Long Sutton expects royal visit as church celebrates 850th anniversary
A visit by a member of the royal family will be the high point of an exciting year ahead for St Mary’s Church, Long Sutton.
It’s too early to say which member of the royals will join local people to celebrate the 850th anniversary of the church.
Father Jonathan Sibley said: “You don’t know until a few months before they come and you don’t know when they are going to come until a few weeks before.”
One thing is certain because the church is looking forward to a return visit by a former Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Rev Dr Rowan Williams, who now sits in the House of Lords as Lord Williams of Oystermouth.
Dr Williams will visit on March 29 for a 10.30am service for the Feast of the Annunciation of Mary.
Father Jonathan, a friend of the former archbishop, says Dr Williams really likes the church.
“He says it feels a nice, pleasant place to be,” said Father Jonathan. “He likes the atmosphere and the sense of worship and welcome.”
Father Jonathan says the 850th anniversary is important and significant because the church is still in use after so many years, and its ever changing congregations will have witnessed so many notable historic events over the years.
The foundation stone of St Mary’s was laid in 1170 and it took 10 years to build the church.
The year provides another link with Canterbury as in December that year Thomas Becket - the then archbishop - was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by four knights who believed Henry II wanted him out of the way.
St Mary’s has produced a special 2020 calendar along with other commemorative souvenirs, and there’s a new guide book with a foreword written by Dr Williams.
Father Jonathan says: “During the year there will be ongoing photographic exhibitions by Long Sutton Photographic Group and other activities of interest.”
Spalding’s Chain Bridge Forge Museum is now creating a digital tour of St Mary’s.
Among anniversary events lined up are:
History is one of the main features in upcoming events at St Mary's.
• March 5, 2pm: Talk by Norman Wills on the History of St Mary’s
• March 19, 2pm: The Life of the Cluniac Monks by Senior Castle Acre Guide – Jo Murfitt
• March 29, 10.30am: Service - Feast of the Annunciation of Mary with Dr Rowan Williams
• April 25 to May 3: Flower Festival – The Life and Times of St Mary’s.
• May 8: VE Celebrations - 2pm tea dance in the church hall; later lighting the beacon and bell ringing
• May 20, 7.30pm: Medieval Times - Dr Mark Gardener, from the University of Lincoln
• June 18, 7.30pm: Andrew Reid, former director of the Royal School of Music, organ recital in church
• June 19-20, 7.30pm: Son et Lumiere - History of St Mary's Church.
• June 25 to 26th, 7.30pm: Church Hall with illusionist Steve Price, who is a member of the Magic Circle. Followed by Mission weekend.
• July 4, 6pm: Hog Roast with entertainment from the Field and Dyke folk singers
• September 13, 10.30am: Patronal Festival - service.
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