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Entries invited for Sedgefield’s 2024 popular church calendar

Photographers of all ages are being asked to start taking pictures of life in and around Sedgefield for possible use in the best-selling annual calendar produced by the Friends of St Edmund’s Church.

The theme chosen for the 2024 calendar is ‘Sedgefield through the Seasons’ which, says membership secretary Brian Mutch, “gives everyone with a camera the chance to capture eye-catching images of people and places at their favourite time of year.”

Copyright-free entries can be in colour or monochrome and should be suitable for use in the now traditional, slimline, month-by-month, hang-anywhere calendar which has proved extremely popular with people over a wide area since it was first launched five years ago. Drone photographs are welcome from those holding current CAA approval.”

Closing date for entries is July 9th 2023 so that the calendars and optional card envelopes can be on sale at Sedgefield Show where they are often bought as Christmas presents and sent to several parts of the world.

Entries should be forwarded to Brian via e-mail at b.mutch@btinternet.com or as hard copies to 6 Hasledon Grove, Sedgefield, TS21 2JW.  He would be happy to provide further information on 01740 622302.

Sweet treat for Sedgefield craftshop fund-raisers

Owners of ‘Front Loft to Loved’, the Sedgefield-based independent craft hub and creative workshop in The Square, were given a sweet surprise this week.

They received chocolates from the Friends of St Edmund’s Church in the town for selling more of the group’s 2023 charity Christmas calendars and cards than anyone else.

Friends’ membership secretary Brian Mutch presented the chocolates to business partners Kim Campbell and Sarah Morris and commented: “They did a wonderful job raising much-needed funds to help ensure the future of our ancient church and we are extremely grateful to them”.

Brian is pictured presenting the chocolates to Kim who said: “We are a local business and always try to support deserving activities whenever we can. The church clearly plays an important role in the life of the town.”

Church repairs success despite Covid lockdown

The Friends of St Edmund’s Church in Sedgefield have thanked group members and the local community for their much-needed support during the past year which, says their chairman, saw ‘considerable progress on church-preservation projects despite it being a difficult time for everyone’.

The tribute was paid at the Friends’ annual meeting by chairman Dr Alistair Irivine who reported that restrictions imposed by the Corona virus had not prevented the installation of bronze safety rails on the tower roof and major repairs to the stonework on the South Transept.  

Arrangements had also been made for the refurbishing of the clock faces and mechanism as well as the replacement of a main beam in the belfry. Of equal importance, time had been spent on researching and reviewing the group’s future conservation projects.

“Though our activities have been limited, they have not been non-existent and we have continued to work hard on the task of maintaining St Edmund’s for the greater benefit of the community, the parish and the future”, said Dr Irvine who was re-elected chairman.

Secretary Alison Hodgson, treasurers Linda and Nigel Clegg, membership secretary Brian Mutch, website manager Christine Mutch and graphic designer Kev Stevens were also re-elected. Robert Elders was welcomed as a new committee member and replaces Anne Eyley who has resigned after leaving the village.

The Friends’ recent Quiz Night at Ceddesfeld Hall boosted Friends’ funds to the tune of £553. Quizmasters Peter Hinde and Andrew Canning were thanked for their hard work by Alison Hodgson who organised the event.  Winners were Mel and Anne Gray and their daughter Rachel, Alistair Irvine, Brenda Moore and Alex Ord.
 

American family link aids local church preservation

  

Calendars and Christmas cards produced this year by the Friends of St Edmund’s Church in Sedgefield have created special memories for a family in Illinois, USA, who have a link with the Durham town stretching back more than 150 years.

Mrs Catherine Murray, who lives in Lake Bluff, recently visited Sedgefield but was disappointed when she found the doors to the church were closed.

Then, during a visit to Sedgefield’s ‘From Loft to Loved’ home and gift shop, she noticed samples of the Friends’ 2023 calendar and this year’s Christmas cards and was particularly pleased with a tri-fold card showing the church interior.
Shop owners Kim and Sarah contacted Friends’ membership secretary Brian Mutch who, after exchanging e-mails with Mrs Murray, subsequently forwarded two calendars and a pack of the local scene cards to her.
In one message to Brian, Mrs Murray explained that her grandfather, James Clark, who then lived at Weterton Mill farm on the outskirts of Sedgefield, was baptised in the church in November 1860, a month after he was born
“We were very sad that the church was closed and that is why the card showing the interior is so special”, said Mrs Murray, the youngest child of her grandfather’s twelfth child.

‘From Loft to Loved’ now stocks the Friends’ merchandise which, says Brian, is ‘flying off the shelves’.
He commented: “We know that the Friends’ fund-raising merchandise goes to many parts of the world but I don’t believe we have ever sent anything to Illinois. It’s gratifying to think that the Murray family are helping to preserve the fabric of St Edmund’s even though they live so far away.”

New sales centre for Sedgefield ‘Friends’

Owners of ‘From Loft to Loved’, the Sedgefield-based home and gift shop where once-treasured household items are recycled into unique pieces of furniture and furnishings, are backing efforts to help ensure the future of the town’s ancient church.

