St. Mary's Old Church

19/07/2025

We regret to inform you that, due to unforeseen circumstances, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Summer Songs of Praise Service scheduled for tomorrow. We understand that this may be disappointing, and we appreciate your understanding during this time.

17/07/2025

This Sunday, July 20th at 2:30pm we warmly invite you to the Summer Songs of Praise service at the enchanting St. Mary's Old Church, a magnificent structure with a rich history spanning over 1,000 years. Your generous donations, whether in cash or by card, will contribute directly to the preservation of this cherished landmark. Everyone is invited to join us, and we’ll be offering complimentary Pimms to enhance your experience.

The service, starting at 2.30pm and led by Reverend Heather Wilcox, it promises to be a joyous occasion. If you would like a favorite hymn sung during the service, please reach out to Rev. Heather at 01206 240906 or
07503 151715.
We look forward to sharing this uplifting time with you.

05/07/2025

Tomorrow, we invite you to a free event at St. Mary's Old Church, a beautiful building over 1,000 years old. Donations are welcome, either in cash or by card, and all proceeds will go towards maintaining the church. Everyone is welcome, and there will be free refreshments available.

RESONATE is a group of singers who originally met in a world music choir in Colchester. After singing together for about 15 years, these seven vocalists decided to embark on a separate journey, focusing on a repertoire they deeply appreciate. This includes "Sacred Harp," a musical tradition from the late 18th century that originated in the southern United States, traditional Slavic songs from Bulgarian, Croatian, Georgian, and other cultures, as well as traditional songs from South Africa and various other African countries.

However, their repertoire is not limited to these three styles; you can expect to be surprised by songs from different parts of the world, including Bluegrass, Blues, and Gospel.

28/06/2025

On Sunday, July 6th, we invite you to a free event at St. Mary's Old Church, a beautiful building over 1,000 years old. Donations are welcome, either in cash or by card, and all proceeds will go towards maintaining the church. Everyone is welcome, and there will be free refreshments available.

RESONATE is a group of singers who originally met in a world music choir in Colchester. After singing together for about 15 years, these seven vocalists decided to embark on a separate journey, focusing on a repertoire they deeply appreciate. This includes "Sacred Harp," a musical tradition from the late 18th century that originated in the southern United States, traditional Slavic songs from Bulgarian, Croatian, Georgian, and other cultures, as well as traditional songs from South Africa and various other African countries.

However, their repertoire is not limited to these three styles; you can expect to be surprised by songs from different parts of the world, including Bluegrass, Blues, and Gospel.

03/06/2025

Join Adam Wightman from the Colchester Archaeological Trust this Sunday, June 8th, at 2:30 PM for an engaging event focused on Colchester's Roman past. The event is free, but donations are gratefully accepted, either in cash or by card. All contributions will go towards the maintenance of St. Mary's Old Church, a beautiful building that is over 1,000 years old. Everyone is welcome, and free refreshments will be provided.

Archaeological excavations at the Essex County Hospital site in Colchester have been ongoing for the past five years. During this time, archaeologists from the Colchester Archaeological Trust have revealed a complex Roman site with evidence for burial, occupation and industry spanning the duration of the Roman period. The remains of the major Roman road leading to the western gate of the walled town (the Balkerne Gate) were uncovered in the north-western corner of the site. High status burials occupied the land to the south of the road in the early Roman period, but as the town expanded in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, buildings were constructed fronting onto the road with industrial activities taking place to their rear. The burial of the dead continued around the site throughout the Roman period. To date, over 150 burials have been excavated at the site. These have included some fascinating animal burials, 'deviant' burials, and high status burials with the most spectacular of grave goods.....

25/04/2025

This was in the Gazette in the week and in today's Essex County Standard.

https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/25107049.colchester-village-host-re-enactment-womans-witchcraft-trial/

The event will take place on Sunday, May 11, at 2.30pm at St Mary’s Old Church in Hall Road, West Bergholt.

Entry and parking will be free, and donations will go towards the 1,000-year-old church’s restoration.

Elizabeth Lowys, who was held in Colchester Castle before her trial, was the first woman in Britain to be hanged for witchcraft.

15/04/2025

The first event will be held on the Sunday 11 May and is a talk by local historian John Worland on the First Elizabethan Witch Trial held in England. It commences at 2.30pm.

John is an expert on the Essex witch trials and is passionate about giving the victims a voice and campaigns to have memorials placed at appropriate sites in Essex. John will be describing the trial and ex*****on of Elizabeth Lowys from Gt. Waltham. The complaint against her was first heard in a church court but the civil trial was held in Colchester where she was hanged. The talk will be accompanied by a film of the re-enactment of the initial trial that was shot recently in Old St. Mary's Church by actors and a film crew.

As usual everyone is welcome, there's free parking and free refreshments including a glass of prosecco. Entry to both events is free but any donations made on the day (cash or card) will be gratefully received and will support the ongoing upkeep of the beautiful 1000 year old church. We look forward to welcoming you there. For more information, or if you wish to tell us you're coming, please email fosmocchurch@gmail.com.

15/04/2025

Details of the events that will be held in St. Mary's Old Church this year.

15/12/2024

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our Candlelight Carol Service this afternoon.
The Friends of St Mary’s Old Church (FOSMOC) wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎅🏻🧑🏻‍🎄🎄☃️

14/12/2024

Just a reminder that our Candlelight Carol Service is this Sunday, December 15th, at 2:30 PM.

It will be led by Reverend Heather. We are excited to welcome everyone to this wonderful family event as we get closer to Christmas. Everyone is invited, and dedicated parking will be available.

Please dress warmly and arrive early to secure a seat, as it is a very popular event!
🎅🏻🤶🏻🎄