Please note: the programme for the weekend is still being finalised and the list of events and times below is provisional.
On 18 and 19 May we’re organising a weekend of activities and fun in the grounds of St Mary’s Church.
The 17th Century tower will be open for unparalleled views across the area, there will be live music, parachuting teddies and lots of family-friendly games and activities.
Many local organisations will be there and contributing to this community event.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
Provisional programme
| 10.00am-4.00pm | Refreshments available (tea, coffee, cakes & sandwiches) |
| 10.00am-4.00pm | Local groups and organisations will be displaying information about their activities and how you can join in |
| 10.00am-4.00pm | Plant stall – vegetables and plants ready to plant out in your garden (run by St Mary’s Church) |
| 10.00am-4.00pm | St Mary’s Church open to visitors |
| 10.00am-4.00pm | Church trail: Pick up an entry form and enjoy exploring and learning about the church buildings. Suitable for all ages although older trail blazers may give a little help to younger participants. Return your entry by 4.00pm; highest score wins a prize! |
| 10.00am-3.00pm | Airborne Teddies – bring your teddy and parachute along and book him in for his afternoon flight |
| 10.30am | Children’s story and rhyme time with Rickmansworth Library on the grass by the Bury entrance. All ages welcome. |
| 10.50am | St Mary’s Church bellringers will ring a short peal |
| 11.00am | Welcome ceremony |
| 11.15am-12.00pm | Live traditional jazz with the Stockers Stompers |
| 11.30am-12.30pm | Tower open for visitors to view the ringing chamber, bell chamber and enjoy the best view of Rickmansworth from the top Please note: Visitors must be 8 or older. Young visitors must be accompanied by an adult. |
| 11.45pm | Children’s story and rhyme time with Rickmansworth Library on the grass by the Bury entrance. All ages welcome. |
| 12.00pm | St Mary’s School Choir |
| 12.30pm | Drill demonstration by the Royal British Legion and explanation of the flag symbols |
| 1.00pm-1.30pm | Live traditional jazz with the Stockers Stompers |
| 2.00pm-3.00pm | Tower open for visitors to view the ringing chamber, bell chamber and enjoy the best view of Rickmansworth from the top Please note: Visitors must be 8 or older. Young visitors must be accompanied by an adult. |
| 2.15pm-3.00pm | St Mary’s Church Choir will sing your favourite hymn for a donation of 50p New members are always welcome to try out for the choir |
| 3.00pm-3.30pm | Airborne Teddies take to the sky and parachute off the top of the tower |
| 7.15pm | Quiz Supper in the Church Centre £12.50 per person including food and a glass of wine. Tables of 8. Booking essential (07714 706146) |
Provisional programme
| 8.00am | Said Holy Communion (traditional language) |
| 10.00am | Holy Communion to celebrate Pentecost (modern language with music) |
| 12.15pm | Said Holy Communion (modern language) |
| 11.00am-4.00pm | Plant stall – vegetables and plants ready to plant out in your garden (run by St Mary’s Church) |
| 1.00pm-4.00pm | St Mary’s Church open to visitors |
| 2.00pm-4.00pm | Refreshments served (tea, coffee and cakes) |
| 2.30pm-3.00pm | Walking tour inside and outside St Mary’s Church with local historian Chris Hillier (meet at the back of the church at 2.30pm) |
| 3.00pm-4.00pm | Songs in the Key of Life Concert featuring a world of good music: Bach to Villa-Lobos, Amy Winehouse to Led Zeppelin |
Your teddy bear can earn his own Brave Bear Certificate by parachuting off the top of the church’s 17th Century tower, the tallest bear-accessible structure in Rickmansworth.
Bring your bear and his parachute along during the day on Saturday and book his flight which will take place between 3-3.30pm on Saturday afternoon.
If your bear isn’t up for the challenge, you can buy one of our hand-knitted bears which you can take home after its flight.
There is no age limit for bears (or, indeed, their owners) and we look forward to seeing their descents on all social media in the forthcoming days.
There is a nominal suggested donation of £2 for each bear’s flight. This will go towards St Mary’s Church and its upkeep.
On Saturday visitors will be able to climb 20.6m to the top of the seventeenth century church tower to enjoy the best view of Rickmansworth.
The minimum age to climb the tower is 8 years old. Young people between 8-16 must be accompanied by an adult.
It is very important that you follow these guidelines as the stairs are steep:
- Hold on to all handrails where provided
- On the stairs, don’t get too close to other people, especially when descending
- When descending, face inwards towards the steps
- On the spire roof, be aware of the roof ridges to prevent tripping and stay within the roped enclosure
Songs in the Key of Life
Sunday 19 May at 3.00pm
A world of good music from Bach to Villa-Lobos, Amy Winehouse to Led Zeppelin
With performances by:
- Shay Soremekun : Voice and Violin
- Hilary Pearce : Voice
- Mike Blackman : Cello
- David Conway : Classical and Acoustic Guitar
- Andrew Sykes : Piano
- Tom Conway : Electric and Bass Guitar
We’re delighted to be welcoming many Rickmansworth groups and organisations as part of the Open Weekend. They will be with us on Saturday 18 May.
Huge thanks to the myriad of people who have contributed towards this weekend’s activities:
- Everyone at St Mary’s Church has given their time and skills to put together this community event
- Batchworth Community Council, St Mary’s School, Scouts and Girlguiding UK for the loan of equipment
- Three Rivers District Council grounds maintenance team and the St Mary’s churchyard gardening team for preparing the church grounds
- The Knit & Natter group (meets on Tuesdays at Rickmansworth Library) and the St Mary’s craft group for knitting brave teddies
- Everyone who has supported this weekend, from its initial concepts to realisation of the various plans and ideas
Download the programme of events (not yet available)