The independent business led by Kim Campbell and Sarah Morris, which now enjoys a reputation as one of the best craft hubs and creative workshops in the region, has become the new sales centre in the town for items produced by the Friends of St Edmund’s Church.

This week, they took their first delivery of the church charity’s Christmas cards and 2023 calendars which are now on sale at the ‘From Loft to Loved’ shop in The Square.

Kim, pictured receiving the cards from Friends’ membership secretary Brian Mutch, commented: “We are a local business and always try to support deserving activities in the community. The church clearly plays an important role in the life of the town.”
 
Brian added: “We are delighted and very grateful to have support for our fund-raising efforts from such a special outlet.”

Ken’s photographs to feature on charity Christmas cards

Two new striking photographs which have been highly praised by supporters of the town’s church will feature in this year’s packs of Christmas cards produced by the Friends of St Edmund’s charity.

They are the work of experienced photographer Ken Wilson and will be sold with four of the best-selling cards in recent years to help maintain the fabric of the ancient building. 

Two copies of each of the six cards are included which cost £8 per pack including envelopes. Alternatively, customers can ‘pick and mix’ 12 copies of one or more of the same cards for the same price.

Ken, a keen photographer for over 50 years who rates Hardwick Park as his favourite spot for pursuing his special interests in landscape and wildlife photography, said this week that he was ‘very honoured’ to have his pictures used in both the Friends’ calendar and the Christmas card packs,

The cards go on sale this week and can be obtained from Friends’ membership secretary Brian Mutch on 01740 622302, via b.mutch@btconnect.com or at 6 Hasledon Grove, Sedgefield.

Cards and calendars will also be available at ‘Loft to Love’ in Sedgefield.

For local people with mobility or health problems, Brian and his wife, Christine, will deliver cards and calendars to homes by appointment and take payment using the group’s hand-held card machine or cash payment.

Church Tower trips resume in Sedgefield

For the first time in more than five years, visitors to Sedgefield will soon be able to enjoy outstanding views of the Durham countryside from the lofty tower roof of St Edmund’s ancient church.

Trips to the roof of the church tower, the second highest in county Durham, had to be cancelled for health and safety reasons but safety bars have now been installed in the castellations of the tower so that rooftop tours can be resumed in the not-too-distant future.

The Friends of St Edmund’s, who have funded the work, admit they have been frustrated by the delay in sourcing the approved metal for the bronze bars.

“We know that many people have been disappointed at being unable to enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the tower. On a good day, you can see for miles”, said Brian Mutch, membership secretary of the Friends and emeritus warden with special responsibility for the fabric of all churches in the parish of the Upper Skerne.

Initially, however, rooftop trips will be restricted to pre-arranged private parties.
All donations will be given to St Edmund’s Church.
Further information is available from Brian on 01740 622302 or via b.mutch@btconnect.com

 Sedgefield Show launch for popular church calendar

Six local photographers are to have their work featured in the 2023 calendar produced by the Friends of St Edmund’s Church in Sedgefield – but their identities will not be revealed until the official launch  in August.
“We had multiple entries from a number of people this year and some of them were just too good to ignore”, said a member of the judging panel this week. The judges admit that some contributors will be disappointed that their work was not selected but say that a number featured children and it was not known if parental consent had been obtained and will go on sale at Sedgefield Show where the Friends of St Edmund’s will have a stall. 

Despite increased materials and production costs, the price of the calendar will remain the same as in previous years  - £8 plus 50p for anyone wanting a substantial protective envelope for safe posting.

Calendars can be ordered from any member of the Friends’ committee or from Friends’ membership secretary Brian Mutch on 01740 622302, via b.mutch@btconnect.com or at 6 Hasledon Grove, Sedgefield.
For local people unable to purchase copies from traditional sources when they become available, Brian and his wife, Christine, will come to homes by arrangement and take payment via the group’s hand-held card machine.

The 250 limited-edition, high-quality, slimline calendars include full-colour local scenes at various times of the year.

Ken solves calendar photograph mystery

The location of the mystery photograph submitted for possible use in next year’s calendar produced by the Friends of St Edmund’s Church in Sedgefield has been identified as. . . Felixstowe.

The answer was provided by Trimdon Times editor Ken Craggs who used his experience of software available on the internet to trace the working waterside scene.

Using a reverse image search (a little-known Google function which simply involves uploading a photo instead of typing a search term), several similar photos were found which identified the area.
The location was subsequently confirmed by a media source in the Suffolk town.

However, the identity of the photographer remains a mystery. Ken explained: “All that could be ascertained from the photo metadata was that it was originally taken on a first-generation iPhone SE”.

Brian Mutch, membership secretary of the Friends, said this week: “Our 2023 calendar rules require photographs to be of either local people or places and we knew that the picture could not have been taken in the Sedgefield area. Full marks to Ken for providing us with the answer.”

Closing date for submitting pictures for possible use in the 2023 calendar is the end of June. They can be e-mailed to Brian on www.friendsofstedmunds.org  or sent to his home at 6 Hasledon Grove, Sedgefield, TS21 2JW.
 

