along the coast with his wheelbarrow. The windows are created from hand made antique glass. The design is etched, stained, painted and fired. |
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MEL HOWSE designs and makes contemporary architectural, ecclesiastical and fine art installations. A glass artist by training and practice, Mel’s work centres around the creation of vitreous art onto both glass and metals. Mel’s mission is to create unique public art ranging from traditionally-informed ecclesiastical stained glass to modern enamelled metals and glass – in keeping with the best that technology can deliver. www.melhowse.com |
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| May 21st The History of St Mary's | A talk by Philip MacDougall |
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Sunday 9th May 2010 |
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St Mary's: Celebrating 800 years |
Over 100 people entered the 3.5 mile event. In aid of ‘Help For Heroes' and Friends of St Mary's Church. |
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The cost of the window is around £14000 and the plan is for it to be installed in June. We are hoping that as many people as possible will want to support this effort, so that it can be seen as something to which the whole community has contributed. |
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1210 - 2010: Celebrating 800 years of St Mary's Church, Chidham, |
posted May 17 | |||
The Stone Work of St Mary's Church: David Bone at St Mary's April 24th 2010
A write up by Philip MacDougall from his notes. |
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posted 28/3/10 Sorry about the delay in getting these on the website |
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| Feb 20th The Bishops' Kitchen Cookery Demonstration | |||
'The Bishops' Kitchen' is a unique compilation of the favourite recipes of the Bishop's of the Church of England. The book, the idea of Carol Vigor has been published as part of the celebration for the 800 years at St Mary's Church, Chidham.
All proceeds from the book are going to the Friends of Chidham Churches, and the book is on sale, price £7.50 from Carol Vigor, c/o The Friends of Chidham Churches, |
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| The book was launched at a Cookery demonstration evening hosted by the Friends of Chidham Churches held at St Wilfrid's Church Hall on Saturday February 20th , and featuring chefs Philip Taylor of Brighton's award winning ‘Terre a Terre' restaurant, and Garry Vigor of Admiral Catering. The Hall was packed as the Chef's cooked a number of the recipes from the book, which includes recipes contributed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, as well as the Bishop of Chichester. Better still, the audience got to taste all the recipes made during the evening. Carol Vigor said "One recipe that the chef's didn't make on the night was ‘Vampire Chicken' contributed by the former Bishop of Horsham. This recipe calls for improbable quantities of garlic, so while I am sure it's delicious, it's perhaps best tried out in the privacy of your own home." |
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'The Bishops' Kitchen'
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'The Bishops' Kitchen' is a unique recipe book - favourite recipes contributed by Bishops of the Church of England. Wonderful unique book, brilliant present £7.50 per copy Order here |
Published to celebrate 1210 - 2010 St Mary's 800 years |
Posted 27th Jan |
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History and Social Evening Jan 27th |
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St Wilfrid's Church Hall was packed for the local history and social evening where local historian and author Philip MacDougall gave a talk about the social history of Chidham, Hambrook and Nutbourne. |
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Philip's book 'Chidham, Hambrook and Nutbourne - A Social History' is on sale .. Price £8
(Order here) |
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| A new stained glass window for St Mary's | |
| The Window project St Mary's Church is a 13th century church in what for most of its history has not been a wealthy parish. We feel that we now have the opportunity to do something to enhance the beauty of the church by the addition of a piece of art in the form of a stained glass window. This would also be a tangible way of marking the 800 year anniversary of the building in 2010, and demonstrating that our church is not only of the past, but also very much of the present, with confidence in the future. |
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The Friends of Chidham Churches, constituted as a sub committee of the PCC, is an organisation formed to raise funds to maintain and enhance the fabric of the church. The Friends committee is championing the window project. Artist Mel Howse The Friends have commissioned local artist Mel Howse to design the window. Mel is based in Chichester and her portfolio includes work for Chichester Cathedral, Durham Cathedral, Lancing College Chapel, Boxgrove Priory and many other churches. She is an Associate Member of the British Society of Master Glass Painters and has been a Member of the Chichester Diocesan advisory Council since 2004. |
