St Mary's Church, Dymock

Reports

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Fourteen members of the Ledbury 'University of the Third Age' (U3A) visited Dymock Church on 13th November. We were able to welcome them with coffee and tell them whilst they drank about Dymock Village - it's organisations and people and our church's involvement with them - before we gave them a tour of the building. (Return to top)

We are fortunate in having a description of the building prepared many years ago by a previous rector, Rev'd Reg Legg, who was knowledgeable about it's history and architecture so were able to use that to give an informative presentation. The members then wandered around the building in small groups looking at the exhibits for themselves before going to lunch in the village-owned pub, 'The Beauchamp Arms', next door. (Return to top)

As is the national custom in the UK, the Sunday nearest Armistice Day was observed as 'Remembrance Sunday'. This year being the 100th anniversary since the start of the First World War, there was a large congregation for our traditional Service at Dymock on the 9th November, which began with the national anthem followed by the hymn ''O God Our Help in Ages Past'. There followed two suitable Bible readings divided by the hymn 'O Valiant Hearts', before an an 'Act of Commitment' by all present to work for peace and an 'Act of Penitence' for our misdoings. (Return to top)

The choir sang the anthem 'Thou Knowest Lord' by Henry Purcell before everyone followed the choir in procession to the War Memorial on the village green in front of the church where the Roll of Honour of those from Dymock who gave their lives in the two World Wars was read. The traditional two minutes silence to allow us to 'Remember Them' was observed, then four wreaths laid on behalf of the Parish Council, the Church, Dymock WI and the Friends of the Dymock Poets. (Return to top)

We continued our now annual tradition of a Remembrance-themed concert just before Armistice Day with a concert on Friday 7th November. Sixty-five people gathered in church to hear the augmented church choir - the 'St Mary's Singers' - and musicians from Ann Cam Primary School. The Service began with the Paschal (Easter) candle and four large candles alight. Reflecting the then Foreign Secretary's words, "The lights are going out all over Europe," the four large candles representing north, south, east and west, were extinguished followed by two poetry readings and two songs reflecting the 'Darkness of War'. (Return to top)

The theme moved on to 'A Generous Love' with the reading of a story about "Sergeant Buck" and two more readings and songs. The theme then changed to 'Hope for Peace' with a reading of 'Christmas Day in the Trenches' followed by the carol 'Silent Night' and the relighting of the four large candles, followed by suitable prayers. St Mary's Singers, together with 'The Young Voices' junior section, sang 'If there is to be peace' and the evening finished with everyone singing the hymn 'I Vow To Thee My Country'. (Return to top)

Our annual Service to remember our departed loved ones took place this year on Saturday 1st November when nearly 60 people gathered in Dymock Church. After our Rector's initial welcome,we began by singing the hymn "Lord for the years your love has kept and guided" followed by an opening prayer to set the scene. Two readings appropriate to the theme followed, separated by the hymn '"Be still my soul". (Return to top)

The Rector gave a short address to bolster our resolve and give thanks for the departed then our organist and choir performed some quiet and meditative music whilst we came forward and placed lit candles on the altar in remembrance of our departed. Following formal prayers, we ended with the hymn "Thy hand O God has guided thy church from age to age". (Return to top)

We then gathered to share tea and 'soul buns' made by our churchwarden. Soul buns are made from a similar spicy mix used for 'hot cross buns' at Easter but without the raisins. (Return to top)