Start in sight for church conservation projects  

  
Work is about to start on the first of five restoration projects designed to safeguard the future of Sedgefield’s St Edmund’s Church for the benefit of both the local community and the anticipated increase in visitors to the town now that Coronavirus restrictions have been eased.

The Friends of St Edmund’s have confirmed that, weather permitting, a start will be made shortly on the second stage of essential repairs to various sections of external stonework.
 
This work will be quickly followed by the installation of bronze safety bars around the roof of the church tower to enable the resumption of sight-seeing trips to the rooftop of the tower.

When these projects are completed, the Friends hope to have the necessary approval for the repairs and refurbishment of the two faces of the church clock. Repairs to the vandalised church lych-gate will then follow.

The fifth project centres on the ancient tower bell frame, installed in 1707, which requires one of the oak beams to be replaced so the ringing of the bells can continue for weddings and other special occasions.

Dr Alistair Irvine, Chairman of the Friends (pictured), commented this week: “We have been struggling to make any kind of progress since the coronavirus outbreak, and the need to secure administrative and church authority approvals. Most of these are now in hand, and once we have obtained all the estimates from specialist companies and craftsmen qualified to work on a Grade I listed building, our work can continue.

“The future certainly looks much brighter for all the people throughout the country who value St Edmund’s and have helped us to raise the necessary finance to enable essential repairs. We are most grateful to all members of the Friends and our supporters for their generosity.”

Healthy festive sales will boost

church maintenance projects

Christmas has arrived early for supporters of Sedgefield’s St Edmund’s Church, says Brian Mutch, membership secretary of the Friends, whose primary role is to help maintain the fabric of the centuries-old building.

Merchandise sales in the past two months, he reports, “have been so healthy that they will enable the Friends to make a start on several projects we have had in the pipeline for some time.”

Brian added: “All of the group’s 2022 Calendars have now been sold, 98 per cent of our unique jigsaw puzzles have been snapped up and our Christmas cards are still flying off the shelves”.

Items of merchandise still available can be purchased from The Hive or by contacting Brian by e-mail at b.mutch@btconnect.com or by telephone (01740 622302)

Footnote: Plans are already in place for a 2023 calendar and local photographers are being invited to submit pictures for consideration so that the calendars can be on sale at Sedgefield Show in August.

Sedgefield Church bells silenced by rotten beam

The bells at Sedgefield’s St Edmund’s Church will not be heard again ‘for the foreseeable future’ says the man with special responsibility for over-seeing maintenance of the 900-year-old building.

Serious rot has been discovered in a 200-year-old oak beam (it’s 12 feet long, seven inches wide and more than 9inches deep) that supports three of the six bells in the church tower. Durham’s Diocesan bell advisor has said that it is now too dangerous to ring them.

Emeritus warden Brian Mutch (pictured), who has special responsibility for maintaining the fabric of all churches in the parish of the Upper Skerne, said this week: “We want to have the beam replaced as quickly as possible but there is only one company in the country capable of doing the work. We are now waiting for them to visit and give us a quotation but it is clear that the bells will not be rung again for the foreseeable future.”

The repair will be funded by the Friends of St Edmund’s who have only recently paid for remedial work to the roof of the east gable of the chancel where ‘holes you can get your hand into’ were discovered during a recent drone survey.

The Friends have also agreed to pay for the long-overdue refurbishment of the two faces on the church clock and its striking system, the provision of bronze safety bars on the tower roof to enable visits, repairs to the vandal-damaged lychgate roof, making good areas of the main building fabric and to contribute to the lifting of the crossing floor.

The Friends are now inviting donations of any size from well-wishers to help with the work. Donations can be made via their new ‘Just Giving’ page, which can be found on https://justgiving.com/fo-stedmundschurch or by sending a cheque to the Friends’ membership secretary, Brian Mutch, at 6 Hasledon Grove, Sedgefield, TS21 2JW, tel 01740 622302.

Royle visit for Sedgefield 
Christmas Tree Festival

 
Pam Royle, the popular former ITV news presenter, is to open this year’s Christmas Tree Festival in St Edmund’s Church, Sedgefield, at 10am on Saturday, November 27th.

“We’re absolutely delighted that Pam will be back with us again for our third festival and will present trophies and certificates for the best trees,” said organising team member Julia Rowsby this week.

Thirty-three decorated trees in various shapes and sizes sponsored by local businesses and organisations will be on display in the body of the church and will be complemented by window arrangements staged by Enchantments, the Sedgefield florists. The decorated entrance porch and an external display will also feature in the festival which will be open to the public until Thursday, December 2nd.  

Admission to the festival is free except for the Tuesday evening when Spennymoor Town Band will give a concert at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and are available from Brian Mutch on 01740 622302, Brenda Moore on 01740 620758 and The Hive in Rectory Row.

Admission on the Sunday will be from 2pm to 4pm and will see free musical performances by Sedgefield’s Ukulele Band and accomplished pianist, composer, music producer and church organist Alex Ord.

