Rugby Cafe Writers are a friendly group of authors and book-lovers who meet regularly in the Midlands town of Rugby to discuss the craft of writing. You are most welcome to join us. We meet at St Andrew’s Church, Rugby every fortnight on a Friday morning at 10am. We also have a monthly online Bookchat, usually on a Thursday morning, to keep in touch with members who are not able to come along to our Friday meetings. You do not need to be an experienced writer to come along. Everyone is welcome. www.rugbycafewriters.com
There is something nostalgic, comforting, uplifting and magical about bells. At St Andrew's our skilled bell ringers can ring a 5 or 8 and they do so before Sunday morning worship and for special occasions. Our bells sound out across the town, calling people to worship, marking weddings and celebrating important occasions in the life of the town. They were rung when the victorious England Rugby World Cup squad visited the town to receive the Freedom of the Borough in 2004.The bell ringers are always happy to welcome people who want to learn this ancient art. There are regular practice sessions on a Monday evening and the Tower Captain Christine Homer and Vice Captain John Goddard would welcome enquiries. Contact us for more information on 01788 536566 or e-mail our Parish OfficeThe West Tower The older set of five bells are hung in the West Tower (see right) which dates from about 1350. These bells, tuned in the key of A, were cast in 1711 by Joseph Smith of Edgbaston. They are hung in a frame which dates from about 1620. In 1929 they were rehung by John Taylor and Co. of Loughborough.The North East TowerThe North East Tower was built in 1895 as the final stage of the rebuilding of the church by William Butterfield. It contains 8 bells tuned in the key of D and cast by Mears and Stainbank of the Whitechapel Foundry. In 1955 they were lowered by 17 feet as there was movement in the tower, and in 1992 they were rehung to make ringing easier.
Quick Glance Monday evening (via zoom once a month):Community Singers Practice6.30-7.30pmWednesday evening:Young Choristers 5-6pmThursday evening:Parish Choir Practice7.15-8.30pmSomething for Everyone!St Andrew's invests in Anglican Choral music in recognition of how fundamental to our experience of worship it is. There are opportunities for those who are accomplished choral singers, those who just love to sing and those who wish to learn. St Andrew's Church ChoirA friendly and welcoming group of enthusiastic singers. Members need a secure level of singing skill and commitment to rehearsing weekly on Thursday evenings and singing on Sundays. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy singing a wide range of beautiful sacred choral music at a high level.To find out more about the choir, including the repertoire performed, please click here.The Director of Music, Dr Richard Dunster-Sigtermans, is always pleased to help with any musical enquiries and can be contacted on: directorofmusic@rugbychurch.org.uk Click here to see the music list for this monthClick here for previous music listsSt Andrew's Singers (Community Choir)Fun singing (secular and sacred) for everyone. Run by Angela. Click on this link for more info: St Andrew's SingersSinging for JuniorsWednesday evenings with Rachel Cliffe, email youngchoristers@rugbychurch.co.uk Young Choristers 5-6pm (to train to be a chorister in the robed choir)
Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy came to Rugby as a curate in 1908 and quickly became well known here, particularly for preaching around town in the open air. Described as a humble man who never bore a grudge, he struggled with asthma and wrote poetry. He had a burning passion for social justice and clearly believed he was called to minister primarily to people outside the church rather than to those already within it. He became nationally well known as a result of his ministry as a Chaplain in the First World War, when the soldiers called him Woodbine Willie. This was because he carried packets of Woodbine cigarettes with him wherever he went, giving them away to soldiers in the trenches. Geoffrey served in the Somme offensive and was awarded the Military Cross after running into no-mans-land to help the wounded during an attack on the German front-line. He was known as a man with a voice like a foghorn. When he preached at Church Parade every eye was on him and his sermons were the chief topic of conversation during the ensuing week. “He handed out compassion, friendship, jollity and cigarettes in equal measure”. Geoffrey was well known for giving away everything he possessed to those in need. He was also well known for swearing throughout his sermons, presumably something he didn’t do in St. Andrew’s! During the war he wrote a letter home saying (presumably in case he was killed) that his son should be brought up knowing “that being a gentleman means using your life to serve and help your fellow men as much as ever you can, and that it is dishonourable to desire only to make money and be comfortable”. Geoffrey founded the Industrial Christian Fellowship -'Faith on Monday Mornings' which seeks to help Christians in their daily work lives. Find out more here.
