Celebrations for St Wilfrid's Church

Following the warmly-received visits of the Bishop of Chichester and Bishop of Hereford last month for special centenary services, the church is gearing up for a range of family-friendly events including a garden party.

Tomorrow '“ Tuesday, May 25 '“ one of its most fascinating features comes into focus with a talk on its striking bronze statue of Christ Ascendant by renowned sculptor Uli Nimptsch, which is due to receive a new dedication plaque.

Father Andrew said the response to the centenary events had been fantastic and all involved had enjoyed marking the momentous year in its history.

He said: "The celebrations have been going very well indeed. They started with the visit of John Hind, Bishop of Chichester, to our feast of dedication on April 23.

"This was a very special occasion to which all were warmly invited, including past members and friends of our congregation.

"On April 25, St Mark's Day, Anthony Priddis, the Bishop of Hereford, preached and celebrated at our eucharist.

"Bishop Anthony is a good friend from my days in Coventry diocese, when he was Bishop of Warwick. It was a great privilege and a joy to have him and his wife Kathy to be part of our centenary celebrations."

He explained the events were all the more special as it was rare for bishops to appear outside their own diocese.

They are looking forward to welcoming Lord Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, who will be visiting in September and offering plenty of insights into a life spent serving the church.

Father Andrew said: "We are hoping there will be interest in our talk on the Christ Ascendant as the sculptor has been recognised nationally for his statue of Lloyd George at the House of Commons.

"It's a very interesting piece and think the depiction of Jesus is unique because he is portrayed with his hands raised. There is a really good story behind the lady who donated the statue, Miss Helen Dey, who was formerly the matron of St Bartholomew's Hospital and worked hard to get the statue here.

"We have a packed celebration year ahead including a festival of flowers, lunchtime concerts and special services and social events and we do hope you will join us for these special events and help to make this a very special celebration."

A presentation of the Christ Ascendant statue, which was first dedicated in 1964, is being made by churchwarden Peter Green, local historian John Hawkins and retired chief nursing officer

Anne Witney.

The talk is between 2pm-3pm on Tuesday, May 25.

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