ST JOHN’S Church in Bromsgrove is set to open its doors next weekend offering visitors the chance to join in with a variety of free activities.
Held as part of National Heritage Open Day, the Grade I listed church on Kidderminster Road will welcome guests between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, September 9, to explore the church and climb the tower to take in the views of the town and surrounding countryside.
The day will include Church Tours with Simon Henderson at 1.30pm and 3pm and ‘have a go on the organ’ sessions with Steve Cowperthwaite from 12pm to 1.30pm and 2pm to 3pm.
Brenda Henderson will hold a stained glass painting demonstration and Alastair and Cathy Moseley from the Orchestra of St John will be on site all day to talk about the forthcoming musical productions.
The Tower will also be open between 12pm and 3pm where visitors can see some breathtaking views and have a go at bell ringing. There is no booking for the tower trips but due to the narrow stairs only a limited number will be able to climb to the top at any one time.
The church will have a number of displays such as the history of John Adams Memorial Cross, restoration and cemetery history, Bromsgrove Society information, Earth Heritage Trust sandstone and local quarries, Scaife and Rutherford gravestone history and pictures of the church through the ages.
An additional trail will lead visitors around the cemetery’s fine specimen tree collection.
Children’s activities will be set out on tables, such as paper stained glass making and crafting vintage trains. Parents must supervise their children during the activities.
‘Selfie Snap Bromsgrove’ photobooth will be in the church with photos loaded to instagram with the hashtag @SelfieSnapBromsgrove.
PLENTY of other venues in the area will be taking part in next weekend’s Heritage Open Day event.
Alvechurch Baptist Church is opening its doors to visitors between 10am and 5pm next Saturday to showcase its fine example of a mid-Victorian non-conformist chapel building.
The Worcester and Droitwich canals society will host an exhibition depicting the history of the 200-year-old Tardebigge lime kilns next Saturday and Sunday.
Visitors can also attend the popular Tardebigge Fair and Show which takes place around the village’s church, school and community hall from 1.30 pm on the Saturday.
The historic St Laurence Church, Northfield, will offer hour-long tours for groups of 15 people between 11am and 1pm next Saturday and at 1pm on Sunday. The church will also be open for anyone who wants to drop in for a cuppa.
Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk for more information about Heritage Open Days and to find out about other events in the area.
