THE CHOIR

St. Mary’s Choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music. Its main purpose is to lead the worship every Sunday at the 10.00 service of Sung Mass. 

Choir practice is normally held every Friday evening from 7.30-8.30 pm. 

We are always happy to welcome new members, young or old! You don’t have to read music –
just as long as you enjoy singing. So if you fancy joining us please contact the Director of Music, Gareth Bennett,
after any Sunday service at coffee. 

As St Mary’s is one of the most popular venues in Essex for weddings – the choir is available to enhance the services, singing a wide range of suitable music for the occasion. We can also provide soloists (singers and instrumentalists) if required. 

THE ORGAN

The organ is a fine two-manual instrument by Norman & Beard built in 1905. It has 9 speaking stops on the Great Organ, 9 on the Swell Organ and 4 on the Pedal Organ. The action throughout is tubular-pneumatic. The organ was fully restored in 2002 by The Village Workshop, Finchingfield.

THE BELLRINGERS

St. Mary's has 10 bells – the oldest bell dates from 1682, the newest from 1973. 

The bells are rung for morning services every Sunday from 9.30am to 10.00am and for services to mark celebrations in the Church year, such as Easter and Christmas. We also ring for weddings throughout the year. 

Some of the band are experienced ringers, who have been ringing for many years, but we also have a number of learners at various stages from learning the basic techniques of bellhandling to those starting to ring methods such as Grandshire Doubles. 

Our practice night is on the first Thursday of the month from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Anyone who is interested in learning to ring or would like to see how it is done, is welcome to drop in to practice night.