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PARISH OF HEADLEY WITH BOX HILL

Notice is hereby given that the Church Electoral Roll of the above parish will be revised by the Parochial Church Council (PCC), beginning on THURSDAY the 1st day of APRIL 2021 and ending on THURSDAY 15th APRIL 2021.

After the revision a copy of the names of the people on the Roll will be published by the PCC on the parish website (www.headleyboxhillxhurxhes.co.uk) for at least 14 days and a copy of the Roll will be available for inspection in each church.

You are entitled to have your name entered on the Roll because:

(a) you are baptised

(b) you are age 16 or over

(c) have made one of the following declarations:

1. You are a member of the Church of England or of a church in communion with it and are resident in the parish.

2. You are a member of the Church of England or of a church in communion with it, are not resident in the parish, but have habitually attended public worship in the parish during the preceding six months

3. You are a member of good standing of a church which is not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and are also a member of the church of England and have habitually attended public worship in the parish during the preceding six months.

This entitles you to attend the annual parochial church meeting and take part in its proceedings. This year the APCM will take place in person and via zoom on THURSDAY 29 APRIL 2021 at 7.30 pm.

The previous twelve months have presented many challenges and not everyone has been able to attend church in person, or join our online services, as often as they would like, or may have done in the past. Therefore, I will assume that you wish to remain on the Electoral Roll unless you contact me to ask to have your name removed.

Harry, Christopher and the church families at St Mary's and St Andrew's look forward to welcoming you back once you feel it is safe for you.

Pat Kitley

Church Electoral Roll Officer

patkitley@aol.com

19 Oaken Coppice

Ashtead

Surrey

KT21 1DL

ST MARY'S RECEIVES A FURTHER LIFELINE GRANT FROM THE CULTURE RECOVERY FUND

We are delighted to announced that we have been awarded a grant of £7,800 in the second wave of awards from the Culture Recovery Fund, released on 2nd April 2021. These awards will help organisations to look ahead to spring and summer and plan for reopening and recovery, following the Coronavirus crisis, and will be a much needed helping hand for transitioning back to normal in the months ahead.

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THE PARISH OF HEADLEY AND BOX HILL - ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

at St Mary’s Church, Headley & via Zoom  

7.30pm THURSDAY 29th APRIL 2021

Members of the Electoral Roll of the parish, and interested residents of both villages, are invited to attend this important annual event. Members of the church Electoral Roll are entitled to vote in the election of lay members to the Parochial Church Council and may raise any question of parochial or general church interest through the PCC Secretary prior to the meeting.

The meeting will start at 7.30 pm at St Mary’s but will also be available via Zoom.  As with current services, numbers will be limited in church due to social distancing requirements so please book your place through the PCC Secretary as soon as you can.  Priority will be given to those wishing to attend who don’t have access to the internet.  For those who would rather join via Zoom, please let the PCC Secretary know in advance to ensure you receive the appropriate link in advance of the meeting.

This is an ideal opportunity to hear about what is going on in our churches, and how we continue to build our ministry and mission through worship and friendship both within the local community and further afield.

Harry, Christopher and our Churchwardens and the members of the PCC hope that we can welcome as many of you as possible, whether in person or virtually, to this important meeting.

Sue Boswell

PCC Secretary

theboswells@talktalk.net

01372 276053

OCTAGON EXTENSION - OFFICIAL OPENING

As you may be aware, we had planned to have an official opening of the Octagon in February, with Bishop Andrew in attendance. Unfortunately, like with so many things, COVID-19 restrictions mean that this has been postponed until later in the year. We will of course keep you posted on the final date, once this has been agreed and confirmed.

27TH JANUARY 2021 - CELEBRATING 1000 PRAYER NETWORK MESSAGES

In March 2013, Charlie Holme agreed to set up a Prayer Network. Initially six people signed up to receive a short prayer by email twice a week. It quickly grew to 20 names and eight years later 200 people are on the list. When we were first put into lockdown last March, many people asked if prayers could be sent out more often and Charlie now sends out a prayer six days a week. The 1000th message was written especially for the occasion by the Archdeacon of Dorking, Martin Breadmore, who also visited St Mary's on the previous Sunday (see below). The message read:

Trusting in the God of Hope

Eternal God, in whom is all our hope

in life, in death and to all eternity:

grant that, rejoicing in the eternal life

which is ours in Christ,

we may face whatever the future holds in store for us

calm and unafraid,

always confident that neither death nor life

can part us from your love in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Click here to find out more about the Prayer Network and for details on how you can join.

24TH JANUARY 2021 - MARTIN BREADMORE, ARCHDEACON OF DORKING VISITS ST MARY'S

We were delighted to welcome the Archdeacon to St Mary's for our service on 24th January, on a snowy Sunday morning. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! JANUARY 2021

Though Christmas may be over, we have lots to look forward to in the New Year - the Octagon is receiving its final finishing touches, Adrian Esdaile will be leading us in more wonderful Contemplative Prayer sessions (the next on Thursday 21st January), and our Pilgrim Studies will recommence on Wednesday 20th January, looking at The Acts of the Apostles (click here to email Harry if you are interested in joining or would like to find out more). We will also be holding our regular Healing Prayer services online each Friday at 9.30am. You are most welcome to join us (email Harry to receive the link) or, if you would like to add somebody either to the Prayer Wall or our private prayer list, please click this link to email requests.

PCC REPORT - 6TH JANUARY 2021

As the decorations are taken down at Epiphany it is time to reflect on the final months of this very unusual year. Signs that the status quo we had enjoyed in the south of England would not last through the winter became apparent at the beginning of November and the preparations for Remembrance Sunday had to be hastily revised to meet the requirements of a month long lock down.

Gardens of Remembrance were arranged outside St Mary’s and St Andrew’s churches so people could plant small wooden crosses. Christopher Hancock conducted a Service of Remembrance live streamed from St Mary’s on Sunday, and Cllr David Preedy and former servicemen Jim Jobber and Brian Day took part in wreath laying ceremonies outside each church. It was different, but none the less poignant. Jim took part in the D-Day landings, and we are very proud that he made the small wooden stands for the traditional wreaths of poppies.

Planning began in October for a Christmas without the Singalong, Nativity, Carol and Crib services that so many enjoy, and are very difficult to replace with restrictions on singing and gatherings indoors. A huge thank you goes to those who agreed to take part in the Advent Calendar. You didn’t quite know what you were letting yourselves in for, but the end result brought huge pleasure to many people. Robin and Lucy Hunter used their professional expertise to create something very special. I gather people are already pitching for next year’s slots!!!

Another thank you has to go to the Parish of St Giles and St George in Ashtead. Leah Perona-Wright, whose Dad, Nigel, is their choir director put together a digital recording of carols and allowed us to use it in our recorded Carol Service in place of our usual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Leah is currently an ordinand in Ashtead and directs their Junior Choir. She will be joining our Benefice as a curate this summer. Readers were recorded in each of the three churches in the Benefice and the end result was enjoyed by many people who could take part online and join in the carols at home.

In spite of all the careful preparations to make sure that people could attend the services that remained in the diary, the move to Tier 4 brought further restrictions on household bubbles and meant the Crib Service on Christmas Eve had to be cancelled. For many plans had to change at the last minute so we are very grateful the combined efforts of Harry, Christopher, their ‘techie’ family members and many other volunteers so that this year was different, but not all bad!

Pat Kitley 

JOB VACANCY FOR THE POST OF CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR

Location: Ruxley Church

Job Type: Part Time

Closing Date: Monday 15th February 2021

Ruxley Church has a vacancy for a Church Administrator to provide effective administration of church activities and secretarial support to the Ministry Team. The applicant must have excellent interpersonal skills and all-round administrative and IT skills. The job holder must be ‘in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the Church of England and the Methodist Church’.

 The post will be 10 hours per week at £12 an hour with six weeks annual holiday pro rata.

 For an application form please e-mail church.warden@ruxley-church.org.uk

 Closing date: 15th February 2021 Interviews will be on 24th February 2021 

OCTAGON EXTENSION - 18th DECEMBER UPDATE

Almost there! Just a few issues to resolve and the Octagon will be complete!

   

 
  

OUR CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM FATHER CLIVE PIGGOTT

TO THE FAMILY OF SAINT MARY'S HEADLEY

I WISH YOU ALL A VERY HOLY AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY 2021.

ALTHOUGH SPECIAL THIS YEAR IT IS STILL THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD THAT WE CELEBRATE AND THAT CANNOT BE OVERLOOKED BUT DO STAY SAFE AND TAKE CARE.

I have so many happy memories of joining you for services in the past.

God Bless

FR Clive - Malden

OCTAGON EXTENSION - 13th DECEMBER UPDATE

And we are nearing the end - hopefully! Practical completion is scheduled for the 18th December (five days away!) although there is still a lot to do. The floor is down and the lighting is nearly finished. The kitchen servery is also complete. What a fabulous Christmas present, especially in these difficult times.

OUR ADVENT CALENDAR IS NOW LIVE!

From now until Christmas Day, we shall be sharing a wonderful mixture of readings, song, story and poems, each featuring members of the local community who may be very familiar to you! Click here to visit the Advent Calendar page.

OCTAGON EXTENSION - 27th NOVEMBER UPDATE

Work on the Octagon is in its final stages - isn't it looking marvellous? The kitchen has arrived in boxes, the entrance to the new building is almost complete, the roof is nearly finished and the kitchen servery is almost complete. Fabulous stuff!