The church will be open on Monday between 1pm and 7pm and on Tuesday to Thursday inclusive between 10am and 4pm.

Sponsors will be invited to a preview with wine and nibbles on the evening before the official opening but admittance will be by invitation only.

Further information is available from Brian and Christine on the numbers above.

‘Twinkle’ and her ‘busy bees’
to aid church calendar sales

‘Twinkle’ and the ‘busy bees’ team of volunteers at The Hive in Sedgefield’s Rectory Row have stepped in to help The Friends of St Edmund’s Church sell their 2022 calendars and Christmas cards.

They agreed to become the town’s new principal sales centre for fund-raising merchandise produced by the Friends after the Toshach family, long-time supporters of the church, moved from their café in the town.

“We’re delighted to be able to help. That’s why we are here”, said “Twinkle” (better known, perhaps, as Carole Lawford), who launched The Hive community support project just over six months ago.

Since then, thanks in no small measure to the ‘busy bee’ volunteers, The Hive has grown at a rapid rate and has already won praise for its policy of inviting gifts of unwanted toys, books and bikes and selling them on for a reasonable donation. The Hive also grows and sells flowers, plants and vegetables, provides gallery space for local artists, and offers a variety of new household items.

Carole is pictured (centre) with volunteer helper Anna Kenyon and Friends’ membership secretary Brian Mutch.

The Friends’ calendars cost £8 plus 50p for a substantial protective envelope for safe posting.

They can be obtained from The Hub, any member of the Friends’ committee, or from Brian and Christine Mutch on 01740 622302 or via b.mutch@btconnect.com

Anyone having difficulty purchasing a copy or a pack of The Friends' Christmas cards can contact Brian and Christine who will come to local homes by arrangement and take payment via the group’s hand-held card machine.

Calendar photographers put Sedgefield in the picture

Eight local  photographers are to have their work featured in the 2022 calendar produced by the Friends of Sedgefield’s ancient St Edmund’s Church. 
They were named this week as Mark Barrett, George Ford, Ken Wilson, Richard Fernside, Ben Lyons, Paul Heasman, E.A. Stobbs and Judith Edgoose.
The photographs include delightful snow and nightime scenes, summer-time blooms, parkland features and a glorious evening sunset.
“As in previous years, the selection panel had a very challenging job deciding which pictures to use and want to thank everyone who took the time and trouble to submit images for consideration,” said Friends’ membership secretary Brian Mutch. 
The calendars cost £8 plus 50p for anyone wanting a substantial protective envelope for safe posting and will go on sale in the next few days.
They can be obtained from any member of the Friends committee or from Brian and Christine Mutch on 01740 622302 or via b.mutch@btconnect.com
For local people unable to purchase copies from traditional sources when they become available, Brian and Christine, will come to homes by arrangement and take payment via the group’s hand-held card machine.
Footnote: Brian is urging keen photographers to keep their cameras handy because pictures will be needed for the 2023 calendar to be launched at Sedgefield Show next August.
 

Don’t miss out . . .   order now for 2022 Sedgefield calendar

   
Orders are already being received for the 2022 calendar produced by the Friends of Sedgefield’s St Edmund’s Church - even though customers have not even had a preview.

“We know that the calendar is very popular but people are telling us they want copies as Christmas presents for relatives and friends, some of them abroad, and are keen to get them in the post as soon as possible”, said Friends’ membership secretary Brian Mutch this week.

Potential customers have been assured that the slimline, full-colour, hang-anywhere calendars showing scenes of the town and surrounding area taken by local photographers will, however, be available within the next week to ten days.  
The calendars cost £8 plus 50p for anyone wanting a substantial protective envelope for safe posting.

They can be pre-ordered from Brian and Christine Mutch on 01740 622302 or via b.mutch@btconnect.com

For local people unable to purchase copies from traditional sources when they become available, Brian and Christine, will come to homes by arrangement and take payment via the group’s hand-held card machine.
“This proved a very successful system in the past and we are confident that we shall repeat the complete sell-out we experienced last year,” said Brian.

Want to give someone special a great gift this Christmas? 
Why not a unique jigsaw?

   
Jigsaw enthusiasts will soon be able to test their skills on a unique charity fund-raising puzzle – but they will need plenty of time and lots of patience to crack it.  
The challenge comes in 1000 pieces and features a striking photograph of Sedgefield’s centuries-old church and surroundings shot by local drone pilot Jonathan Clegg.
It’s being produced by the Friends of St Edmund’s as part of the group’s tireless campaign to keep the fabric of the church in a decent state of repair
Membership secretary Brian Mutch said this week: “It’s a wonderful picture and we are already being asked how soon it will be available because it would make a superb Christmas gift. Orders have flooded in since we circulated information to members of the Friends.”
The limited-edition jigsaw measures 66cm x 52cm and comes with a price tag of £20. 
Expressions of interest can be sent to Brian by e-mail at b.mutch@btconnect.com or by ringing him on 01740 622302.

