[dropcap type =”circle”]A[/dropcap] special day to celebrate heritage, community and history will take place in Bicester next month as part of a national scheme.
As part of the special day on September 9, the doors will be open at St Edburg’s Church, and historical re-enactments will take place.
The church tower is currently covered in scaffolding as renovation work takes place, thanks to a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Significant weather damage to the four top pinnacles means much repair is required, as well as loose masonry to be rectified. HLF suggested that, as part of the requirements of being awarded the grant, the Church put together a display to show how the town of Bicester and the Church have worked together in mutual support for the good of the people over the past 1000 years.
The Heritage Day is part of the National Heritage Open Days scheme, to welcome the wider community into the building.
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers. Every year for four days in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s a chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all free.
This year, for the very first time, everyone will be able to discover some of the stories of St. Edburg’s Church and the relationship the church has had with the town of Bicester. They will be able to explore the town’s oldest and most amazing building and find out how church and community have worked alongside each other to nurture, serve and educate. Members of the Church will around to welcome and help with activities.
The day will include displays and an exhibition of artefacts; trails around the church; opportunities to take photographs, or to paint or draw; church history guides for adults, church history books and leaflets will be available; light refreshments will be served throughout the day; and in the afternoon re-enactments of the major historical events to have taken place in the church will be staged from 2-3pm. and again from 3.30-4,30pm. This will be sponsored by St. Edburg’s Foundation whose main aim is to sustain the heritage of St. Edburg’s Church.
Those who are young at heart may like to visit the church dressed as a Saxon pilgrim, or a Tudor merchant, in Georgian attire, or as a Victorian schoolchild. Everyone is welcome to bring along their own stories, photographs or memorabilia of St. Edburg’s or St. Edburg’s School to share with others.