"PRAYER FOR THE NATION" - REGULAR PRAYERS DURING THE LOCKDOWN

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York and senior church leaders have called a month of Prayer for the Nation during the second lockdown. The suggestion is that as many of us as possible unite to do this at 6pm each day.

Every day we will pause and pray at 6pm for those impacted by the pandemic. 

You can set an alarm, light a candle or use a light on your mobile phone as a prompt to pray, or you may even hear a church or cathedral bell ring as a reminder.

You can find an easy to use printable prayer booklet here, to help you as you pray over the next 4 weeks. These prayers and themes are offered as tools to enable all to participate and are intended simply as suggestions.

OCTAGON EXTENSION - 12th NOVEMBER UPDATE

Work on the Octagon is really progressing and we are moving into the final phases before completion. As you will see from the photos below, the scaffolding is now down, the interior walls are painted, the archway is formed and everything is ready for the final "fix", starting next week!

COVID-19 CHANGES - NOVEMBER 2020

All scheduled services for November in the churches of St Mary’s and St Andrew’s are cancelled as part of the government’s winter lockdown.

However each Sunday there will be recorded services to watch and online services for you to join on Zoom or Facebook. Click here for full details

The Archbishops are also asking us to make November a special month of prayer, click here for details

You can make use of the Friday Healing Prayer sessions at 9.30am on Zoom each week (click here to email Harry for joining details) and join in Adrian Esdaile’s Contemplative Prayer sessions - click here for information.

There will also be services of online Compline or Night Prayer at 9pm on three Wednesdays in Lockdown, November the 11th, 18th and 25th. Join on Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9157691223

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2020 FLOWERS

Even if we are unable to attend St Mary's for Remembrance Sunday this year, we are lucky enough to still enjoy the flowers from the picture below. Many thanks to the flower ladies as always.

   

ST MARY'S RECEIVES A LIFELINE GRANT FROM THE CULTURE RECOVERY FUND

St Mary's is one of 445 heritage organisations across the country set to receive a lifesaving financial boost from the culture recovery fund to help during the coronavirus pandemic. 

This very exciting news recognises St Mary's status as a Heritage Site, as well as providing much needed resources to maintain the heritage of our churches. To read the full press release, click here.

This is our second recent award from the Heritage Fund. We received £5,400 from the Heritage Emergency Fund in August, which was specifically COVID related and was to cover essential operating costs until November 2020. We were eligible for this grant as we were the recipient of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to reclothe the spire at St Mary's in 2015.

HARVEST 2020

Thank you so much to all who have donated to our Harvest Appeal. Below are some images of this year's bumper crop! A fabulous result and so much needed by those in our charities supporting the homeless, vulnerable and socially isolated. Click here for further information.  

 

Our Flower Ladies have once again done us proud and here are some photos of this year's gorgeous display.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 

at St Mary’s Church, Headley & via Zoom

7.00 pm TUESDAY 6th OCTOBER 2020

Members of the Electoral Roll of the parish, and interested residents of both villages, are invited to attend this important annual event. Members of the church Electoral Roll are entitled to vote in the election of lay members to the Parochial Church Council and may raise any question of parochial or general church interest through the PCC Secretary prior to the meeting.

The meeting will start at 7.00 pm at St Mary’s but will also be available via Zoom.  As with current services, numbers will be limited in church due to social distancing requirements so please book your place through the PCC Secretary as soon as you can.  Priority will be given to those wishing to attend who don’t have access to the internet.  For those who would rather join via Zoom, please let the PCC Secretary know in advance to ensure you receive the appropriate link in advance of the meeting.

This is an ideal opportunity hear about what is going on in our churches, and how we continue to build our ministry and mission through worship and friendship both within the local community and further afield.

Harry, Christopher and our Churchwardens and the members of the PCC hope that we can welcome as many of you as possible, whether in person or virtually, to this important meeting.

Sue Boswell

PCC Secretary

click here to email

FUNDRAISING UPDATE 

In spite of only having one Lent Lunch and all other fundraising activities disappearing because of COVID, the PCC recently agreed to donating £100 each to St Peter's Life-Line and The Meeting Room. We received a lovely letter from David Baldwin acknowledging our donation and we share it with you below. Thank you for your continued support for our fundraising - without you, we simply couldn't support our chosen charities.

If possible, please donate to goods to our Harvest Appeal - your donations will help local homeless, disadvantaged and socially-isolated individuals. To download a copy of our flyer, please click here.

 WDH Baldwin MBE

Chairman of Trustees

St Peter’s Life-Line

Dear Roger and All at Headley and Box Hill,

St Peter's Life -Line

Thank you so much for your most welcome donation!

Yes, like you we are suffering a dearth of fundraising opportunities, but with folks like you

around it does take the sting out of it completely!

Apart from our normal projects rumbling on, we are concentrating very much on COVID

consequences. Although COVID levels are very low where we work, the impact -particularly with

schools being shut and not opening until Jan '21 -has been many schoolgirl pregnancies -our

ladies and church network have traced 78 so far. The majority of these babies will be welcomed

into the larger family, and taken care of, but there are a few vulnerable girls (one as young as 14)

who we will keep an eye on and support if we can. We will also try and encourage these girls to

get back to school and finish their education.

There has also been creeping incidents of FGM. We are holding special community and forums

for schoolgirls to try and forestall any further such activities. Many breadwinners have lost their

jobs, so we sent £10,000 to feed over 350 of their families for a month.

Here's praying that at some stage soon we can meet again and enjoy your generous hospitality

and fellowship, and have a 'real catch-up'!

Many blessings,

As ever

David

JULY COVID-19  UPDATE -  TRIAL 8AM SUNDAY SERVICES

Following the Government's Notice, and on instruction from the National Church and Diocese of Guildford, the PCC has decided to have a trial opening of St Mary's on Sundays in July, beginning on Sunday 5th for an 8.00am weekly service.

No-one is compelled to attend these services and those over seventy may well choose not to do so. There will be some differences to a normal service due to social distancing measures and communion will be received in one kind (bread only).

Please do consultant with your family before making a decision as to whether or not you will be attending. For those without immediate family to talk to, please discuss with Harry.

Pre-booking is essential and details will be published on the welcome page of the website as to how to do this.

OCTAGON 30th JUNE UPDATE

The roof is currently being clothed and, excitingly, the opening from the church is now formed!

THY KINGDOM COME 2020 - ASCENSION 21ST MAY TO PENTECOST 31ST MAY

This year's Thy Kingdom Come was very different due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, but that didn't stop us taking part with our usual enthusiasm!

As well as providing a wide range of resources for all ages to take part on our webpage, there were daily prayers and we ended the Novena with an online 24 hour prayer marathon! 

The 24 Hour prayers were held in a virtual 'prayer room' on Zoom and streamed live on our Facebook page. Each hour's prayers were led by members of our church community, each bringing their own unique contribution to the event. It was a truly special and spiritual occasion, culminating in a very special Pentecost online service.

We may not have been able to light the beacon in St Mary's this year, but we certainly lit a flame of prayer and hope online.

A massive thank you to all who led prayers (especially in the wee small hours) and to those who joined in. We simply couldn't have done it without you.

WEEKLY BENEFICE COMPLINE

We are now holding a WEEKLY BENEFICE COMPLINE - TUESDAY EVENINGS AT 9.00pm - to join on Zoom, please see our Prayer & Worship Resources page

OCTAGON UPDATE - 24TH APRIL

The structural steel frame is almost completed and should be finished on Monday 27th April. The drainage works are well underway, with a large hole being dug for the cesspool and a smaller one for the soak way. Very exciting news and now we can see the building taking shape! Don't forget to check out our webpage for the Octagon Extension by clicking here.

You will be able to see all the updates of this very exciting project for our Parish!

   

 

    

ST GEORGE'S DAY

Happy St George's Day! We are flying the flag at St Mary's. Here are some interesting St George facts, courtesy of English Heritage:

ST GEORGE'S DAY

Happy St George's Day! We are flying the flag at St Mary's. Here are some interesting St George facts, courtesy of English Heritage:

Like many saints, St George was described as a martyr after he died for his Christian faith.

It is believed that, during the persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian in the early 4th century, St George was executed for refusing to make a sacrifice in honour of the pagan gods.

 

Although St George never visited England, his reputation for virtue and holiness spread across Europe and his feast day – the 23rd April – was celebrated in England from the 9th century onwards.

He became popular with English kings. Edward I (1272-1307) had banners bearing the emblem of St George (a red cross on a white background) and Edward III (1327-77) had a strong interest in the saint and owned a relic of his blood. The St George cross was not used to represent England until the reign of Henry VIII.

 

St George was canonised in AD 494 by Pope Gelasius, who claimed he was one of those 'whose names are justly revered among men but whose acts are known only to God'.

A feast day of St George has been celebrated in England for hundreds of years on 23 April, which was possibly the date of his martyrdom. Following the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, St George's Day became one of the most important feast days in the English calendar.

 

St George is truly an international saint and England is not the only country or region to claim him as its patron. England shares St George with Venice, Genoa, Portugal, Ethiopia and Catalonia among others as their patron saint and many of these places have their own celebrations and ceremonies in his honour.