Bygone Sedgefield model on show at St Edmund’s ‘Open Days’ festival

Drone discovery shock for Friends of Sedgefield’

ancient parish church

Serious damage has been discovered in the stonework at Sedgefield’s ancient St Edmund’s Church – and the repair bill has been estimated at around £10,000. ‘Joints you can put your hand into’ have been found in the water tabling on top of the East Gable wall.ge

Although it was known that repairs were needed to various parts of the external stonework, it was not until a recent approved flight check by local drone pilot Jonathan Clegg that the full extent of damage to the water-tabling was revealed. A physical inspection confirmed the need for urgent action. 

“This is a very serious situation. In parts of the water tabling, there are joints that require immediate attention”, said Emeritus warden Brian Mutch (pictured), who has special responsibility for church buildings in the parish of the Upper Skerne. “If we don’t act before the winter, bad weather is likely to cause further serious erosion to both external and internal parts of our historic building and lead to even greater expense.” 

Once the Diocese of Durham was made aware of the seriousness of the damage, it gave permission for remedial work on the East Gable to begin as soon as possible. Restoration work to other parts of the fabric will now be carried out in the Spring. 

The repair bill will be met by the Friends but has come at a particularly challenging time for group members who recently launched a public appeal to help renovate the mechanism and two faces of the community-owned clock on the church tower.

Dr Alistair Irvine, Chairman of the Friends, has assured those who have already made donations to the clock appeal that their contributions will be ring-fenced until emergency work on the gable has been completed.

Anyone wanting to make a contribution to the repairs or clock faces can donate  via their new ‘Just Giving’ page, which can be found on  https://justgiving.com/fo-stedmundschurch  or by sending a cheque to the Friends’ membership secretary, Brian Mutch, at 6 Hasledon Grove, Sedgefield, TS21 2JW, tel 01740 622302. 

More information can be found on the website at www.friendsofstedmunds.org
 

Appeal to find eye-catching pictures for a highly-rated, 

Sedgefield area calendar

The New Year may be a long way off but local photographers are already being urged to take pictures of life in and around Sedgefield for possible use in the 2022 calendar planned by the Friends of St Edmund’s Church.

Membership secretary Brian Mutch said this week: “We know that some people have already taken photographs to capture life during the lockdown and that others are eager to get out and about once 
more to show how life is returning to normal.  

“Because of the recent constraints, we have not chosen a theme for 2022 so that photographers have much greater scope to demonstrate their ability to spot and produce an eye-catching picture for a highly-rated calendar. Drone photographs are welcome from those holding current CAA approval.”

Closing date for entries is mid-October.
Copyright-free entries can be in colour or monochrome and suitable for use in the now traditional, slimline, month-by-month, hang-anywhere calendar which has proved extremely popular with people over a wide area since it was first launched four years ago. 
The calendars are often used as Christmas presents and are sent to several parts of the world.
Entries can be forwarded to Brian via e-mail at b.mutch@btconnect.com or as hard copies to 6 Hasledon Grove, Sedgefield, TS21 2JW.  He would be happy to provide further information on 01740 622302.

Supporters of St Edmund’s Church
thanked for ‘amazing’ generosity

Friends of St Edmund’s Church in Sedgefield want to send a big thank-you to the many people in the community and further afield for their continuing support during the past twelve months
Dr Alistair Irvine, chairman, said this week: “Like many charities, fund-raising in the past 12 months has not been easy because of the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus but we have still received almost £4,000 an amazing amount of money at this very challenging time.”

“People have again been extremely generous,” said Dr Irvine. “It shows how much they value St Edmund’s and want to help preserve it for future generations."

Most of the income results from sales of the Friends’ 2021 Sedgefield Calendar and  Christmas cards as well as donations to the appeal for repairs to the church clock.

He added: “The committee of the Friends want to thank everyone for their goodwill and support, and hope the coming year will be a happier and healthier place for all of us.”
 

Facelift plan for Sedgefield

church clock – and you can help!

Friends of St Edmund's in Sedgefield are planning to put back a smile on the  ‘rather sad’ faces of the town’s church tower clock. They aim to have the faded blue paintwork re-painted and the fingers re-gilded with gold leaf

At the same time, they want to give the ageing clock a long-overdue mechanical MOT to correct a technical ‘quirk’ which invariably sees the clock keeping silent on its first chime.

Dr Alistair Irvine, chairman of the Friends, said this week: “There is no doubt that the two faces of the clock have seen better days. At present, they look rather sad and we think that the local community and visitors to the town would appreciate our plan to give them a facelift.”

Work on the Victorian clock is part of a four-project preservation programme announced by the Friends for action ‘as soon as possible’.

Also included are repairs to the roof of the lychgate, which was badly damaged by lead-thieves, the installation of safety barriers on top of the tower to enable the reintroduction of popular rooftop visits (currently suspended on health and safety grounds) and major stonework repairs to various areas of the church.

All four will need ‘faculty’ approval from the Diocese of Durham before any work can begin and that, it is acknowledged, could take around six months.

The Friends, an independent group of volunteers whose primary role is to raise funds to preserve the fabric of the church, admit that the programme will severely deplete their financial reserves.

