There’s a chance to take in 900 years of history as a church celebrates a huge anniversary with a weekend of events next month.
The oldest parts of the current St Mary’s in Whaplode was originally built around 1120-25.
To mark the huge milestone parishioners wanted to do something this year.
From September 5 to 7, there will be a host of events taking place, including a concert from the famed Military Wives Choir of Coningsby, reenactments, a craft fayre and display of classic cars.
South Holland District councillor Allan Beal said: “With the three days of community activities, it is a fantastic opportunity for people to not only enjoy the many different planned events, but to look around the church and marvel in the historic beauty of this 900-year-old building.
“There will be people on hand to answer questions regarding the architecture and many historical artefacts within, whilst allowing people to enjoy the refreshment from the stall holders or in the Heraldic Suite in the church.
“Come to celebrate as a community over these three days, which will include contributions from Transported and the Arts Council, especially geared to the younger visitors.”
The dates for the celebration have been chosen so the children from Whaplode Primary School can play an extensive part, and ahead of the church’s south aisle roof being replaced.
The school children will be ringing bells and working with Transported Arts in the morning and the afternoon of Friday, September 5.
Throughout the weekend there will be displays by the Garantanbrycg group who will take the event back to the time when the current church was built.
Church treasurer Elaine Gregory said: “They start at 10am with combat training sessions, and a competitive combat display after lunch around 2pm followed by light hearted and entertaining melee combat.
“They also run a ‘fashion show’ where they display and talk about styles of clothing and accessories that people of different classes would have worn in that period.
“They have living history displays of the period including net making for fishing, spinning wool, coin die, cooking of the period and utensil making.”
There’s also set to be concerts and food options which can be pre-booked.
Headlining the event are the Military Wives Choir at 6.30pm on Saturday. Tickets are £10 which includes a drink and nibbles. Tickets are available from [email protected] or on 01406 370273.
Prior to the concert is a Shearer’s Loaded Pork Tea on Saturday at 4pm for £10. Tickets are from Annabel on [email protected] or contact Roy on 07904 110991.
A craft fayre is taking place in the village hall, also on the Saturday, and anyone who would like a stall can contact [email protected]
Anyone looking to display their classic car can do so by contacting Roy on 07904 110991.
