Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle 7.30pm Saturday 13th JuneWe are delighted to invite you to our performance of Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle with a star cast of soloists and Rossini's original arrangement of two pianos and a harmonium. Combining sacred tradition with operatic flair, this Mass is a delightful contradiction. It is neither 'petite' nor particularly 'solemn' but witty and charming with emotional depth. Thank you to those who have already bought tickets. If you don't already have yours, don't leave it too late; we expect this concert to be popular.Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle 7.30pm Sat 13th June, St Mary's Church, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2ATRichard Harker - conductorChristine Cunnold - sopranoRhonda Browne - contraltoStuart McDermott - tenorSamuel Snowden - baritoneAnita d'Attellis - pianoDavid Smith - pianoTammas Slater - harmoniumTickets: £22, under 25's and concessions £5, Family ticket £44 (2 adults and 2 under 18's)https://buytickets.at/henleychoralsociety/2072989
I am an idiot! Having lived in Henley and attended St Margaret’s for 9 years now, I have enjoyed the services BUT have not always been able to hear everything. Whether it is the Celebrant taking the communion service, a reader, a prayer leader, or even the sermon. I could not always hear everything. If you wear hearing aids, and like me do not always hear everything, you may like to know the following. I found out a few days ago that St Margaret’s has a LOOP system in the church. I did not know what a loop system was or how it worked until I asked my hearing aid gentleman from Hart Street. He took my hearing aids, and through his computer, added a LOOP programme to the hearing aids. It took minutes, but it could depend on your hearing aids so you would have to ask. Yesterday’s service was fantastic. I could hear everything direct into my ears. As people say, I am still on cloud nine. If like me you have been missing out, this message may be useful. James F
We are absolutely thrilled to share that the Coffee, Cakes and Chatter morning, held on the 23rd April has raised an amazing £615!The funds will be used to help with for the upkeep of our beautiful cemetery and War Memorial.HUGE thanks go to our most wonderful hostess, Anna, who so kindly opened her most stunning home and gardens for everyone to enjoy and to all those that brought cakes, treats and raffle prizes. The Raffle alone raised £200 thanks to Josie's ever wonderful organisation and Jane and Karen ensured the kettles never ran dry and everyone's cups literally '''ranneth over''.At my outside post to welcome our lovely guests inside I saw something 'you don't see every day' walking along the road ..... a single Morris dancer (with bells jiggling and hankies flicking!!) A conversation naturally ensued and he was practising for a Morris Marathon (200 miles) to raise funds for 6 very worthwhile causes. Please see the attached leaflet for more details and hopeful support.As always we could not be Any More Blessed for have our most special St. M's community and Church Family and we thank each and every person who attended and supported this event in so many ways. All love from Jane, Josie, Karen and Jo
There will be a wonderful Magical Tea (afternoon tea and magic show) at Shiplake church, 3pm on Sunday 21st June, which is also Father's Day. Please let us know if you are coming, if you can, to help us prepare. This is a free event but donations (of help, money and cake) are very much appreciated. Please see the attached poster or email Vic for more information or to say you are coming.
Beautiful 'Greatest Gift' wall (or standing) picture available for 'pre-order'. (Please see the attached image by clicking on "Download" on the right). Shelagh and David have produced this most beautiful ''Greatest Gift' picture, which was given to all the Sunday School children on Easter Day.This is a perfect gift for all young people, of any age, to receive. Please feel free to order as many as you'd like to make a perfect Christening, Confirmation, Birthday, Christmas, or - ''just because I love you/ you're special'' Present.To place your order for this wonderful gift, please contact David at benefice.sdh@gmail.com and either give £10 cash or BACs transfer.Funds raised will go towards Sunday School equipment and future events for children's outreach programs.
People on the Electoral Roll for all three churches can vote at the upcoming APCM (Annual Parish Church Meeting) on Sunday, 3rd May, 9:30 for Harpsden and Sunday, 31st May for Shiplake and Dunsden. The benefit of for being on the Electoral Roll is it allows you a vote in church. There was a full revision of the Electoral Roll last year, 2025, and so we are ONLY looking at new members of the congregation or people who missed out last year.HarpsdenI will be in church on Sunday, 19th April if you would like a form or to talk to me. If you have any questions and would like to e-mail me please do: frostandfrost@btopenworld.com. The following Sunday is a Benefice service at Shiplake and then it is the APCM at St Margaret’s. Please join us.James Frost – Electoral Roll Officer for St Margaret’sShiplake and DunsdenForms are available at the back of each church for anyone wishing to join the electoral roll. There are also forms for anyone wishing to join the PCC for the first time or have been a member for three years - in which case you must apply again. Please hand the forms to a warden or Revd Jane or Revd Pam.Shiplake is in need of a Churchwarden and we'd love to hear from anyone who might be willing to help.Email the Benefice Office for more information, thank you.