 

Particularly interesting at this time, during the Middle Ages, people believed that St George was one of the 'Fourteen Holy Helpers' – a group of saints who could help during epidemic diseases. St George's protection was invoked against several nasty diseases, many fatal and with infectious causes, including the Plague and leprosy.

From around 1100, St George’s help was also sought to protect the English army. In William Shakespeare’s Henry V, the monarch calls on the saint during his battle cry at the Battle of Harfleur in the famous “Once more unto the breach, dear friends” speech, crying “God for Harry! England, and St. George!” (this is particularly relevant as Shakespeare was born on St George's day!  Five hundred years later – during the First World War – a ghostly apparition of St George is said to have aided British troops during their retreat from Mons, and the naval commander of the Zeebrugge Raid cited the saint as inspiration.

Happy St George's Day!!

PRAYER WALL

We have set up a Prayer Wall on the website, where you can add the names of people or situations which are particularly on your mind.

You can access the page by clicking here or via the website menu. Here you will find details of how to add your prayers to the wall.

ONLINE PRAYER & WORSHIP RESOURCES

We have set up a Prayer and Worship Resources page which will give easy access to regular online services from Harry and Christopher, as well as giving some useful suggestions for prayer resources and films/items that might be of interest to you.

You can access the page by clicking here or via the website menu.

PASTORAL CARE

If you are in need and need help or prayer, we are here. Perhaps you'd just like to talk to somebody? You aren't alone.

We can be contacted by email - just click here 

Alternatively, please telephone Jan on 01372 383100 or Sue on 07950 015556.

We are here to help.

THE OCTAGON EXTENSION - APRIL 2020 UPDATE

Good news! The foundation slab was laid on 7th April and the drainage work is now underway. We will post updates as they happen.

  

COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS - MARCH 2020

In light of the Government guidance around non-essential contact, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued advice that, as of 17th March 2020, public worship will suspended until further notice. We will be working on different ways to bring services to you and will update shortly.

COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS - MARCH 2020

In light of the Government guidance around non-essential contact, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued advice that, as of 17th March 2020, public worship will suspended until further notice. We will be working on different ways to bring services to you and will update shortly.

ST MARY'S OCTAGON EXTENSION - JANUARY 2020 UPDATE

THANKS TO YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT, WE ARE ABOUT TO START BUILDING !!

We have now raised the princely sum of £360,000, with your help and support !

Now that we have all the necessary funds, along with planning permission from MVDC and the Diocese, we can start to build our architecturally designed Octagon Extension to St Mary's Church in Headley in the next few weeks, to provide a meeting room, kitchen facilities, toilets and storage for this fine Victorian Church, to make it more accessible for both religious functions and for general use by the whole community.

The construction will be carried out by Valley Builders of East Grinstead, who have extensive experience in church related building and repair. It is hoped that building will be completed and available for use by the end of 2020.

May we take this opportunity to thank you all for your generous support - and we will be sure to keep you up to date with the construction process and invite you to the opening celebrations in due course !

CHRISTINGLE 5th JANUARY 2020 - ST ANDREW'S

Christopher kicked the year off in style at St Andrew's with a fabulous Christingle Service. It was a fabulous mixture of fun, laughter and spirituality - and a special guest appearance was made by the Three Wise Men! 

Christopher leading us in prayer                            The Three Wise Men (aka Barrie, Fred & Charlie)

An array of fabulous Christingles                                                     Carole with her Christingle

CHRISTMAS 2019

We had a lovely Christmas in the Parish, from lighting the candles on the Advent Rings and the fabulous Nativity Play courtesy of the Curtis Players, to Carols in both churches and much more!

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you a blessed 2020.

Advent Rings at St Andrew's and St Mary's

Robin & Christopher - First Class Shepherds               Tracy, Adrienne & Joan - Always Angelic

Jan directing the Curtis Players        Karen & Catherine still smiling           Sleeping Shepherd Robin         Shepherd Roger with his arms full!

Glory to the new born King!

       Carols by Candlelight at St Andrew's

ST PETER'S LIFE-LINE THANK THE CHILDREN OF THE PARISH FOR THEIR LOVELY BANNER

Just back from a marvellous time at St Peter’s (see St SPLL page for full details) - see the photos of your donation being presented to Father Emilio and of the lovely banner being accepted at school assembly, and hanging high in the dining hall for all to see. Thanks as ever for all your support.

HARVEST 2019

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MADE THIS HARVEST'S EVENTS SUCH A SUCCESS

THE MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING, HARVEST SUPPER & HARVEST FESTIVAL SERVICES COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITHOUT YOUR GENEROSITY OF TIME AND DONATIONS TO THE CHARITIES WE SUPPORT ...

... AND ALL THE HARD WORK OF THE FLOWER ARRANGERS WHO PRODUCED STUNNING HARVEST DISPLAYS, THE BAKERS AND CHEFS WHO PRODUCED DELICIOUS CAKES, LASAGNE, CRUMBLES, GARLIC BREAD, SALADS AND CHEESE BOARDS, THE SETTERS-UP, WASHERS-UP AND CLEARER-UPS...

... AND ALL WHO MADE SUCH GENEROUS DONATIONS TOWARDS ST PETER'S LIFE-LINE (£290), MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT (£360), THE MEETING ROOM AND LEATHERHEAD NIGHT HOSTEL.

BENEFICE FAMILY PICNIC - SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER

We had a fabulously sunny day for this year's benefice picnic at Headley Cricket Club. People of all ages joined in a very lively rounders match, as well as enjoying a few rounds of croquet. bouncy slide was in constant use by the younger members of our party.

A few photos below give a flavour of this lovely occasion - if you haven't been before, please do come along next year. You won't be disappointed!

Many thanks to all those who manned the bar and kitchen, the bouncy castle, and setting/clearing up.

ST ANDREW'S VILLAGE SONGS OF PRAISE - SUNDAY 28th JULY

St Andrew's had a marvellous turn out for it's summer Songs of Praise, including our County Councillor, Hazel Watson,  who took time out of her busy schedule to attend and whose support for our events is always very much appreciated.

Before the service, cream teas were served both inside and outside of the church - and what a success they were! Thank you to Jan and Margaret for baking such delicious scones and to Barbara & Paul for organising a mountain of clotted cream. Jan, Margaret, Shirley & Barbara also did a fabulous job in the kitchen - unfortunately there are no photos as I was busy waiting on tables with Shirley. I did take time to sample a cream tea and they were scrumptious!

It was a truly lovely way to continue to the St Andrew's 50th Celebrations and Harry has hinted we will be repeating the Songs of Praise (and hopefully the delicious cream teas) next year.

PET SERVICE - SUNDAY 21st JULY - ST MARY'S

We had a fabulous turn out on a lovely summer's afternoon for our Pet Service - 38 people enjoyed the special service and 12 dogs joined in and even received a very special blessing. It was a very joyful occasion and it was lovely to see so many people and their furry family and friends. Thanks to all those who came and also to Jan, Tracy and Margaret for the catering afterwards.

SERENDIPITY CONCERT - FRIDAY 21st JUNE 2019

We were delighted to welcome Serendipity back to St Mary's, after their wonderful Christmas Concert. Everybody enjoyed a very special evening of music based on the theme of "Friendship", with songs including "Tea for Two", "Lean on Me", Carol King's "You've Got a Friend" and "Sisters" among others.

Most importantly, the evening raised a fabulous £739 for the Octagon Appeal! Well done to Jan and everybody involved in organising another cracking event.

THY KINGDOM COME/NOVENA 30th MAY - 9th JUNE 2019

Once again we joined in with the Thy Kingdom Come celebrations from Ascension to Pentecost. 

We kicked off with a 6.30am service at Box Hill Viewpoint, followed by a very welcome at St Andrews. Fabulous! Prayers were held twice daily: morning prayer in St Andrew's and evening  prayer in St Mary's. The week culminated with our very special prayer service followed by the lighting of the beacon in St Mary's churchyard. Once again, we had some lovely refreshments, as the photo shows. Finally, on Pentecost itself, a joint Parish Communion was held in St Mary's and some of us ventured to the Guildford Cathedral Prayer Festival in the afternoon, for a really special TKC service led by Bishops Andrew & Jo, together with representatives from other Christian churches. It was so marvellous to see Christians of all denominations joining together to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit!

PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION - Sunday 14th April 2019

Once again, we celebrated Palm Sunday with a Procession through the village of Box Hill, complete with 'Jesus' (Revd Christopher Hancock) and a donkey. It was a bright sunny day for this lovely occasion of witness, complete with disciples and superheroes, all following the greatest superhero ever! After the procession, everybody joined together for lovely homemade cake (thank you Carole, Jan and Karen!) and tea, whilst the children joined in a crafting session making individual Easter gardens and designing scratch art crosses, before joining together to make two larger Easter Gardens to be displayed in both churches - complete with a tomb and stone to be rolled away on Easter Sunday. Below are a selection of photos from the day.

LENT LUNCH ST ANDREW'S - Friday 15th March

Around 20 people got together to share homemade soups and raise funds for our charity St Peter's Life-Line. A lovely lunch was followed by a fascinating presentation by Pip Burley, showing highlights from his trip to Kajuki. Thanks to everybody who turned up and especial thanks to Pip.