Repairs to the clock and the refurbishment of the faces will cost an estimated £16,000 – largely because of the high cost of hiring scaffolding or skilled abseil specialists. The lychgate roof and stonework on the church itself will each cost around £3000 to repair and the safety barriers will need a further £1500.

But, says Dr Irvine, the benefits of the work for both townspeople and the 500 – 600 visitors to St Edmund’s each year, will far outweigh the expense – “though it will severely deplete our funds”.

He adds: “Like many organisations, we have been unable to arrange fund-raising events this year because of the coronavirus and our reserves are not as healthy as they once were.

“However, despite the challenges facing us, the Friends are very conscious of the fact that their primary remit is to conserve the fabric of the church to ensure it is in good order for generations to come.”

As a result, the Friends are now inviting donations of any size from well-wishers to help with the work.

They can be forwarded to Friends’ membership secretary Brian Mutch at 6 Hasledon Grove, Sedgefield, TS21 2JW, tel 01740 622302, website – www.friendsofstedmunds.org

New chairman for Friends of St Edmund’s Church

Distinguished consultant forensic physician Dr Alistair Irvine is to be the next chairman of the Friends of St Edmund’s Church in Sedgefield. He takes over from media consultant Ron Eyley, chairman for the past three years, who is leaving the area with his wife, Anne, to live in Rainton Bridge, Houghton Le Spring. The pair have agreed to continue their work with the committee of the Friends. Dr Irvine (pictured), whose consultancy services are in demand throughout the UK and as far afield as the Cayman Islands, was elected at the annual meeting of the Friends.

He and his wife, Barbara, live on the outskirts of Sedgefield and worship regularly at St Edmund’s. 

“We are all delighted that Dr Irvine has agreed to take over as chair of the Friends. He is the ideal man to lead the group as it prepares to tackle the church preservation challenges that lie ahead”, said Mr Eyley this week.

Re-elected to the committee were secretary Alison Hodgson, joint treasurers Nigel and Lynda Clegg and membership secretary Brian Mutch who will be supported by committee members Ron and Anne Eyley, Jimmy Seymour and Kevan Stevens.

Sedgefield Friends plan Christmas trip to Leeds 
 

Friends of St Edmund’s Church in Sedgefield are breaking with tradition this year as they plan their annual pre-Christmas shopping trip for members and supporters.
Instead of their usual trip to York, they are offering a day out to the Royal Armouries in Leeds for history enthusiasts or an opportunity to explore the stores and festive sights of the city centre for those wanting to search for last-minute Christmas gifts.
Millennium Square in the city centre has been transformed into a scenic winter village with over 40 traditional wooden chalets selling a wide range of festive products including toys, jewellery, gifts. cards and unique decorations.
The trip has been arranged for December 5 and the cost is £22. Admission to the Royal Armouries is free.
Places on the coach can be booked with secretary Alison Hodgson on 01740 620912.
The coach will leave Sedgefield (outside the Parish Hall) at 9am and will drop off and collect at both the Royal Armouries and the city centre.

Anniversary celebration for Sedgefield Friends

Tickets for the special celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Friends of St Edmund’s in Sedgefield, are ‘selling well’, say organisers.
 
Several founder members of the group will be among those attending a three-course, sit-down dinner in the Parish Hall on Friday, November 15, when music will be provided by the popular Gastric Band. A bar will be available.
 
Tickets for the event cost £30 and are available from secretary Alison Hodgson on 01740 620912 or membership secretary Brian Mutch on 01740 622302.
 
The primary role of the Friends is to help with the preservation of the fabric of St Edmund’s Church. Since it was formed in November 1999, members have raised around £160,000 through various social events and visits to regional places of interest.
 
“We are advising anyone who wishes to join us on this very special occasion to make early application for tickets because places are limited,” said Alison this week.

Repairs completed on Sedgefield church roof  

 The culprits were then condemned by emeritus warden Brian Mutch, who has special responsibility for church buildings in the parish of the Upper Skerne, as “avaricious individuals with no respect for centuries of local history”.
 
Specially-coated stainless steel, which is not as attractive to thieves, has been used to cover the centuries-old timbers so that work can now begin on renovating the interior walls which were badly marked by water seeping through the exposed roof.

The cost of the repair has been met in part through insurance cover, grants and donations from The Friends of St Edmund's, local organisations and many individual well-wishers.
 
The Upper Skerne’s Team Rector, the Revd. Geoffrey Short (pictured) said this week: “Like many churches, we have a constant struggle to meet our financial commitments and it is heartening to see how the local community has rallied round to help us find the extra money needed for the repairs. It shows how much they value St Edmund’s and want to preserve it for the generations to come.”

International VIP visit to Sedgefield Church

The Canadian general who oversaw the decommissioning of paramilitary weapons in Northern Ireland, General John de Chastelain, and his wife, MaryAnn, were among the visitors to St Edmund’s Church in Sedgefield at the weekend.

The general is the highly-regarded former chairman of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning and one of the key players in the confidence-building process that led to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. His work led to the decommissioning of Republican and Loyalist paramilitary arms.

