Friends of Steyning Parish Church – Events
Internal Church Tour
This virtual tour has been created by the Friends of Steyning Parish Church to reveal the hidden secrets and history of its special interior.
The church is described as a ‘Norman gem’ and ‘the best in Sussex’ by Pevsner’s Buildings of England. Renowned for its expertly crafted 12th century nave, Romanesque sculpture, 500-hundred-year-old unique Tudor carved oak panelling and modern stained glass windows, the church has recently been fitted with state-of-the-art lighting to illuminate its full splendour.
Gossips in the Graveyard.
An audio guide to some of the intriguing graves to be found in the parish churchyard of St. Andrew & St. Cuthman, Steyning.
Find out about the lives of many former Steyning residents including the World War II pilot who undertook secret missions, the smuggler, the suffragette and a soldier from Napoleonic times.
Created by the Steyning Museum.
Please install the Echoes App on your smartphone. Details can be found via the link below.
Saturday, 23 August
MONTEVERDI BEATUS VIR WORKSHOP
1:30pm Workshop until 3:45pm
4:30pm Concert
With the with Kaleidoscope Singers, strings and continuo, directed by Zoe Peate. Tickets for each event are £10 (under-18s, £5). For more details or to book a place for the workshop, please click here. Concert tickets will be available on the day at the door.
This is not an event organised by the Friends but we are delighted to publicise it.
Cantilena
Early Evening Concert
Saturday, 30 August at 5pm – Sospiri
Sumptuous music from the French Baroque plus duets by Monteverdi and Carissimi and music for theorbo. Also includes music by Charpentier as well as Sospiri. Jenny Hansell and Miranda Johnson, sopranos; organ and theorbo. David Hansell, organ. Lynda Sayce, theorbo.
Click here for contact details.
This is not an event organised by the Friends but we are delighted to publicise it.
A Song for Summer
Saturday, 13 September at 7pm
Welcome to Sing me a Song for Summer. Join us at St Andrew’s & St Cuthman’s Church, Steyning for an evening of music from the shows and light opera, performed by talented singers and musicians. Don’t miss this enchanting event, in aid of Family Support Work (FSW) and the Malawi Schools Project.
Tickets are available from either Steyning Bookshop (or from any of the FSW organisers in church). Tickets are £22, to include wine and canapés.
This is not an event organised by the Friends but we are delighted to publicise it.
Early Evening Concert:
Saturday, 4 October at 5pm – Welcome Joy!
The music of Gustav and Imogen Holst for high voices and harp. The programme includes Gustav Holst’s Rig Veda and Imogen Holst’s ‘Welcome Joy and Welcome Sorrow’, as well as solo music for harp. Heather Wrighton, harp. Cantilena is directed Jenny Hansell.
Click here for contact details.
This is not an event organised by the Friends but we are delighted to publicise it.
Hanover Band and Chorus to perform in Steyning again
J.S.Bach’s St John Passion
Saturday 12th April
Steyning Parish Church
19.00 – 21.30
Doors open 18.00
The Friends of Steyning Parish Church are delighted to welcome back The Hanover Band and Chorus to our beautiful 12th century church for a special performance of J.S. Bach’s St John Passion.
The St John Passion was first performed in 1724. Telling the story of the final days of Jesus’s life and is a tradition that dates back to the fourth century. This originally took the form of a liturgical chant, but during the sixteenth century, music and theology became tightly bound and from this time, the Passion began to be sung and performed in different ways.
The Hanover Band is one of Britain’s finest period instrument orchestras with an international reputation for the excellence of its performances and recordings of 18th and 19th century music. The Hanover Band Chorus is an ensemble of sixteen exceptional singers joined by five outstanding soloists: Philippa Hyde soprano; Tim Morgan alto, Bradley Smith tenor, Simon Wall Evangelist, Alex Ashworth Christus and Ed Price Pilate.
Andrew Arthur will conduct the Hanover Band and Chorus.
Date: Saturday, 12 April 2025
Time: Doors open 18:00.
Concert starts: 19.00.
Ends: c.21.30 including an interval at c 20.10
Refreshments: Drinks available to buy
Tickets £25 available online and from the Steyning Book Shop
Lost and Found Vicars (revised date)
The revised date for the presentation of ‘The Lost & Found Vicars’ is Saturday 30 November at 4pm.
The event was postponed following the passing of our dear friend, Malcolm Donaldson, on Sunday, 22nd September, whose funeral is to take place on the afternoon of 13th October, the same date as the ‘Lost & Found Vicars’ event had been planned for.