ST ANDREW'S 50TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

In February 2019, St Andrew's celebrated 50th years since its consecration.  In honour of the occasion, we had a special Commemorative Service and Lunch, as well as an Open Day looking back at the history of the church.

Commemorative Service & Lunch - Sunday 10th February

February 10th saw a full St Andrew's as past and present Box Hill residents celebrated St Andrew's 50th Birthday, with our guest of honour being the Bishop of Dorking. The service was followed by a birthday lunch, complete with cake, in a splendidly decorated Village Hall.

Open Day - Saturday 2nd February

Over fifty people braved the ice and snow to visit an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia about the construction of the church and other items of historical interest to Box Hill. In the afternoon, past and present residents of Box Hill - including Greta Cresswell, Vanessa Burgess, Sue and Bill Clark, Esme Rubra, and Brian and Anne Marshall - shared their memories about the history of St Andrew's, together with information about the various shops and facilities that could be found at Box Hall over the last fifty years. 

In the afternoon, Ann Ward from Dorking Museum was present to record what people said, to ensure that a permanent source of the information is kept in the museum archives. 

CHRISTMAS 2018

 We had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas in the Parish - below are a selection of photos from just some of our services and events.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2018

St Mary's

 A large congregation gathered at St Mary’s Church in Headley to pay a personal tribute to those that gave their lives for their country in WWI and to remember all those who still carry the scars of subsequent conflicts. This is the first year that DMRC Headley Court has not been part of our community, but we were pleased that several staff who still live in the area returned to St Mary’s for the service.

Wreaths were laid on the altar, and later placed on the War Memorial to honour:

1914 – 1918

William Collins

Frederick Cordock

William Robert Dibble

Thomas William Hankins

Harold Hawkins

Henry Joseph Lintern

John Parsons

Edward Payne

Leonard Rooke

Robert N. D. Ryder

Robert Smith

1939 – 1945

Jack Beeson

Jack A. Shepard

Richard Humble

The Battle’s Over

As darkness fell, over 120 people gathered around the Beacon in the churchyard at St Mary’s to take part in the national tribute to commemorate the end of WWI one hundred years ago. Across the country the Last Post sounded at 18.55, followed five minutes later by the lighting of Beacons by Peter Denyer and Jon Laverty, and at 19.05 Tina Doick took charge of the bellringing.

Visitors were welcomed into St Mary’s by Biz and Richard, Thelma and David for a drink and stayed to listen to a short selection of poetry and letters read by Lindsay, Jan and Pat. Harry and Christopher concluded the period of reflection with a Bible reading and prayers. A huge ‘thank you’ goes to all who helped to make the evening so special.

St Andrew's

This Remembrance Sunday, Christopher led us in a very special service at St Andrew's, where we joined together to remember all those who lost their lives in conflict.

In particular, we remembered those who lived in Box Hill, who gave their lives in WWI & WWII. 

Never forgotten.

1914-1918

CONFIRMATION SERVICE LED BY BISHOP JO 14/10/2018

Many thanks congratulations to our congregants who were confirmed by Bishop Jo at this special service at St Peter's.  There were 11 candidates in total and, despite the wet and windy weather, the church was packed with friends and family to offer support and blessings. Special congratulations to our Parish candidates, Mark Wilson, Paul Seaman and Barbara Seaman.

Many thanks to Bishop Jo for a very special service - below is a picture of two of the candidates, Paul and Barbara Seaman from St Andrew's, together with Bishop Jo and our own Revd Christopher Hancock.

MEMORIAL SERVICE - 14th OCTOBER

On 14th October, we also held a special service to remember friends and family, particularly those we had lost this year. Members of the congregation were asked to bring a long stemmed flower to the service, so a remembrance display could be created - see below for pictures.

BENEFICE PICNIC 

Our prayers for good weather were answered on Saturday 15 September for the first Benefice Family Picnic. There was a very good turn out from both parishes and everyone enjoyed the surroundings of Headley Cricket Club. Our thanks go to the President and committee for allowing us to use it.

ANNE VINE

We were all so very saddened to hear of the death of our dear friend and member, Anne. We will all remember her participating in so many events and services, and, most of all, her smile, her hugs and her kindness. 

Rest in Peace Anne - you will be missed by so many.

BISHOP OF DORKING’S VISIT - Sunday 29th April

 On Sunday 29 April The Rt Revd Dr Jo Bailey Wells, Bishop of Dorking, paid her first visit to the Parish of Headley with Box Hill to lead the Joint Benefice Family Communion Service at St Mary’s Church. It was a joyful occasion with nearly a hundred people of all ages from the three churches in the Benefice gathered together.

Bishop Jo’s visit will be remembered, not only for her warmth and friendliness and the time she spent talking to us both before and after the service, but also for her sermon. It was based on John 15: 1-8 that begins with the words, ‘I am the true vine, and my father is the gardener’ and continues with, ‘you are the branches.’ To illustrate the message Bishop Jo brought a very large, trailing plant that she proceeded to wrap around a willing volunteer. She left us with the thought that we are nurtured by being enfolded in the love of God and bound to one another through the true vine, Jesus Christ. 

PALM SUNDAY PARADE 2018

Palm Sunday saw the very first Benefice Palm Sunday Parade - and almost certainly not the last! Below are a selection of photographs from the day, which speak for themselves. A great day of witness celebrating our Lord's entry into Jerusalem.

A dozen people and three dogs took part in various stages of this year's Beating the Bounds and, fortunately, Harry had the foresight to bring an umbrella with him. The triumphant half dozen made it back to St Mary’s for a service followed by well-deserved refreshments at The Cock!

CHRISTMAS 2017

We had a very special Christmas this year - Harry's first in the Parish and Christopher back with us again. A full house!  

We kicked off our celebrations with our Messy Christingle on 3rd December and everybody joined in the crafting and games. Some rather lovely Glittery Tealight holders were used to decorate St Andrew's for the service, as you can see below:

Sunday 10th December was a busy day for St Mary's!  In the morning, the service included the Parish Nativity play, complete with Mary, Joseph, a donkey and a few unusual guests - lots of fun courtesy of the "Curtis Players" with special guest star Robin Hunter. That evening, we held our Nine Lessons and Carols service, continuing a tradition which has been taking place in cathedrals and churches around the country since 1880. After a very special service, we all enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies and agreed it was a smashing way to kick off the season.

St Andrew's held its Carols by Candlelight service on Wednesday 20th, which is always a popular choice for regular churchgoers and locals alike. More mulled wine and mince pies rounded off a lovely service, putting everybody in the spirit for the big day; not long to go!

Sunday 24th December was a very busy day! The morning saw us join together with our sister church, St Peter's Walton-on-the-Hill, for a United Benefice Christmas Eve Communion, held at St Andrew's. (We rotate the United Benefice services between the three churches - keep an eye on our services page for an update on the next UB service).  That afternoon, local children and families came to our Children's Crib Service at St Mary's, which is always a very special occasion. The children help to decorate our crib which will then stay on display until Candlemas in February - an important job! Finally, the final service of Christmas Eve was our Midnight Mass, where we join together ready to welcome the Christ-child to the world once again.

Our Christmas Day Family Communion, led by Christopher, at St Mary's rounded off our Christmas week services. It is good to have you back, Christopher, and it is lovely to have you at the helm, Harry! 

ST PETER'S LIFE-LINE GALA DINNER

Many of you will know that on 7 December last, a Gala Dinner and On Line Auction was held to raise funds for the St Peter's Life-Line charity - St Mary's chosen overseas mission for the support of the impoverished children and young women of Kajuki in Eastern Kenya.

Due to the enormous good will behind so many free "experience" donations from the Surrey area, and the even more generous support frorm many at St Mary's, St Andrew's and St Peter's churches and beyond, the events raised nearly TEN THOUSAND POUNDS !

 

David Baldwin and the event organisers wish to thank every single person who contributed in any way, to what was such an important collection for the projects that need to be secured there in Kajuki - from seminars to help nearly 2000 young teenage women say no to FGM, to the provision of life-giving irrigation to offer to the sparse fields for the local farmers and water for the townsfolk of Kajuki, through to the provision of an education and regular hot lunch nutrition to the many poor and starving children of the district ! 

 

Thank you all so much !!

PARISH HARVEST SERVICE - 1st OCTOBER 2017

A fabulous time was had by all at the Parish Harvest Service at St Mary’s on 1st October - the service was a special blend of old and new favourites and a song with actions for children and adults to join in – a special mention must be given to little Alex, who was a superstar showing everybody just how it should be done!

It was lovely to see so many people in St Mary’s and there were many generous donations of food and winter clothing for “The Meeting Room” a locally run charity helping homeless, socially-isolated, and vulnerable individuals.

Below: The Altar in St Mary's laden with donations                          Somebody is getting into the Harvest Spirit!

HARRY GETS A WARM WELCOME ON A DAMP DAY

On 31st August, St Mary’s was packed with well-wishers joining together to officially welcome Revd Harry Latham as our new Rector.

Despite some rather wet weather, spirits were in no way dampened and around 200 people filled St Mary’s to enjoy this special service. Congregants included visitors who had travelled from Harry’s previous parish, Stoke Poges, to join in the celebrations. They had clearly developed a great deal of fondness and respect for Harry and is a measure of how very fortunate we are to have him as our new priest.

