Yorkshire Medieval Festival at St Mary’s

Yorkshire Medieval Festival at St Mary’s

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An Augustian ‘Black Canon’ – who originated the church at Woodkirk

This year on August 16th we are proud that we will be re-creating the Mystery Plays – some of which were written by our very own Black Canons, here at St Mary’s.

As part of the Medieval Festival organised by the JORVIK group, creators of the JORVIK Viking Festival, The Yorkshire Medieval Festival brings with it a wide range of events and activities across Yorkshire for all the family to enjoy.

You could try your hand as an eagle-eyed archer, discover mighty birds of prey with falconry demonstrations, see brave knights battle in thrilling re-enactments and spend the day in some of Yorkshire’s most idyllic settings, as Churches across the region engage with this fantastic event. For more information about events across Yorkshire, visit their web site here: http://www.yorkshire-medieval-festival.com/

We are putting on 2 plays at 12pm and 2pm on the Saturday. The play will be re-enacted by the St Andrew’s Bruntcliffe drama group, these will be performed outside (or inside if it rains) our church on the day – so don’t miss it. The play being performed is called ‘Noah’s Flood’ and will involve 8 or 9 cast members for this 15 minute production, repeated at 2pm. Our warmest thanks go to Mary who is organising the drama group.

We are also arranging other things for the day, including displaying the Medieval history owned by Peter Aldred as well as refreshments and other activities which we will advertise on the web site.

The church will be open from 10am to 3pm for visitors to come along and experience our Medieval history – see the terraces built by the Monks, and the stained glass Monk’s window. Learn about the food of the time and also the life of the monks.

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Autumn (?) Green Gym

Autumn (?) Green Gym

The October Churchyard Cleanup (aka Green Gym) is often wet and a bit chilly. Usually we struggle to get much in the way if mowing done so spend the time doing other jobs.

However today one pretty exceptional! Soaring temperatures to the high 20s meant that the ground was bone dry and it was more like being out in August. The churchyard however could not be mistaken for mid-summer with the beautiful colours beginning in the trees and bracken, as you can see in the photos below.

Many thanks to Dave, Glyn, Brian and Sandra, as well as always Brenda and Betty for much needed refreshments.

Neal

What’s this plant?

What’s this plant?

After the morning service on 1st August, Malcolm Haigh posed a question – what is this plant growing near the water tap next to the church tower? Nobody could remember seeing before so we assume it doesn’t flower every year.  Click the image for a larger version.

Anybody know what it is? Post a comment below . . .