General and Mrs de Chastelain, who now live in Ontario, made the visit to St Edmund’s with long-time friends and church stalwarts Dr. Alistair and Barbara Irvine as part of the Heritage Open Days initiative.
The General and Mrs Irvine were at school together during the war years.

Later, General and Mrs de Chastelain said how pleased they were to return to St Edmund’s and to see this extraordinary and historic building again.  The General also said he welcomed the opportunity to re-visit the memorial to the members of the Royal Canadian Air Force Lancaster crew killed near Sedgefield during World War II.

Pictured (l-r) during their visit are Mrs Irvine, General de Chastelain, Mrs de Chastelain and Dr. Irvine. (Photograph by Christine Mutch)

The two families were among visitors from many parts of the country who spent time at the weekend exploring the nine-centuries-old history of St Edmund’s and its special architectural features.

Emeritus warden Brian Mutch, who has responsibility for church buildings in the parish of the Upper Skerne and who spent time chatting with the VIP visitors, described this year’s Open Days event as ‘probably the most successful we have ever staged’ but added: “Several people were disappointed that because of health and safety issues, we could not offer trips up the tower to see the views from the roof. We hope these will be resolved in time for next year’s event.”

Heritage Open Days are designed to celebrate England's fantastic architecture, parks, gardens and culture by offering free access to properties that may usually be closed to the public or normally charge an admission fee. The programme is managed by the National Trust. 
 

Sedgefield Calendar will aid Church conservation 

‘Christmas Extravaganza’ at the Sage visit plan by

Friends of St Edmund’s

Christmas may still be months away but the Friends of St Edmund’s in Sedgefield are already busy organising what promises to be the highlight of their year’s social programme – a chance to see the massed voices of the highly-acclaimed Inspirations choir and the Royal Northern Sinfonia in a ‘Christmas Extravaganza’ at the Sage.

The annual blockbuster concert on the afternoon of Sunday, December 15th, is recognised throughout the North as a ‘not to be missed event’.

The Friends are keen to secure tickets as soon as possible for a party from the Sedgefield area. Supporters of the Friends will be particularly welcome.

Co-organiser Brian Mutch said this week “At £19, tickets are an absolute bargain - as anyone who has ever been to this annual concert will tell you. It’s a really fantastic event.”
Early application for tickets is vital so that the Friends’ group can be seated together.
Transport to the Sage will be left to individuals but lifts may be available for those without cars.
Further information is available from Brian on 01740 622302 or from secretary Alison Hodgson on 01740 620912.

Work begins on Sedgefield  church roof repair

Work has begun to repair the roof at Sedgefield’s ancient parish church which fell victim to lead thieves in December 2017.

The culprits were then condemned by church warden Brian Mutch as “avaricious individuals with no respect for centuries of local history”.

Restoration specialists have moved on to the site of St Edmund’s Church and erected scaffolding to remove temporary covering which has protected the roof of the North Transept since the theft.

Specially-coated stainless steel - which is not as attractive to thieves - will then be used to cover the centuries-old timbers

Work on the roof could be completed within a month and will cost around £30,000. 

Mr Mutch, who has special responsibility for church buildings in the parish of the Upper Skerne, said this week that work would then begin on renovating the interior walls which were badly marked by water seeping through the exposed roof. 

Several church members were keen to see work begin on the transept roof including (l-r) Mrs Brenda Moore, Mrs Yvonne Houston and Mrs Audrey Flanagan

'Wonderful' trip to Ushaw

The Friends of St Edmund's Church, Sedgefield, and their supporters had the most wonderful visit to Ushaw College today. What a fascinating place! As well as a guided tour of the buildings and an organ recital by our own Jonathan Clegg, we were also able to explore the gardens. I don't think I've ever seen so many different-coloured rhododendrons in one place. Full marks to the organising team. Pic by our treasurer, Nigel Clegg.

Entries invited for 2020 Sedgefield Calendar

Brancepeth visits delight Sedgefield Friends

Two members of the family who own the castle, Alison Hobbs and Oliver Dobson, led internal and external tours of the ancient building and explained some of the painstaking work now being undertaken to restore the castle to its former glory. They also provided refreshments on arrival, lunch and tea at the end of the day.

Visit organisers Alison Hodgson, secretary of the Friends, and Brian Mutch, membership secretary, described the visit as “one of the most interesting we have made in recent times” and “a really delightful experience”.

During the day, the Friends also visited nearby St Brandon’s Church (pictured) to discover how it had been restored after a disastrous fire and was now regarded by many as one of the most beautiful churches in the region. An explanation of the rebuilding project was given by Bookings Administrator Jean Hodgson.

Alison, Oliver and Jean were thanked by Ron Eyley, Chairman of the Friends.

The next social trip on the Friends’ agenda will be to Ushaw Hall on Tuesday, June 4th, for a conducted tour of the college which has been described as ‘a hidden gem of the North’. It will include an opportunity to explore the rhododendron gardens and listen to a short recital by Sedgefield organist Jonathan Clegg.

The cost (£25) includes welcome refreshments, a buffet lunch, guided tour and entrance fee of £5.00 (the fee can be converted into an annual pass if requested in advance of the visit).