The AGM of the Friends had also been planned for the 13th October, but this will now be held on Monday 18th November at 2pm at Rosebank, Jarvis Lane, Steyning BN44 3G
The ‘lost’ and ‘found’ vicars of Steyning.
Saturday 30 November 4pm – approx 6.45pm including Q&As
This also includes an interval of about half an hour when drinks & nibbles will be served.
Venue: Steyning Parish Church
Join us for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The Friends of SPC, followed by a captivating presentation to unveil the findings of recent research into local history.
Presentation: The Vicars’ Board Project
Our dedicated team—comprising Sarah Leigh, the Revd Mark Heather, Brian Hanson, Chris Tod, and Christopher Whittick—will present the results of their extensive research into the historic Vicars’ Board of Steyning Parish Church. The investigation, coordinated by Sarah Leigh, aimed to verify the accuracy of the list of Vicars that has been displayed in the Church for about a century.
During this period of meticulous research, we discovered that eight of the previously listed vicars were, in fact, never vicars of Steyning. During the talk, we will explain why these vicars have been ‘expelled’. We hope you will not be too shocked!
In their place, five new names, substantiated with robust historical evidence, have been added.
So come along to discover the intriguing stories and historical context that led to the re-evaluation of the Vicars’ Board. Perhaps other churches have similarly discovered vicars on their lists who were never truly vicars!
Sadly Christopher Whittick is now unable to take part so his intended contribution on the first three vicars of Steyning will be covered by Chris Tod.
There will be mulled wine and nibbles in the interval after a very short piece of the Vicar of Bray and afterwards the usual collection for our funds and to cover costs.
We hope you will join us for this enlightening and thought-provoking evening. No booking is required, please do come along.
October 2024 School Break Children’s Event
Bring your children along for a fun packed few hours in our stunning church.
Monday 28th October
Drop in any time between 11am to 3pm.
Venue: Steyning Parish Church
Join us for a fun-filled and educational children’s event during the October school break! This year, we are excited to explore the rich history of our church through a variety of engaging activities suitable for all ages.
Crafting History:
Explore the past by building and decorating Norman arches—a fun mix of creativity and learning!
We’ll also be sewing and creating a banner that tells the story of the church, and everyone is encouraged to join in.
Storytelling Sessions:
Experience captivating tales that bring our church’s history to life. Perfect for sparking young imaginations.
Interactive Quiz:
Test your knowledge about our church’s history in a fun and interactive quiz. Prizes for the top history buffs!
Historic Dance:
Following the success of our Tudor Day, we’ll be hosting another dance session. This time, we’re considering a different period in our history. Stay tuned to find out which era we’ll be stepping into!
Indoor Family Picnic:
Families are invited to bring their own picnic to be eaten in the church. We’ll provide a selection of hot and cold drinks to complement your meal.
Note: All activities are designed to be inclusive and family-friendly. Whether your child is a history enthusiast or simply loves to create and play, there will be something for everyone.
Venue: Steyning Parish Church
All children to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The Hanover Band returns to Steyning
Hear all 6 Brandenburg Concertos!
Saturday – 22nd June 2024. 3.30pm – c7.30pm (which includes an interval)
Venue: Steyning Parish Church.
Part 1: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1, 2, 4 – led by Julia Kuhn
Main interval with optional picnic
Part 2: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 3, 5, 6 – led by Theresa Caudle
The Hanover Band, a top orchestra from Sussex which specialises in music from the Hanoverian period, will perform all six of Bach`s Brandenburg Concertos at Steyning Parish Church on Saturday 22 June, starting at 3.30pm.
The event is brought to the community of Steyning by The Friends of Steyning Parish Church. Everyone is welcome.
This will be a very special opportunity to hear music from an internationally renowned orchestra perform right in the heart of Steyning. The beautiful Norman church has excellent acoustics and so it will be a treat to hear these six concertos which have enormous popular and critical appeal.
When booking your ticket, you can also order a picnic to enjoy in the vicarage garden during the main interval. Concert goers should bring their own picnic rug or chairs as these will not be provided.
The Hanover Band is directed by Andrew Arthur. The Friends of Steyning Parish Church have developed a close working relationship with the Arundel-based Hanover Band and this is one in a series of concerts which the orchestra have played in Steyning. There will be return visits in future.
