Suffolk and the town of Woodbridge were privileged to have been chosen to host the first stage of the Men's Tour of Britain, on Tuesday 2nd September, and we were delighted that the stage began just down the road from the church (near the Crown in Quay Street) and that our Bellringers were asked to ring the bells in celebration of the start of the event. There's something special about the sound of church bells, and this was no exception.By 8am it was obvious something big was happening, as there was a hive of activity around Market Hill, with recovery trucks, a whole host of motorbikes, and all manner of support vehicles arriving. What a huge amount of organisation an event such as this needs in order to run successfully, safely, and on time!Groups of people arrived throughout the morning, to bag their spot to see the cyclists go past, and there was an increasing air of excitement as it got nearer to 11am. With just a few minutes to go until 'the off' people were still arriving, the bells began to ring, and the sounds of cheering, shouts of encouragement and car horns swelled up from Quay Street as the cyclists set off, travelling up Church Street, past the church and onto Market Hill. The peloton passed by in a blaze of colour, passing St Mary's House, turning right and then left, leaving along Theatre Street.We knew they would reach Great Bealings around 11.15am, and the television coverage clearly showed them passing St Mary's, Great Bealings, easily identifiable (even though the church wasn't visible) by the sight of the War Memorial opposite.As the crowds dispersed from Market Hill, the bunting came down, and the signage and vehicles all quickly disappeared, it was soon 'business as usual' but, even if you're not a fan of cycling, you couldn't help but feel this was a great event, and were glad you'd been here to witness it.
On Sunday 30th June we launched our Building Project Appeal, the plan to refurbish St Mary's House and improve facilities for the Church. The Parish was delighted to welcome back some former clergy members - David Pitcher, Kevan McCormack and Paul Hambling - as well as Mr Michael Booth (former Master of the Abbey School) and Sir Nick Young (former CEO of the British Red Cross), both of whom have agreed to serve as two of the project’s Patrons. At a very moving Eucharist, the Rt. Rev Tim Stevens, former Bishop of Dunwich, preached about the need for trust and faith in all communities and, afterwards, fizz and canapés were shared and enjoyed!Mindful of the need to preserve a building at the historic heart of Market Hill, and after receiving a very generous legacy from Dr James Harper (former Deputy Head of Woodbridge School) and other donations, earlier ideas have led to plans for a robust hub for St Mary’s House and wider community, well into the future. The church would welcome help from any local person, who may be able to support any part of the fundraising process to completion. Details and some listed events may be found here, and any such offers made via email to parish.office@stmaryswoodbridge.org
We are pleased to announce a new initiative from the Church Urban Fund, to create a weekly Place of Welcome at St Mary's House in the heart of Market Hill. This will be every Friday from 12.30pm to 2pm, and our volunteers will provide tea & coffee, soup and sarnies, entirely free of charge (although any donations are welcome). We are doing this with the cold & difficult winter months in mind, so please spread the word!
