Each week a small flower arrangement is placed on the side altar (except during Lent). Many people wish to create the arrangement themselves in memory of someone or to celebrate a special occasion, and they indicate this on the rota at the back of church. If you don't feel confident to create an arrangement yourself, you can "sponsor a Flower Lady" to do it for you (by adding an asterisk when you put your name on the rota).

The church is beautifully decorated for Christmas, Easter and Harvest. Here are photos of some of the Easter 2018 arrangements.

In addition to decorating the church for regular services and festivals, the church's skilled flower arrangers provide their expertise for weddings and funerals in the church.

Find out more from: Pauline Voce.
 

The art of change ringing evolved in England in the early 17th century and is practised at St Mary's on the peal of eight bells, the oldest date from 1894; the newest were installed in 2009.

We have an active band of ringers who ring for Sunday services, weddings and other special occasions.

Did you know: bells are the largest and loudest instrument in the world; and ringing is a good way of getting gentle physical exercise.

In order to ensure that we continue to have enough ringers for services and regular practice, we welcome new ringers, including lapsed ringers who haven't rung for a while. Bell ringing is open to everyone with any level of fitness. Young ringers are welcome too, the only criteria being that they are capable of reaching the bell rope and handling the bell - typically 10 to 12 years old and upwards. And, of course, all tuition is free.

If you're interested in seeing the bells rung, and even having a go yourself, why not come along to our practice night and see for yourself what is involved in this ancient, quintessentially English pastime.

Practice nights are every Monday evening from 7:30pm until 9:00pm and we're always pleased to greet new, visiting and returning ringers.

To find out more (or indeed everything) about church bell ringing go to Discover Bell Ringing.

To find out more about ringing at St Mary's, get in touch with Susan Manley, the Tower Contact.
 

St Mary's has an enthusiastic robed choir who lead the congregation in worship, accompanied by the organ. In addition to Sunday services, the choir sing at weddings for which they receive a small fee.

They also perform anthems for special services, and are particularly busy over Easter and Christmas, with both Advent and Christmas carol services.

Choir practice is in St Mary's Church on Wednesdays at 7:00pm. Newcomers, ideally with a basic ability to read music, are always welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find out more from: Angela North.
 

This is a group of volunteers who provide pastoral support for members of St Mary's worshipping community who are unable to come to church through illness or infirmity, and in times of distress.

Pastoral support can include a visit by a volunteer or a friendly voice at end of a phone line. Also, if you used to receive Communion at St Mary's, but can no longer attend in person, the Pastoral Group can arrange for Home Communion to be brought to you in your own home.

Find out more from: Pauline Voce.