Tickets for Parts One and Two: £25-£45 from:
www.ticketsource.co.uk/thehanoverbandfoundation
Picnic £12 each. These can be ordered at the same time as ordering tickets for the concert through the above link. Concertgoers can bring their own picnic (as well as picnic rug or chairs) and enjoy the vicarage gardens for free.
A concert in aid of Steyning Parish Church
Featuring works by Schubert, Bach and Clarke
Tuesday 28 May 2024, 16.30 – 17.30
(note start time changed from the printed Festival programme as well as the printed May Church Magazine).
Venue: Steyning Parish Church.
JS Bach Suite No. 4 in E-flat major, BVW1010
Rebecca Clarke Morpheus
Franz Schubert Arpeggione Sonata, D821
This unusual and varied concert will highlight Schubert’s Arpeggione
Sonata, played by Dan Shilladay on viola and accompanied Brian Sawyer.
Schubert’s sonata is unusual as it is the only substantial composition still
played today which was originally written for the arpeggione – essentially
a six-stringed, bowed guitar, invented around 200 years ago in the 1820s.
Another key piece of the programme will be Morpheus, written by Rebecca Clarke
in 1917, which will also be played by Dan on viola and accompanied by Brian. The
harmonies are frequently ethereal and otherworldly, representing the Greek god,
Morpheus, who was especially associated with sleep and dreams.
Finally, Dan will play Bach’s suite No. 4 in E-flat major, BVW1010.
About the musicians:
Dan Shilladay is a London-based freelance musician and Co-Principal Viola at the
Arundel-based Hanover Band which specialises in music from the Hanoverian
period. He has also played with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Britten
Sinfonia and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. With Southbank Sinfonia
he has taken part in acclaimed productions at the National Theatre of Every Good
Boy Deserves Favour and Amadeus.
Brian Sawyer is the popular, award-winning organist of Steyning Parish Church. He
has been an organ soloist with The City of Southampton Orchestra, The Horsham
Symphony Orchestra and has given organ recitals in Chichester and Arundel
Cathedrals among others. He has been the Organist and Director of Music at
Steyning Church since 1993.
Free, with a retiring collection
Tickets available from Ticketsource
Annual General Meeting of the Friends with special guest speaker.
Sunday, 8th October 2023. From 5 pm to approximately 7 pm.
Venue: Steyning Parish Church.
Our 2023 AGM will be on 8 October, in the Church as usual, but this time on a Sunday afternoon starting at 5 pm. In order to achieve a quorum all Members of the Friends are encouraged to attend. After the AGM members are invited to stay for a drink and then join us for an insightful talk given by Adam Stone of Chichester Stoneworks (see below for more details).
Timetable:
AGM: 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Drinks: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Talk: 6:00 pm to approx. 7:00 pm (including Q&A)
No charge
The Friends are delighted to welcome Adam Stone as the guest speaker at our AGM giving a talk entitled:
“Mastering the Art of Stonework: A Journey of Knowledge and Creativity.”
Join us for an fascinating early evening with Adam Stone, a distinguished figure in the world of stonework and heritage preservation. With over 40 years of experience and a remarkable career journey, Adam has much to share about his expertise in stone identification, selection, and design.
Adam Stone’s career began as an apprentice stonemason with English Heritage, which marked the start of a lifelong passion for stonework and heritage buildings. Throughout his journey, he developed his skills as a mason and specialist in heritage building restoration, including establishing his own successful business, which he managed for twenty-three years.
In 2002, Adam joined Chichester Stoneworks as Production Manager and Technical Director, overseeing many of the company’s most prestigious heritage and new-build projects. These included relocation of Temple Bar, the refurbishment of The Monument and the Inner Quadrangle at Buckingham Palace. Adam also oversaw the completion of works at Lancing College Chapel which had started 154 years before.
His knowledge, experience, and creativity set him apart as an authority in the field of stonework. Adam is now Managing Director at Chichester Stoneworks after leading a management buy-out.
Adam’s achievements meant that he became a Freemason of the City of London in 2010 and a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Masons. Four years later, in 2014, he received the prestigious Master Craftsman’s Certificate of the Worshipful Company.
History of the Steyning Parish Church
Talk by Sarah Leigh – Historian
Monday, 10th July 2023 2:30pm – 3:30pm. Venue: Steyning Parish Church.
Sarah Leigh will be giving a talk on the history of the Steyning Parish Church. This will draw on the online history tour of the Church.
About the planned talk
No booking necessary. All are welcome.