Harry was presented to the assembled guests and members of the Benefice by the Rural Dean, Revd Des Williamson, followed by the Collation by the Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford, and the Induction and Installation by Ven Paul Bryer, Archdeacon of Dorking. Each section of the service showed how Christian life and work involve partnerships between God, the Church, the clergy and laity. 

The celebrations continued in Headley Village Hall where we all enjoyed a fabulous spread. Thanks must be offered to our Churchwardens, Pat Kitley and Alan Jobber, and to Jan Curtis, Jane Pickard and the team of volunteers who made sure the event was so enjoyable for everybody. St Mary’s was gleaming, the food delicious and the whole event was a resounding success!

The following Sunday, many of us travelled to our new sister church, St Peter’s, to share in Harry’s first United Benefice service of communion. We all enjoyed a lovely service which was a mixture of old and new with something for everybody, followed by prosecco and nibbles kindly provided by St Peter’s.

Prominent in both services was Harry’s favourite worship song, ‘O Praise the Name’, which had been practised by members of St Mary’s and St Andrew’s congregations in preparation for the Installation and Induction Service – it is easy to see why it is special to Harry and there is no doubt that it will become a firm favourite in our parish as well. Many of us were practising at home and I am sure Harry would be delighted to know that ‘O Praise the Name’ was being sung in homes all over the parish!

And so we begin a new chapter, which holds promise to be a very special and exciting future for our churches.  I know we will all pray for Harry, Tracy, Samuel, Emma, Oliver and Tim as they settle into their new lives in the United Benefice and for what promises to be a time of wonderful opportunities to Praise the Name of the Lord.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - Appointment of New Rector

The PCC is pleased to inform you that after nearly a year in Vacancy, a new incumbent, the Reverend Harry Latham, has been appointed to the United Benefice of Headley and Box Hill with Walton-on-the Hill. Harry is at present employed as Vicar of Stoke Poges in Buckinghamshire and will be joining us on 31st August.

We would like to thank you all for your prayers and patience during this time and also to thank the many visiting priests who have led and supported our services during the Vacancy. We look forward to welcoming Harry, his wife Tracy, and their children, for what we hope will be an exciting future for both parishes.

May 2017

THE GOLDEN AGE OF SONG - 16TH & 17TH MAY 2017

What a treat we were given by Pip Burley on the evenings of 16th and 17th May in St Mary's Church, Headley.  Pip gave presentations about the life and work of four great composers of the 20th century Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and George Gershwin.  His narrative was supported by video clips and photographs shown on screen and by himself at the piano.  Clearly a great deal of research had been done by Pip to put these presentations together.

These four composers between them produced thousands of songs a huge number of which are still performed today.  Indeed a production of Gershwin's  "An American in Paris" is currently receiving five star reviews at the Dominion Theatre in London.  There was music from Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Fred Astaire, Doris Day and many others.  Some of the video clips have been rarely seen, for example Leonard Bernstein playing "Rhapsody in Blue" at the piano, following which Pip played part of this piece, and Ava Gardner singing Bill from Jerome Kern's Showboat.  In the film of Showboat Ava's voice was eliminated and another singer's dubbed in which, Pip informed us, infuriated her.  We could understand why because she sang it beautifully.  During the presentations Pip explained how these composers developed popular songs from waltz time 3/4 to 4/4, how they used different keys in a single song and the development of new chord progressions, all with illustrations at the piano.

Pip and the music of these composers are clearly very popular because tickets for both evenings sold out, over 250 sold overall.  Pip had recorded a CD of himself playing many of the songs on the piano and these were sold on both evenings.  Thanks to Pip's generosity all proceeds of the event, including the CD sales, went to church funds.  The amount raised was £4,061!

Food and drink was served in the interval on both evenings and we are very grateful to all those that helped in many ways to make the event so successful.  Special mention must be made of Adrienne and Pauline who masterminded the preparation of food for 250 people and of John and Jon for supervising the car parking in the pouring rain.

Two terrific evenings, thank you very much Pip! 

APCM - SUNDAY 23RD APRIL 2017

RETIREMENT OF GEORGE NIXON AS CHURCHWARDEN

At the APCM meeting on 23rd April, we bid a fond farewell to George Nixon as our Churchwarden. George was elected as Churchwarden in 2008 and stood down in 2014 at the completion of the maximum term of six years. When our previous incumbent, Rev Linda Harknett, decided to retire he agreed to return to the post during the vacancy and has served an additional two years.

George brought with him a wealth of experience from the business world so that the management of parish affairs was run on a very businesslike footing. He initiated the annual PCC Awaydays and six year development plan to grow the involvement of both churches within the communities they serve. One of his finest initiatives was to replace the statues of the fallen soldiers either side of the war memorial in St Mary's as part of the commemoration of the outbreak of WWI.

George was presented with a metal sculpture of a cluster of fern leaves, designed and made by Neil Lossock at Dragons Wood Forge, and sent the following note of thanks:

"I really am most grateful to everyone.  Pauline and I love that kind of ornament and we know where it is to go when I have prepared the area to receive it. 

Being a Churchwarden is, as I said yesterday, an honour.  It has also been a great pleasure because of the super people that I have worked with - churchwardens, secretary, treasurer and PCC members.  I am so pleased to be able to retire from the position leaving the parish in such good hands."

We wish George all the very best in his retirement from the post of Churchwarden, although he is not getting away that easily! He was elected, and will duly be joining us, as a much valued member of the PCC. 

Pat Kitley will be taking over from George as Churchwarden, having previously acted in the role of PCC Secretary. Pat brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge, and we are all delighted she has taken on the role.

A full list of this year's election results can be viewed here

George with his gift, together with our two Churchwardens 

Alan Jobber and, newly elected, 

Pat Kitley

PARISH PRIEST RECRUITMENT UPDATE - APRIL 2017

We are so pleased to announce that, after nearly a year in Vacancy, a new incumbent, the Reverend Harry Latham, has been appointed to the United Benefice of Headley and Box Hill with Walton-on-the Hill.

Harry is at present employed as Vicar of Stoke Poges in Buckinghamshire.

A proposed date for the institution of our new Rector has still to be agreed and we will inform you of this as soon as possible.

We would like to thank you all for your prayers and patience during this time and also to thank the many visiting priests who have led and supported our services during the Vacancy.

We look forward to welcoming Harry, his wife Tracy, and their children, for what we hope will be an exciting future for both parishes.

---

EASTER

It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating Christmas and now Easter has arrived - and Spring with it! The villages are looking absolutely lovely with blossoms, buds, daffodils, bluebells and so many other wild flowers bursting out all over.

We had a wonderful Easter. Kicking off with our Messy Easter celebrations on Palm Sunday, a great time was had by all taking a swift journey though the Easter Story from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection.  Crafts varied from Clay Crosses to Easter Gardens to edible Donkey Poo, whilst the fabulous games prepared by Rob and Sarah (including building the highest/widest Gate of Jerusalem) were a real hit. After a smashing Easter Service in St Andrew's, everybody shared a home-cooked meal in the village hall. We had an excellent turnout and, as ever, our amazing team of helpers made the whole event possible. Thank you to everybody involved!

Following a very special Maundy Thursday service at our sister church, St Peter's Walton-on-the-Hill, we had a lovely three-hour Good Friday vigil at St Mary's led by Charlie. After a meditation at St Andrew's, Jan led a walk of witness over Headley Heath carrying the cross, before we all joined together to share our Lord's last hour.

Easter Sunday saw celebrations of Christ's resurrection in both our churches with a special Eucharist service. And, as our website says, He is Risen! 

We truly hope you had a blessed Easter and that the world will come to understand and embrace the love and sacrifice that was made for us.

                                                            CHRISTMAS SERVICES

What a fabulous Christmas we had in the Parish! Below is just a flavour of some of the events and services that took place.

Fabulous crafting, a gorgeous homecooked meal and a beautiful Christingle Service were enjoyed at our MESSY CHRISTINGLE SERVICE on 4th December. Many many thanks to everybody who contributed in making the event such an amazing success! 

       

St Mary's was looking especially lovely and festive for our Nativity Service, led by the Archdeacon of Dorking, the Venerable Paul Bryer, to whom we offer our sincere thanks for taking the service.

    

A fabulous evening was enjoyed by all at our Christmas Singalong and we raised over £400 for the church funds!  A huge well done to all the organisers.  Special thanks must go to Pip Burley and Robin Hunter for so marvellously entertaining us all!  

St Andrew's hosted a wonderful Carols by Candlelight service on 22nd December - the church was full to the seams and everybody had a lovely time, welcoming in Christmas week.

       

PCC PRIEST RECRUITMENT UPDATE OCTOBER 2016

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Parish of Headley with Box Hill have had some challenging decisions to make recently when considering a replacement for our now retired priest Rev Linda Harknett.  Although she gave much more time to us she was paid as a half-time priest in our parish.  The regular income that our parish raises, including standing orders, contributions made in the churches and rent from The Old School is not sufficient to meet the cost of employing a full-time priest.

The Parish of Walton-on-the-Hill is in the same position as us and wish to recruit a half-time priest.

The Archdeacon has advised us that it is nowadays extremely difficult to recruit good quality half-time priests and for two adjacent parishes to be trying to do so at the same time makes little sense.  He is firmly of the view that the two parishes should recruit a full time priest and share him or her.

