Josh Tilley, CC BY-SA 4.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
St Mary’s Church, St Clare Rd, Walmer, has entered a new chapter.
After many months of careful planning and building work, its new community facilities are now fully open and already being enjoyed by many.
The improvements include an attractive kitchen and refreshment area, accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities, all thoughtfully designed to complement this beautiful Victorian church without compromising its historic character. Together they make St Mary’s an even more welcoming venue for concerts, talks, exhibitions, community groups and local events throughout the year.
The vision behind the project has always been simple: to make this much-loved building an even better resource for the whole community of Walmer and Deal.
A Festival of Hymns
One of the first major community events to make use of these new facilities will be a Festival of Hymns, taking place at 3pm on Saturday 19th September as part of this year’s national Heritage Open Weekend. This free event will celebrate some of Britain’s best-loved hymns, bringing to life the fascinating stories behind the words, the music and the people who created them.
This is not a church service, but a light-hearted and entertaining exploration of an important part of our musical and cultural heritage. Whether you enjoy singing, prefer simply to listen, or are interested in local history, there will be something for everyone.
Led by Revd Dr Richard Warden, the afternoon will feature familiar hymns including Jerusalem, Amazing Grace, Abide with Me, Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, The Lord’s My Shepherd and several other well-known hymns. Between the hymns, Richard will give short, illustrated introductions revealing the fascinating stories behind the words and music.
You’ll discover, for example:
• Which famous composer lived in Deal and wrote one of England’s finest hymn tunes.
• Which hymn became known around the world as the Royal Navy’s hymn.
• Which was the Queen Mother’s favourite hymn.
• Which hymn has links with Winston Churchill.
• Why one Welsh hymn is sung with such passion at rugby internationals.
• How hymns have reflected Britain’s history, literature, poetry and changing national story over the last four hundred years.
Some hymns have surprising local connections, while others have become part of our shared national heritage, sung at royal occasions, sporting events, Remembrance services and celebrations across the country.
The afternoon will last about 75 minutes. No musical knowledge is needed, and there is certainly no requirement to sing. Come and sing, hum along, or simply sit back and enjoy the music and stories in one of Walmer’s most attractive historic buildings.
Afterwards, refreshments will be served from the church’s new kitchen area, offering a chance to look around the building, meet friends old and new, and enjoy the hospitality of St Mary’s.
Admission is free, with voluntary donations welcomed. Everyone is warmly invited and we hope to see you there.
St Mary’s Church
St Clare Rd, Walmer, Deal CT14 7NQ