Paratroopers, Gliders & the SAS in Essex

for 1 hour, 30 mins
St Mary the Virgin, Kelvedon
Church Street Kelvedon Colchester, CO5 9AL, United Kingdom

Join the Friends of St Mary’s for a fascinating insight into the Special Air Service in Essex.

During World War 2, Essex was the launch pad for SAS, SOE and glider borne operations. Former Army Officer and Chair of the Earls Colne Heritage Museum, Gordon Brown has done extensive research, much taken first hand from family sources to give exclusive insights into these secret operations.

Drinks and canapes will be served.

A donation of £20 is suggested on the night, with all proceeds going to the Friends of St Mary’s, which preserves our wonderful church for future generations.

To reserve a place and ensure that we have sufficient refreshments please contact:
[email protected]

St Mary the Virgin, Kelvedon

St Mary the Virgin is a grade I listed building, dating back to the 11th century. The church can seat over 300 in the pews, possibly 400 with chairs in open spaces.

A sound reinforcement system has been installed. The peal of 8 bells is heavy. The tenor bell was cast for the 1951 Festival of Britain. There is an active Tower organisation, and sufficient ringers can be brought in to cover Sunday mornings and most other occasions when a peal is appropriate.

In 1993 a sympathetic extension was added to the north side of the church, giving two good-sized rooms, plus a vestibule capable of separate use. The extension incorporates a small kitchen and toilet facilities.

The original churchyard is no longer used for burials but there is an extension to the churchyard on the other side of Church Street.

A church has stood on this site for over 850 years – that's not long after the Conquest by Duke William of Normandy. Since then – both before and after the Reformation continuous worship has been offered to the Glory of God.

If you need peace, silence, time to think, our church is open everyday during daylight hours.

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Get in touch

Ms. Fleur Harris, Benefice Administrator

The Vicarage
Church Street
Kelvedon
Essex

CO5 9AL
Benefice Administrator
07803 366268

Our website

What's on

Paratroopers, Gliders & the SAS in Essex

for 1 hour, 30 mins
St Mary the Virgin, Kelvedon
Church Street Kelvedon Colchester, CO5 9AL, United Kingdom

Join the Friends of St Mary’s for a fascinating insight into the Special Air Service in Essex.

During World War 2, Essex was the launch pad for SAS, SOE and glider borne operations. Former Army Officer and Chair of the Earls Colne Heritage Museum, Gordon Brown has done extensive research, much taken first hand from family sources to give exclusive insights into these secret operations.

Drinks and canapes will be served.

A donation of £20 is suggested on the night, with all proceeds going to the Friends of St Mary’s, which preserves our wonderful church for future generations.

To reserve a place and ensure that we have sufficient refreshments please contact:
[email protected]

Our Benefice

Safeguarding

Our parish of Kelvedon: St Mary the Virgin is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Chelmsford’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO.

If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO [use link below for contact information) or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor [again these can be found by using the link below).

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services

Read more about our Safeguarding Information here.