Following joint meetings of the two PCCs, attended by the Archdeacon, both PCCs have now decided that the best interests of both parishes would be served by our forming a United Benefice and to recruit a full time priest for the Benefice to be shared 50/50% by the two parishes.

The draft proposals for forming the United Benefice have been drawn up and now have to go through a legal process which will take up to three months.  These proposals have to be reviewed by various parties and eventually approved by the Bishop.  It is possible, but unlikely, that the proposals could be amended before final approval by the Bishop.  Included in the proposals is the proposed name of the United Benefice which is The Benefice of Headley and Box Hill with Walton-on-the-Hill and also the proposal that the residence of the priest will be the rectory at Walton-on-the-Hill.  The rectory in Headley will be transferred to the Diocesan Board of Finance for diocesan purposes which, in the short term at least, means that it will be let.  These proposals were made by a Pastoral Committee at the Diocese. While this legal process as stated could take up to three months we are alongside this able to proceed with the recruitment of the priest for the United Benefice and we will now get on with this as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, while we are "in Vacancy", we are continuing a normal service pattern in St Mary's and St Andrew's and are enjoying the variety of visiting priests that come to take these and also our own worship leaders.  We hope that you will join us for these services as often as possible..

HARVEST SERVICES - SUNDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2016

There were two Harvest services this year, one in St Mary's and one in St Andrew's, followed by a Bring and Share lunch. Donations of goods to St Andrew's were collected by The Meeting Room, the charity supporting local people who are homeless, vulnerable or socially isolated (you can find out more by clicking on the link above). Other donations were given to St Peter's Life-line, a charity are delighted to support in Kenya. Again further details can be found by clicking on the link.

HARVEST SUPPER - SUNDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2016

Our Annual Harvest Supper was held in Headley Village Hall and a fabulous time was had by all! Good food, a smashing quiz (thank you George) and some excellent entertainment made the evening truly enjoyable. Again, donations were given to St Peter's Life-line and Bill gave us an important update on the work that was taking place in Kenya.  Thank you so much to everybody who worked so hard to make the evening such a success.

JAM MESSY HARVEST - SUNDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Everybody had great fun crafting and sharing in a Harvest Celebration in St Andrew's - much antenna bobbing and bee buzzing accompanied a wonderfully fun service led by Jan all about (guess what?) bees! A smashing family meal was shared afterwards and much thanks to Jooles Barr for her fabulous home cooking (with help from Karen just before she went on hols) and for running the kitchen so brilliantly! 

Of course, a massive thank you goes out from the Steering Group (Charlie, Jan, Michelle, Sarah, Rob and Jane) to all the helpers on the day and in the preparations beforehand. We just couldn't do it without you! So thank you Anne, Carol, Joan, Barbara, Pam, Paul and our crafting Churchwarden Alan. It was lovely to see representatives from St Peter's, Walton on the Hill, in attendance. We are now looking forward to our Messy Christingle on 4th December.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN COMMEMORATION SERVICE - SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2016

We were delighted to welcome members of our armed forces from Headley Court for our annual Battle of Britain Commemoration Service. It was a lovely and moving occasion, with a full congregation remembering those referred to by Churchill in his unforgettable quote: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few".

ST MARY'S EXTENSION FUND RAISER! AFTERNOON TEA & SALE Tuesday 9th August

A lovely community event and a wonderful way to raise money for the extension at St Mary's.

Great fun was had by all who attended and we raised a wonderful £865 towards the St Mary's Extension.  So many thanks to Helen Hills and her family for organising the event, not forgetting everybody else who worked so hard to make the afternoon such a success!

    

    

06.07.2016 OUR VERY OWN REVD CHRISTOPHER HANCOCK WAS ORDAINED AS A DEACON ON SUNDAY 3RD JUNE AT CHARTERHOUSE SCHOOL.  IT WAS A VERY MOVING SERVICE AND WE ARE ALL VERY PROUD OF HIM.  CONGRATULATIONS TO CHRISTOPHER, HIS WIFE KATE AND TO ALL HIS FAMILY.

29.06.2016 A VERY SUCCESSFUL "OPEN GARDENS" EVENT WAS HELD IN HEADLEY ON 18TH JUNE. IT RAISED OVER £1,400 TOWARDS OUR "EXTENSION APPEAL".  MANY THANKS TO THE ORGANISERS, TO THOSE THAT MADE THEIR GARDENS AVAILABLE AND TO EVERYONE THAT SUPPORTED THE EVENT.

16.05.2016  GREAT NEWS!  WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN PLANNING PERMISSION FOR OUR PROPOSED NEW EXTENSION TO ST MARY'S.  NOW FOR FUNDRAISING!

16.05.2016  A WONDERFUL SERVICE WAS HELD YESTERDAY IN ST MARY'S FOR PENTECOST AND TO CELEBRATE THE MINISTRY OF LINDA HARKNETT AS SHE RETIRES FROM US.  THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A BUFFET LUNCH AT BOX HILL VILLAGE HALL.  WE ALL WISH LINDA GREAT HAPPINESS IN HER RETIREMENT.

06.05.2016 WE WERE FORTUNATE TO HAVE A LOVELY DAY TO GO BEATING THE BOUNDS OF THE PARISH ON MONDAY 2ND MAY.  A WALK OF EIGHT AND A HALF MILES, QUITE STRENUOUS AT TIMES.  A EUCHARIST WAS GIVEN ON MICKLEHAM DOWN AFTER OUR PICNIC LUNCH.  MANY THANKS TO CHRIS HANCOCK FOR ORGANISING THIS EVENT.

28.04.2016  A SPLENDID SERVICE WAS HELD IN ST MARY'S ON 21ST APRIL TO CELEBRATE OUR QUEEN'S 90TH BIRTHDAY.  THE SERVICE INCLUDED SINGING SOME SONGS FROM THE 90 YEARS WITH PIANO PLAYED BY PIP BURLEY.  AFTER THE SERVICE THE BEACON IN THE CHURCHYARD WAS LIT.  A VERY ENJOYABLE AND FITTING TRIBUTE TO A GREAT LADY.  WELL DONE ALL THOSE THAT HELPED TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!

27.03.2016  WOW!  WHAT A GREAT TURNOUT FOR THE EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES AT ST MARY'S!  WELL OVER 100 PEOPLE CAME TO OUR LOVELY CHURCH THAT WAS DECKED OUT WITH LILIES BY OUR FLOWER TEAM.  LOVELY SERVICES IN BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS.  IF YOU MISSED THE SERVICES, WHY NOT POP IN AND HAVE A LOOK?

01.03.2016 PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR EASTER SERVICES.  SEE THE "SERVICES" PAGE FOR DETAILS.

06.02.2016  A PLANNING APPLICATION HAS NOW BEEN SUBMITTED TO MOLE VALLEY DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR THE PROPOSED EXTENSION TO ST MARY'S CHURCH.

06.01.2016  TOWARDS THE END OF 2015 OUR PRIEST REV. LINDA HARKNETT ANNOUNCED HER INTENTION TO RETIRE AT PENTECOST 15TH MAY 2016.  SHE WILL HAVE BEEN WITH US FOR NINE YEARS AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.  WE ARE NOW EMBARKED ON THE PROCESS OF FINDING HER REPLACEMENT.  IN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND THIS IS A LENGTHY PROCESS SO WE WILL HAVE A PERIOD OF VACANCY.

17.12.2015  AT THE PRESENTATION OF OUR PLANS FOR THE PROPOSED EXTENSION TO ST MARY'S ON 12TH DECEMBER THERE WAS MUCH ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT.  WE WILL SOON BE APPLYING FOR PLANNING PERMISSION.  WHEN WE HAVE THIS, THE NEXT JOB WILL BE FUNDRAISING!  YOU CAN VIEW THE PLANS FROM THE LINK ON THE WELCOME PAGE.

01.12.2015  CONGRATULATIONS TO CHARLIE HOLME, JAN CURTIS AND ALL THE TEAM THAT ORGANISED THE JAM MESSY CHRISTINGLE SERVICE AT ST ANDREW'S ON SUNDAY 29TH NOVEMBER.  IT WAS VERY WELL ATTENDED AND A GREAT SUCCESS - THE FIRST EVENT FOR THE JAM INITIATIVE.  HERE IS A LOVELY PICTURE FROM THE EVENT, SHOWING THE ALTAR AT ST ANDREW'S BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED WITH SPARKLY TEA LIGHT HOLDERS, MADE BY THOSE WHO ATTENDED THE CRAFTING SESSION.

24.11.2015  WE HAVE ARRANGED TO PRESENT OUR PLANS FOR THE EXTENSION TO ST MARY'S ON SATURDAY 12TH DECEMBER IN HEADLEY VILLAGE HALL.  MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION AND THE VILLAGE COMMUNITY ARE INVITED TO DROP IN TO THE HALL BETWEEN 10.00AM AND 12.00 NOON TO VIEW THE PLANS AND DISCUSS THEM WITH PCC MEMBERS AND THE ARCHITECT.

09.11.2015  WE HAVE BEEN IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE DIOCESAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC) REGARDING PLANS FOR AN EXTENSION TO ST. MARY'S CHURCH TO HOUSE A TOILET, KITCHEN AND A MEETING AREA.  THE DAC HAVE NOW APPROVED THE PLANS IN PRINCIPLE AND HAVE AUTHORISED US TO APPLY FOR PLANNING PERMISSION.  WE INTEND TO MAKE A PRESENTATION TO THE VILLAGE AND THE CONGREGATION PRIOR TO MAKING THE APPLICATION AND WE ARE CURRENTLY ENDEAVOURING TO ARRANGE A DATE FOR THIS.