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| St Cuthman's chapel – topic: St Wilfrid and St Cuthman The commission is for the two windows at the eastern end of the aisle that forms St Cuthman's chapel. This is the chapel in which the children tend to congregate for the parish eucharists. The subjects of the window composition are local saints St Wilfrid and St Cuthman. St Wilfrid is associated with this part of Sussex , the sea and fishing, and St Cuthman was reputed to have come from Chidham. These are stories that interest children, and the medium of a stained glass window with its light and colour, and in particular Mel Howse's design, can move us all. |
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The design for the new window by Mel House. |
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| PCC Approval -
Diocesan approval The PCC initially approved the project in principal, and have given specific approval to the Mel Howse design. The project has also now received formal approval from the Diocesan Advisory Council. You will see that the Friends are planning a programme of events throughout 2010 to celebrate 800 years of worship at St Mary's. It is hoped that the new window will play an important part in our celebrations, and we hope will be installed in the first half of 2010. There will be a service of dedication with the new Bishop of Horsham towards the end of the year. The Cost and finding the money The window will cost around but not more than £14,000 which we hope to fund partly from funds raised by The Friends, and partly from individual donations. |
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Friday Nov 20th. |
Harp and Soprano Concert
at St Mary's A wonderful evening, two fine musicians, a varied musical programme, magical harp, a relaxed and informal evening. Fabulous food thanks to Gary and Carol Vigor, all helped along with a glass of something |
Sarah-Jane and Luisa-Maria performed a selection of songs, arias from opera and songs from the Shows. |
'Wine, Women and Song' |
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A Friends of Chidham Churches Concert |
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Rod Starr
Organ Recital at St Mary's |
Thanks to Rod for a great musical programme, and to Nina and her team for the wonderful food and to everybody who helped with or supported the event. A very enjoyable evening. |
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Oct 15th A 'Friends of Chidham Churches concert' |
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The Kiev Singers |
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at St Mary's. |
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Children from Chidham school listened to a rehearsal |
The Bandura is the National intrument of the Ukraine |
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The Friends of Chidham Churches |
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Rod Starr gave an Organ Recital in St Mary's on Friday Evening. It was an excellent and varied programme in two halves, with a very sociable interval, ending with Rod's own composition the very enjoyable Scherzo for two organs played by Rod and his wife Stella. |
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Sat June 28 |
‘Sun and Sangria' (we pushed our luck, but the sun shone..) canapes and aperitifs with a mediterranean theme in the vicarage gardens see photos a ‘Friends of Chidham Churches' event |
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April 25th 2008 'Lyra' at St Mary's, Chidham St Mary's was filled - Classical, Sacred and Russian Folk music - brilliant musicians - much enjoyed by all who were there. photos and report . A 'Friends of Chidham Churches' Concert |
'Cool Classics'
Friday Nov 9th, 2007 at St Mary's, Chidham. |
Rod Starr, Organ Recital: Friday Oct 12th, 2007 at St Mary's, Chidham A ‘Friends of Chidham Churches' Concert. |
| 'The Incredible Posse' |
Do you want to be a Friend of Chidham Churches? |
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| St Mary's, Chidham |
The present building has stood witness for many centuries and is still actively doing so. Although it is situated in a remote and isolated location it should be remembered that it is first and foremost a living and a very vigorous place of worship.
There exists a very noticeable amount of goodwill towards our Church from visitors and local residents of all persuasions in consequence, we are told, of welcome and spiritual peace that the church in its special setting affords.
An ongoing priority.
A past, present and ongoing priority is to respond sympathetically to the feelings of the many pilgrims who are attracted to the quiet "alone-ness" of a remote country church where they might feel closer affinity to God our Father than at other places.
The small and committed congregation of St Mary's Church, Chidham, have over many years maintained the building with the support of charitable grants, including the Lottery Fund and local benefactors.
They have also maintained a vibrant and welcoming worship community often in very difficult conditions.
After winding its way for over a mile across fields and through the village of Chidham , the narrow country road finally brings you to the Church of St Mary's.
The village is quite small but the very quiet remoteness of its early Norman church will reward the visitor with its peaceful and calm atmosphere.
Overlooking the Cobnor peninsula and Chichester Harbour, a nature reserve to the South, to the East, Bosham and ltchenor whilst to the North lie some very rich pastures and farmlands.
