Churches Visiting Group 1
CHURCHES VISITING GROUP 1
This group meets in the morning of the 3rd Tuesday monthly.
Our numbers are divided into pairs each of which takes responsibility for organising one monthly Church visit. We usually visit two Churches (just one if it is large or of particular interest) and the month’s organisers arrange which Churches we visit and, if possible, obtain the services of speakers at each Church. Lunch at a nearby hostelry is regarded as an essential part of the day and usually menus are obtained and meals chosen prior to our visit. These, of course, have to be circulated and meals ordered.
n October the group visited The Beauchamp Community and the stunning church of St Leonard’s in Newland, Malvern.
Built in 1864 by request of Earl Beauchamp of Madresfield Court, the alms houses were for the benefit of retired staff from the estate and the poor of the parish. Now the occupants are mainly retired clergy and persons associated with the church. A choir boarding school was housed in part of the building from 1864 - 1945.
The group were guided with expert knowledge and humour by Colin Brownlee, the resident archivist, who gave in depth details about the beautiful architecture with its many magnificent barley sugar style chimney pots.
St Leonard’s church was also built at the same time. It is a grade 1 listed building due to the extensive and impressive frescoes telling many bible stories. These frescoes, probably the finest example of the Gambia Parry technique in the country, cover the entire inside of the church.
The Beauchamp Community and St Leonard’s church are hidden gems. Many people who travel along the Worcester road pass by never realising how much they are missing.
After coffee and biscuits served in the board room, members were invited to visit the home of a member of our group who is fortunate to live beside the community.
We are full at present but if you are interested please contact the leader. By virtue of the way the Group operates, all members need to be committed and it will be seen from the above paragraph that having access to transport and a computer link is almost essential.