08.10.2015  CONGRATULATIONS TO ADRIENNE, PAULINE AND JAN AND ALL THE HELPERS FOR ORGANISING A SPLENDID HARVEST SUPPER ON TUESDAY 6TH.  A VERY ENJOYABLE EVENING. THERE WAS A PRESENTATION ABOUT ST PETER'S LIFELINE, A VERY WORTHWHILE CHARITY THAT SUPPORTS EDUCATION IN KENYA, AS WELL AS GOOD ENTERTAINMENT AND SPLENDID FOOD.  THANKS TO ALL!

01.07.2015 REV. IAN BRACKLEY BISHOP OF DORKING CAME TO ST MARY'S  ON 28TH JUNE FOR THE REDEDICATION SERVICE OF THE CHURCH SPIRE FOLLOWING ITS RECLOTHING IN OAK SHAKES.

01.07.2015 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TEAM LED BY JAN CURTIS WHO ORGANISED A SPLENDID "MIDSUMMER SIZZLE" ON SATURDAY 27TH JUNE. GOOD ENTERTAINMENT, SPLENDID BBQ, AND EVEN THE WEATHER WAS GOOD!

14.04.2015  WITH THE REMOVAL OF THE LADDER AND SCAFFOLDING FROM THE SPIRE YESTERDAY THE PROJECT TO RECLOTHE THE ST MARY'S SPIRE IS COMPLETE.  MANY THANKS TO ERIC CRUICKSHANK WHO HAS LED THIS PROJECT AND TO THE HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND FOR THEIR SUPPORT.

09.04.2015  MANY THANKS TO ALL THOSE THAT HOSTED AND ATTENDED THE LENT LUNCHES.  DONATIONS TO CHARITIES HAVE BEEN MADE AS A RESULT.

26.03.2015  WHY NOT COME TO OUR EASTER SERVICES?  DETAILS IN THE DIARY PAGE.

05.02.2015  DOESN'T THE SPIRE LOOK GOOD NOW THAT IT IS FINISHED?  NICE TO HAVE THE CLOCK BACK AS WELL, WE HAVE MISSED THE CHIMES.

20.11.2014  WE HAD A WONDERFUL SERVICE IN ST MARY'S ON REMEMBRANCE DAY EVENING, ATTENDED BY APPROX. 100 PEOPLE, TO WELCOME THE "RETURN OF THE SOLDIERS" TO THE WAR MEMORIAL.  THE SCULPTING WAS DONE BY VIVIEN MALLOCK, WHO WAS PRESENT WITH HER HUSBAND ROSS, AND THE SOLDIERS HAVE BEEN CAST IN BRONZE RESIN.

01.11.2014  THE HORSE CHESTNUT TREE AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE CHURCHYARD OF ST MARY'S WAS TAKEN DOWN ON 23RD OCTOBER.  IT WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 235 YEARS OLD AND WE WERE SAD TO HAVE IT REMOVED.  HOWEVER TWO INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS CONCLUDED THAT THE TREE WAS SO BADLY DISEASED THAT IT WAS DANGEROUS.  ITS REMOVAL DOES, HOWEVER, HAVE SOME BENEFIT IN THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE COMMENTED ON HOW IT OPENS UP THE VIEW OF THE CHURCH FROM SOME DIRECTIONS.  EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING!

09.10.2014  WHAT FUN WE HAD AT THE HARVEST SUPPER LAST EVENING!  SUPER FOOD, LIVELY CONVERSATION, AN AFTER DINNER GAME AND A SPLENDID PLAY STARRING LOCAL PEOPLE TO MUCH AMUSEMENT.  MANY THANKS TO THE ORGANISERS JAN, ADRIENNE, PAULINE AND JOHN.

08.10.2014 THE DATE FIXED FOR THE HORSE CHESTNUT TREE TO COME DOWN IS THURSDAY 23RD OCTOBER.

11.09.2014 THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF VILLAGERS AND CONGREGATION WE HAVE NOW BEEN ABLE TO PLACE THE ORDER FOR THE MODEL SOLDIERS TO BE MADE TO BE PLACED ON THE WAR MEMORIAL IN ST MARY'S TO REPLACE THOSE STOLEN IN 1997.  WE WILL HAVE A CELEBRATION IN THE CHURCH ON REMEMBRANCE DAY TUESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER AT 7.30PM BY WHICH TIME WE EXPECT THEM TO BE IN PLACE.

11.09.2014  WE HAVE NOW RECEIVED THE SECOND OPINION ON THE HORSE CHESTNUT TREE.  WE HAVE A VERY DETAILED REPORT BUT REGRETTABLY THE CONCLUSION IS THAT THE TREE MUST BE REMOVED.  WE WILL PROCEED WITH THIS AS SOON AS THE CONTRACTOR CAN DO IT.

14.08.2014  WE ARE TAKING A SECOND OPINION ON THE HORSE CHESTNUT TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THERE IS A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO FELLING IT.

WORK ON THE SPIRE HAS STARTED.  SCAFFOLDING IS BEING ERECTED DURING AUGUST AND THE RECLOTHING OF THE SPIRE WILL START IN SEPTEMBER.

02.07.2014  FANTASTIC RESULT FROM THE MIDSUMMER SOIREE AND BBQ ON 21ST JUNE.  CHURCH FUNDS BENEFIT BY £2,200.  WELL DONE JAN, ADRIENNE, PAULINE AND ALL THAT HELPED TO MAKE THIS A GREAT EVENING!

12.06.2014 THE SAD NEWS IS THAT THE MAGNIFICENT HORSE CHESTNUT TREE AT THE ENTRANCE TO ST MARY'S CHURCHYARD WILL HAVE TO BE FELLED.  IT IS BADLY DISEASED AND COULD BE DANGEROUS.  IT IS RECKONED TO BE AROUND 200 TO 250 YEARS OLD.  WE WILL TRY TO MAKE A FEATURE OF THE BASE OF THE TREE WHEN THE JOB IS DONE.

01.05.2014  THE FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER FOR THE CHURCH HELD ON 29TH APRIL RAISED OVER £600 FOR CHURCH FUNDS.  A GREAT RESULT!  CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS TO KAREN BREAKSPEAR, JAN CURTIS, ADRIENNE LLOYD-WILLIAMS AND PAULINE NIXON FOR ORGANISING THIS EVENT.

26.03.2014  THE SPIRE REFURBISHMENT WILL NOW TAKE PLACE IN THE AUTUMN.  WE ARE AWAITING APPROVAL OF OUR PROPOSED WORK PROGRAMME AND OUR CHOSEN CONTRACTOR FROM THE HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND AND WE HOPE TO HAVE THIS IN APRIL.  WE CANNOT THEN PROCEED UNTIL THE AUTUMN BECAUSE OF THE PRESENCE OF BATS.

26.02.2014  REFURBISHMENT OF THE ORGAN HAS BEEN COMPLETED.  CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR IT!

21.01 2014  WORK ON THE ORGAN HAS STARTED.  IT HAS BEEN COMPLETELY DISMANTLED. THE PIPES ARE BEING STORED IN SOME OF THE PEWS NEAR THE BACK OF THE CHURCH WHILE MUCH OF THE WORKINGS OF THE ORGAN ARE AWAY BEING RENOVATED.  HOPEFULLY ALL WILL BE BACK IN A MONTH OR SO BUT IN THE MEANTIME THE PIANO IS BEING USED FOR SERVICES.

29.12.2013 THE REFURBISHMENT OF THE ORGAN IN ST MARY'S CHURCH IS DUE TO START ON 6TH JANUARY SO WE WILL BE USING A KEYBOARD FOR SOME WEEKS DURING THE COURSE OF THIS WORK.

09.11.2013  THE PCC HAS STARTED TO WORK ON A PROJECT TO BUILD AN EXTENSION TO ST MARY'S TO HOUSE A KITCHEN, A TOILET AND A MEETING ROOM.  THIS IS GOING TO TAKE QUITE A LONG TIME AS WE HAVE TO DECIDE ON A DESIGN, THEN GET PLANNING PERMISSION AND THE PERMISSION OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND AND ALSO RAISE THE MONEY!  HOWEVER IT IS AN EXCITING PROJECT WHICH WILL PROVIDE MUCH NEEDED FACILITIES.

09.10.2013  A GREAT EVENING WAS HAD BY ALL THAT ATTENDED THE "HARVEST SUPPER" ON 1ST OCTOBER.  THERE WAS A PRESENTATION BY ST. PETER'S LIFELINE - A CHARITY SUPPORTING CHILDRENS EDUCATION IN KENYA - A VERY AMUSING AND BRILLIANTLY PERFORMED "PLAY WOT I WROTE", AND ALSO DELICIOUS FOOD AND SOME SINGING. 

17.09.2013  MANY THANKS TO BRIAN AND BEVERLEY EDWARDS FOR ORGANISING THE PARISH GOLF DAY AND DINNER ON 5TH SEPTEMBER.  THE GOLFERS HAD A FINE DAY FOR GOLF, IF NOT A LITTLE TOO HOT, AND ALL THAT ATTENDED THE DINNER ENJOYED A VERY GOOD MEAL.