Sarah’s talk will follow on from an earlier lecture organised that same day by The Arts Society of Steyning featuring Nicholas Henderson. In his lecture Nicholas will cover “The English Country Church – How to Read the Architectural & Liturgical Features“. See this link for more details.
Hanover Band – Brandenburg Concertos
Dates and Times to be advised in due course. Unfortunately this event has for now been postponed. We hope that it will occur at a later date.
The Friends are delighted to be able to welcome back the Hanover Band, a Sussex orchestra of international repute. The Hanover Band concentrates on music of the Hanoverian period, and contains some of the best period instrument specialists in the UK.
Hanover Band
Thursday, 15th December. 7.00pm. Handel ‘Messiah’
Please see this link for a review of this concert.
The Friends are delighted to be able to welcome the Hanover Band, a Sussex orchestra of international repute, with the Hanover Band Chorus, a group of soloist standard singers.. The Hanover Band concentrates on music of the Hanoverian period, and contains some of the best period instrument specialists in the UK.
About this Concert
For availability and booking please visit the following link:
Saturday
17th September
Time 11am – 4pm
Heritage Open Day
All events free, no need to book.
Saturday
17th September
Time: Midday
Talk
How French abbots created Steyning Parish Church and made their peace with the Kings of England.
Sarah Leigh, Friends Publications Secretary
Parish Church
Saturday
17th September
Time: 3pm
Organ concert
An organ concert given by Brian Sawyer, Church Organist.
Short pieces by J.S.Bach, Mendelssohn and local composer John Ireland, whose memorial service took place in this Church.
Parish Church
Saturday
17th September
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Refreshments
Tea, coffee and homemade cakes.
Penfold Hall
Vicarage Lane
(Next to Museum and across the road from the Steyning Parish Church.)
Sunday
18th September
Time 11am – 4pm
Heritage Open Day
All events free, no need to book.
Sunday
18th September
Time: 2pm
Talk
How French abbots created Steyning Parish Church and made their peace with the Kings of England.
Sarah Leigh, Friends Publications Secretary
Parish Church
Sunday
18th September
Time: 3pm
Organ concert
An organ concert given by Brian Sawyer, Church Organist.
Short pieces by J.S.Bach, Mendelssohn and local composer John Ireland, whose memorial service took place in this Church.
No booking necessary.
Parish Church
Sunday
18th September
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Refreshments
Tea, coffee and homemade cakes.
Penfold Hall
Vicarage Lane
(Next to Museum and across the road from the Steyning Parish Church.)
October events for the 500th birthday of the Steyning Screen, created 1522 to commemorate the marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon
Tuesday
4th October
Time: 6:30pm
What Lies Behind the Screen: Royalty, Religion and Scandal
Talk by Alexis Haslam, Community Archaeologist, Fulham Palace.
Drinks available from 6:30pm. Talk commences at 7:00pm.
No need to book – no charge (but with retiring collection).
NB there will be a brief Annual General Meeting of The Friends of Steyning Parish Church at 6pm, preceding this talk.
Parish Church
Tuesday
11th October
Pick up at The Steyning Centre at 9.15am.
Return: pick up 4.15pm at Fulham Palace
Trip to Fulham Palace with Guided Tour
Discover the secrets and beauty of 15th century Fulham Palace and its 13 acres of listed historic botanical gardens. This tour is being organised in partnership with the Steyning Society.
£20 to cover cost of transport only, we are guests of the Palace. Lunch available at the Palace café. Please contact Jane Oxley to book your place: 01903 812334 or mike.jane@btinternet.com
Fulham Palace, London
Sunday
23rd October
Time 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Harp quartet, Glissando, presents a ‘Concert for Catalina’
An afternoon of music with a Latin flavour from the sultry dance pieces of Albeniz and Salzedo to the delicate antiquity of De Cabezon, with a world premiere of Catalina Suite, an exciting new work inspired by the Tudor screen, by Alex Rider of Glissando.
Prosecco and soft drinks available in the interval.
Booking details: Tickets available from the Steyning Bookshop.
The charge is £14 for adults and £17 for an adult and up to 2 children under 18. Charge excludes drinks.
Parish Church
Thursday
27th October
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Fun with the Tudors
Half Term Free event for children 5 to 12.
Art, dance, stories and dressing up in Tudor costumes.
Booking is essential. Free tickets can be obtained from The Steyning Bookshop. All children need to be accompanied by an adult.
Any questions can be directed to Sarah Leigh on 01903 813422 or sleigh1180@gmail.com
Parish Church