Events to mark 850th birthday

A Long Sutton Church has a packed series of events this coming year in celebration of turning 850 years old.

Long Sutton St Mary’s Church’s history dates back to 1080, when the first chapel was built by Cluniac monks by the port at Manor House, near what is now the A17.

The monks erected a temporary wooden chapel in the present churchyard in 1134, before building the stone church of St Mary’s that stands today in 1170.

On March 5 at 2pm, Norman Wills will give a talk about the history of the church and on March 19 (2pm), a senior Castle Acre guide will give a talk about the life of Cluniac monks.

Rev Dr Rowan Williams will be guest at the Feast of the Annunciation of Mary on March 29 (10.30am) from April 25 to May 3, the flower festival’s theme will be The Life and Times of St Mary’s.

On May 8 the church will have VE Day celebrations at 2pm with a tea dance at the church hall, with lighting the beacon and bell ringing to follow.

On May 20 at 7.30pm there will be a Medieval Times talk by Dr Mark Gardener of the University of Lincoln.

In June, former director of the Royal School of Music, Andrew Reid, will give an organ recital in the church at 7.30pm on June 18. The day after (June 19), Son et Limiere History of St Mary’s Church runs for two days.

On June 25 and 25, Magic Circle member illusionist Steve Price will perform at 7.30pm and on July 4 there will be a hog roast with music from Field and Dyke folk singers.

That’s not all, though. Rev Jonathan Sibley added: “During the summer and autumn there will be various concerts and teams bell ringing. There will also be a visit by a member of the Royal Family during the year.

“Our special 2020 St Mary’s calendar and other commemorative souvenirs are now avail- able. There will be a new guide book of St Mary’s. During the year there will be on going photographic exhibitions by Long Sutton Photographic Group and other activities of interest.”

Keep up to date at Facebook: Long Sutton St Mary.