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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 peninsular 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.
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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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| An attractive new noticeboard for St Mary's has been made and erected. 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 | ||