St George's Church, Woolhope

Firstly, The Friends of Woolhope Church would like to thank everyone who supported and/or helped at the 2024 St George’s Weekend of Celebrations. The programme was ambitious, but we are delighted to say that every event was successful and well attended.

Piano by Candlelight on the Friday night was a wonderful atmospheric evening by a very talented pianist, Nicholas Rudge. Unfortunately, despite it being April, it was somewhat cold and defeated even the most enthusiastic supporters!

The Dawn Chorus Stroll on Saturday saw 18 of us up bright and early on a fantastic spring morning – not a cloud in the sky and the birds singing their hearts out! Bob and Penny Hall successfully identified all the different calls, and hopefully we are now much wiser on birdsong!

A much-needed and plentiful Big Breakfast after the Stroll was provided by Netty Griffiths and Sal, who had also had an early start getting everything ready!

On Saturday evening, Chris Moore gave a fascinating talk on Nicholas de Hereford, who originated from Sufton Court at Mordiford. It was touch-and-go whether or not to decamp from the small committee room to the main hall as more and more people arrived – such is the popularity and reputation of Chris as a speaker!

We were honoured to have the Dean of Hereford, the Very Revd. Sarah Brown, come and preach at our patronal service on Sunday morning. As Patron of The Friends of Woolhope Church, this was her first visit to St George’s Church – the first of many, we hope!

We finished the weekend with a Seed Swap and Plant Sale at the Parish Hall and tea and cakes for those who wanted a chat. The assortment of vegetable and garden plants was sold in a flash, and although I am reliably informed that plenty of seeds were swapped, there seemed to be more packets after the event than before!

Finally, on St George’s Day itself, the Cathedral School Chamber Choir and Musicians gave solo performances and accompanied us to an uplifting Songs of Praise service. What a wonderful way to end our weekend of celebration!

Oh, and in case you’re interested, we raised over £1,000 for The Friends, all of which will go towards the upkeep of the church building and churchyard.

Thank you!
Barbara Fox