Please read on to find out more about this much loved place of worship and how it can be helped to continue to comfort and inspire.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) have always worked hard to encourage the congregation to be 'self-supporting' in terms of the worship element of our Church, however they are realistic and appreciate that this small congregation cannot, without outside help, keep the building and its surrounds as they should be kept. The PCC believes that the Friends of Chidham Churches will enable the worshipping community to share with others further a field both the joys and responsibilities of stewarding their place of worship and an historic building.
The Rural Church
A small rural church can be a catalyst as well as a witness and it can even work out that a small congregation can more practically develop itself in to a team whose individual gifts and skills can be used in the pastoral care of the wider community, as well as the Church itself. This is very true of Chidham where a small number of people are involved in many social and environmental issues.
Your help in becoming a 'Friend of Chidham Churches' will enable us to continue and, where possible, expand our vision and at the same time give us the opportunity to keep you in touch with current events, items of historic interest and above all Chidham Churches' progress into the second Millennium.
Being a Friend
The Friends is managed by a small committee of volunteers and funded by a nominal Annual Subscription. Enrolment is extended to visitors, friends and indeed any persons, young or old who would like to become more closely associated with both the historic and current interests of Chidham and its Churches of St Mary's and St Wilfrid's.
We undertake to send a twice-yearly newsletter to all Friends to keep you abreast of our news and to convey information that will be of interest. This will include a list of diary dates at or linked to the Chidham Churches.
As a 'Friend of Chidham Churches' we are asking of you several things all of which we hope you would see as a 'labour of love'.
Firstly; you're prayer and interest in us and our vision for the future.
Secondly; a regular financial commitment according to your means. (Please remember that if you pay Income Tax we are able to claim back from the Treasury any tax you have paid on your gift to Friends of Chidham Churches).
And thirdly; to be a public relations person on behalf of our beautiful Church. Telling friends and neighbours of our work and our needs.
Should you wish to become a 'Friend of Chidham Churches' please complete the application form and return it to the vicarage, with your donation, at the address shown.
| application form |
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To open the application form, you need Acrobat reader software installed on your computer.
Download Acrobat reader (if you don't have it already)
Thank you
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'The taste of (a traditional British) Summer' Pimms and Smoked Salmon in the Vicarage Gardens Saturday June 23rd, 2007 Report and photos |
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| Events arranged by the Friends | |
| Forthcoming events | |
Past events |
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| 9 Nov '07 | Cool Classics |
| 12 Oct '07 | Rod Starr - Organ Recital |
| 23 June '07 | Pimms and Smoked Salmon |
| 24 Nov '06 | 'The Incredible Posse' - St Mary's |
| 13 Oct '06 | Rod Starr - Organ recital |
| Mar 06 | 'Lyra' Evening of Russian Sacred and Folk music |
| Sept 05 | Rod Starr - Organ recital |
| 'The Incredible Posse' at St Mary's: Nov 24, 2006 | |
| The Friends of Chidham Churches brought 'The Incredible Posse' to Chidham for an evening of musical entertainment. The group performed a wide variety of songs including, in the first half, songs from many popular musical shows, rounding off the half with a Glenn Miller medley. During the interval, the audience was treated to wonderful mince pies and punch, thanks to Delph Archer and Gary Vigor respectively. Funds were also boosted by a raffle organised by Carol Vigor, which was very well supported.. In the second half the theme was seasonal with many popular Christmas songs. |
The Incredible Posse at St Mary' s
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| Alexis Twine, soprano, who is 14 years old, has a beautiful and mature voice. | |
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St Mary's new notice board It has been paid for with funds raised by the Friends of Chidham Churches. |
| Rod Starr - Organ Recital - Oct 13th, St Mary's
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| Over 70 people attended the Organ recital by Rod Starr in St Mary's on October 13th. The concert was promoted by the Friends of Chidham Churches. In the first half, the programme included pieces by Johann Pachelbel, Alec Rowley, Percy W Whitlock, and a Fanfare Prelude composed by Rod Starr himself. During the interval, refreshments were served | ||
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| The second half included pieces by Alec Rowley and Joseph Rheinberger. | ||
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| Special thanks to Rod Starr, and to Gary Vigor for the interval nibbles | ||