A series of events were held in 2024 to celebrate the 600th Anniversary of the Church. These were aimed at bringing the community together to join in marking this wonderful achievement with events ranging from a Village fete with dog show and pop-up pub to a formal celebration of the establishment of the Church as a place of worship, led by the Archbishop of York.
Church fete
Our summer fete took place on Saturday 8th June and was officially opened this year by Susan Russell who has helped out in some way for 46 years! There was something for everyone with stall, games, teas and afternoon tea served in the Parish Room. The finale of the fete was the Annual Dog show, a very popular event for families, with rosettes being awarded to the winners and owners. A pop-up pub and BBQ was held in the evening with the warm sunny weather attracting a good crowd
Art Exhibition
An Exhibition of local Art took place in the Church from 8th-9th June to coincide with the timing of the summer fete. This display incorporated beautiful balletic figures by our local, sculptor Andrian Melka. Three other local Artists, Maude Smith, Michael Booth and Pennie Lordan exhibited their paintings which included landscapes in watercolours and oils. Maude’s work included the beautiful tea towel she had designed featuring scenes from the Church’s stained-glass windows to commemorate the Anniversary. The exhibition was featured in the York Press and The Times newspapers.
Service of Celebration
A Service of Celebration was held on Sunday 30th June, led by The Right Honorable and Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York. The service was very well-attended by local dignitaries, the village community and friends and supporters of the Church. The service began with two pieces performed by the village handbell group, one of which was specially written for the event. The Archbishop gave thanks for the 600 years of worship which had taken place there and for the continuation of the faith in the parish. Following the service, the Archbishop buried a Time Capsule, the contents of which had been devised by the children of the village to be opened in 50 years’ time on 30th June 2074.
Il Cor Cristo Choir Concert
A Concert of music across the Six Centuries of All Saints Church was performed by the Il Cor Cristo choir on Friday 28th June. The Church echoed with the haunting tones of mediaeval music as the choir began the concert by processing in from the rear of the Church. The singers who included York Minster choristers filled the Church with their beautiful harmonies which were much appreciated by the audience. Talented local amateur singers joined the choir for part of the performance.
Festival of Flowers
The final event of the summer was a Festival of Flowers held in the Church from Saturday 13th Sunday 14th July. All of the flowers were grown by local gardeners and displayed by a dedicated and talented group of flower arrangers. The event was held over a sunny weekend and was a tremendous success with hundreds of visitors attending and marvelling at the beautiful displays.
Episcopal Choir
We were very fortunate to host a visiting Choir from the Episcopal Church of Memphis, Tennessee on Sunday 13th October. The Holy Apostles Choir delighted the congregation with their sacred music which resonated beautifully in the Church. A tea was held afterwards at Doyly’s tearoom.
Christmas Quiz
The final event of the celebration year was a Christmas quiz with mulled wine and mince pies held in the Parish Room. The event was fully subscribed with 8 teams competing for the specially designed Championship trophy and the honour of winning! After a closely fought competition, the Bolton lodge team emerged as victors. They will share the trophy for a year before passing on to the winning team next year.