Reservations can be made by contacting Brian Mutch (01740 622302), Alison Hodgson (01740 620912) or Anne Eyley (01740 645854).

BBC Tees tells the story of  Sedgefield hero memorial

BBC Radio Tees presenter Gary Philipson learned about the bravery of Sergeant Frederick Hardwicke (Bolton) when he met churchwarden and membership secretary of the Friends Brian Mutch in the graveyard at St Edmund’s Church, Sedgefield, this week.
The two were examining the memorial to the young soldier who was serving with the VI Inniskilling Dragoons when he fell in the gallant charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaklava on October 25, 1854. Frederick was 21 and is reported to be one of only 20 Dragoons killed in the battle which saw 200 Russian cavalrymen lose their lives.

Gary was at St Edmund’s to report on the new Graveyard Plan produced by Fishburn artist-graphic designer Kevan Stevens which was recently installed in the porch of the church to help visitors engaged in family-history research projects.  The original research for the Plan was undertaken some years ago by members of Sedgefield Local History Society.

Brian (pictured left) told Gary how the unusual memorial was erected by Frederick’s friends who state on the stone that he was “beloved by all who knew him”.

According to one historian, the ‘audacity, aggression and ferocity’ of The Heavy Brigade forced a hugely superior force of Russian troops to retreat – though the victory was largely obscured by the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade later in the day.

Frederick is not the only local to have taken part in the Heavy Brigade charge. In the cemetery of the former Winterton Hospital on the outskirts of Sedgefield is the grave of John Nichol who survived the battle and died on November 3, 1893, after serving the previous 18 years as chief attendant at the then asylum.  Nichol was a bugler in the 1V Royal Irish Dragoons.
 

Visit to Ushaw College

The Friends Committee has arranged a visit and conducted tour of Ushaw College, near Durham on Tuesday 4th June. This will include some areas not usually seen by the public.  

Designed by Augustus Pugin and set in 500 acres of rolling farmland and beautiful gardens Ushaw was a Roman Catholic seminary for over 200 years until it closed in 2011. Now run by a charitable trust, Ushaw houses some spectacular artefacts and architecture and is truly a hidden gem of the northeast. 
 
We are planning to travel to Ushaw by shared transport and will be greeted with tea and coffee before a guided tour around the college. There will also be opportunities to explore the chapels and gardens alone. The visit will close with a short organ recital given by Jonathan Clegg in the stunning surroundings of St Cuthbert’s chapel giving us an opportunity to sit down and soak up the atmosphere. The cost of the visit will be £25 to include welcome refreshments, a buffet lunch, guided tour and entrance fee of £5.00. The entrance fee may be converted into an annual pass if requested in advance of the visit.
 
Reservations can be made by contacting membership secretary Brian Mutch on 01740 622302, secretary Alison Hodgson on 01740 620912 or Anne Eyley on 01740 645854.

'Two-in-one-day'
visit offer to local history lovers

Lovers of local history are being offered an opportunity to hear the fascinating stories behind one of the oldest castles in the North of England and a church once ravaged by fire but now rated as among the most beautiful places of worship in the region.

Friends of St Edmund's Church, Sedgefield, are inviting experessions of interest for a two-in-one-day visit on Thursday, May 2nd, to Brancepeth Castle and the neigbouring village church of St Brandon's.

The visit will include tours and talks at each venue and morning coffee, lunch,and tea at the castle.

Organisers believe it will be one of their popular trips and say there is already 'considerable interest' even though the cost has still to be caluculated.  

Preliminary reservations can be made by contacting membership secretary Brian Mutch on 01740 622302, secretary Alison Hodgson on 01740 620912 or Anne Eyley on 01740 645854.

Further information and details of cost will be made available when numbers determine whether a coach will be hired or the visit made in member's cars.

Quiz-lovers raise cash for church conservation 

 The fund to help preserve Sedgefield’s ancient parish church has been given a £400 boost thanks to a couple who enjoy setting puzzles and locals who love solving them.
 Friends of St Edmund’s Church say their Spring Quiz Night and pie and pea supper at Ceddesfeld Hall again proved ‘a great success’.
 This year’s winners were a team of friends who called themselves ‘The News Team’ (Chris and Rachel Stephenson, Chris and Julia Rowsby, Lesley and  Colin Lowe and Jane and Jonah Jones)
 Quizmasters Judy and Peter Evans were thanked by MC Alison Hodgson for producing questions on a wide range of subjects which included local knowledge, current events and picture posers.
 Members of the Friends are now busy helping to promote a concert of choral music by the highly-acclaimed Sage Gateshead Chamber Choir in St Edmund’s Church at 7pm on Saturday, March 30. 
 The event is designed to raise money for repairs to the church roof and redecoration of the interior of the North Transept after raids by lead thieves.
 The Call of the Heavens’ programme will feature pieces by Bach, Rutter, Parry and Haydn and some not so well-known names such as Whitacre, Esenvalds and Arlen.
Tickets cost £10 and include refreshments. They