13.08.2013  PLEASE LOOK AT THE "ST MARY'S SPIRE REFURBISHMENT" PAGE FOR DETAILS OF THE EXCITING FUNDING FROM THE HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND TOWARDS THE COST OF REFURBISHING THE SPIRE.

15.07.2013  LOOK AT THE "LEARNING AND PRAYING" PAGE TO FIND THE LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT BIBLE STUDY GROUPS AND THE PRAYER NETWORK.

05.07.2013  A FANTASTIC EVENING WAS ENJOYED ON 22ND JUNE AT THE MIDSUMMER SOIREE AND BBQ.  A WONDERFUL VARIETY OF MUSIC AND A TASTY BBQ.  THE EVENT RAISED £2,500 TOWARDS THE COST OF REFURBISHING THE CHURCH ORGAN AT ST. MARY'S.  OUR THANKS TO THE ORGANISERS JAN CURTIS AND ADRIENNE LLOYD-WILLIAMS AND TO EVERYONE THAT HELPED ON THE EVENING. ALSO TO ALL THAT SUPPORTED THE EVENT.

13.06.2013  WE ARE ALL LOOKING FORWARD TO A TERRIFIC EVENING ON SATURDAY 22ND JUNE AT THE MIDSUMMER SOIREE AND BBQ.  SEE ACTIVITIES PAGE FOR DETAILS.

20.04.2013  THE CONCERT IN ST MARY'S ON SATURDAY 16TH MARCH WAS A GREAT SUCCESS.  THE PERFORMANCES BY THE EPSOM MALE VOICE CHOIR, BY RICHARD OUR ORGANIST AND BY ADRIENNE OUR COMPERE WERE TERRIFIC.  OVER £2,000 WAS RAISED TOWARDS THE COST OF ORGAN REPAIRS.  MANY THANKS TO CHARLIE HOLME FOR ORGANISING THIS EVENT.

06.03.2013  THE BISHOP DULY CONSECRATED THE EXTENSION TO THE CHURCHYARD ON 24TH FEBRUARY. 

24.01.2013  We are delighted that Bishop Ian will be coming to St Mary's on Sunday 24th February to preside over and preach at our 10.30am Family Communion Service.  We are also hoping that he will be able to consecrate the extension to the churchyard on that day if all the legal formalities can be completed by then.

18.12.2012  On Sunday 16th our Archdeacon, the Venerable Julian Henderson came to our service at St Andrew's and conducted a Dedication service of the new kitchen.  This is the culmination of a year during which St Andrew's has been transformed with the addition of the kitchen, the redesign of the toilet to make it accessible by the disabled and the replacement of the flooring throughout the church.  This has all been achieved by the Friends of St Andrew's and the PCC of the Parish of Headley with Box Hill working together.

12.11.2012  At long last the flooring in St Andrew's is to be replaced during the week beginning 3rd December.  Therefore the church should be in very good order for the visit of the Archdeacon on 16th December when he will be Dedicating the new kitchen.

28.09.2012  THE CLOCK IS TICKING AGAIN!  A new spring has been fitted to the St Mary's clock this morning so time is moving on again!

22.09.2012  WHY IS THE ST MARY'S CLOCK NOT WORKING?  Unfortunately a spring that holds the pendulum has broken so a new spring has to be made.  The clock man came on Friday 21st to fit the new spring but it had not been made to fit correctly - very frustrating - so another spring has to be made.  Hopefully it will not be too long before the clock is working again.

08.09.2012  We held our PCC Awayday at St Andrew's on 5th September, joined by members of the St Andrew's Committee.  The session was led by Stephen Cox from the Guildford Diocese.  Minutes of the meeting will be posted on the Awayday page when available.  Here is a picture of the event.

07.09.2012  The Parish Golf Day was held yesterday.  There were 29 golfers in teams of three.  In the evening about 50 people attended the dinner at Tyrrells Wood.  The weather during the day was perfect for the golfers and all the arrangements, including the dinner, were excellent.  Thankyou to the organisers Brial Edwards and Sally Hunt.

28.08.2012  The Parish Golf Day and Dinner will take place on Thursday 6th September at Tyrrells Wood Golf Club.  Golfers are welcome to play and everyone is welcome to join the dinner.  Contact Brian Edwards on 01737 843866 

14.07.2012  The kitchen extension and toilet alterations have been completed at St Andrew's.  These are very significant improvements to the church.  Thankyou to The Friends of St Andrew's for financing the kitchen extension.  At St Mary's some repairs to the beautiful stained glass windows is underway.  The quinquennial survey drew attention to the need for these repairs and they are receiving specialist attention.

26.05.2012  The kitchen extension at St Andrew's is now virtually complete and looks great!  Work is now proceeding with the conversion of the toilet to make it accessible by the disabled.  After that the flooring throughout will be renewed.

27.04.2012  The APCM went smoothly on 15th April.  Lady Pickard and Margaret Manly retired from the PCC and were thanked for their considerable contribution over the years.  Adrienne Lloyd-Williams and Eric Cruickshank joined the PCC.  Jan Curtis and George Nixon continue as Churchwardens.

14.04.2012  The kitchen extension to St Andrew's is moving ahead at a pace!  If you are passing that way, have a look at the progress.  DON'T FORGET TO COME TO THE APCM TOMORROW AT 11.45AM TO FIND OUT WHAT IS GOING ON AT OUR CHURCHES AND TO HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

09.02.2012  We have today completed the signing of the building contract for the alterations to St Andrew's Church Box Hill.  A kitchen extension is to be built onto the church which will be an excellent facility and make the church usable for a wider range of events.  Also the existing toilet is to be altered to make it usable by people with disabilities.  Start date for the works is 13th February and the anticipated completion date is 25th May.  The kitchen extension is being financed by The Friends of St Andrew's and we are very grateful to them for this wonderful gift to the church.

29.12.2011  Christmas celebrations over, we now look forward to the New Year.  We have now cleared the planning hurdles relating to the extension of the churchyard at St Mary's and hope in 2012 to be able to have the extension area consecrated.  Also in 2012 the kitchen extension to St Andrew's should be built, thanks to The Friends of St Andrew's who are providing the finance for this.  Work is expected to start on site early February.  We have an exciting year ahead!

01.12.2011  Andy Jacobson took his last service in St Mary's on Sunday 20th November before he and Jane departed for his new role as Port Chaplain in Gibraltar.  Refreshments were provided after the service and Andy and Jane were provided with gifts following a collection from the congregation.  Pip Burley played and sang the title music, that he composed, to The Darling Buds of May - a favourite programme of Andy's.  We will miss Andy and Jane and wish them much happiness in Gibraltar.

A very moving Remembrance Service was held at Headley Court on 13th November.  Over 200 service personnel and Headley residents attended.  The collection taken during the service amounted to £550 and was donated to the Poppy Appeal making the total from the Headley and Box Hill collection to a record £3442.

03.11.2011  On 16th October we held an "Open Cathedral" service on Headley Heath as part of our mission to take the gospel out to the people.  approx. 16 people attended a moving service.  On 21st October The Headley Debate was held in St Mary's.  The motion that "The Emphasis on University Education is over-rated" was keenly debated and was carried.  The motion was proposed by Pip Burley, seconded by Margaret Manly and opposed by Mary Denyer seconded by Lindsay Boswell.  All put up a splendid performance as did all those that commented from the floor.

11.10.2011 Since the last posting on this page we have had some very successful events.  The Parish Golf Day and also a wonderful concert in St Mary's.  Many thanks to all concerned.  We also had a day for the Freeth family in Zimbabwe which raised over £1,000.  The people in Zimbabwe are suffering greatly and need our help.  We sold linens made by the local population and showed the film "Mugabe and the White African" in St Mary's. Thanks again for all those involved. Coming up is The Headley Debate (details on the welcome page) on 21st October - BE THERE IF YOU CAN, IT SHOULD BE A GREAT EVENING!

12.08.2011 As there is a cycling event coming through Headley with road closures etc on Sunday 14th August the usual 10.30am service in St Mary's has been cancelled.  The 8.00am service will take place as usual and there will be an Evensong at 6.30pm.  Come and join us!

17.7.2011  Great support for our Italian Dinner last Weds.  77 attended for a good meal and a nice social event.  £445 raised for Parish funds.  Well done Sue Forbes-Wilson and Angela Deeprose for organising.

09.7.2011  The good news is that we have been granted planning permission to extend our churchyard at St Mary's into the adjacent field.  The bad news is that there are conditions attached!  The one that causes a further delay is that we have to have a risk assessment done to ascertain the risk of groundwater pollution caused by burials in the field.  This may seem a bit unnecessary bearing in mind that we have been burying people in the churchyard for centuries, but it will have to be done.

22.6.2011 Please join us for dinner at Vecchia Trattoria, Leatherhead at 7.30pm on Weds 13th July.  Details on the "Activities" page

30.5.2011 Next meeting of Home Group Monday 27th June.

20.5.2011 New Home Group starts on Monday 23rd May - see Activities page for details.

24.4.2011 WALK OF WITNESScompleted on Good Friday.  After the First Stage service at St Andrew's the party walked in glorious weather, carrying the cross, across the heath to St Mary's calling at Box Hill shops, Headley Heath car park and The Cock car park on the way.  

18.4.2011  THE CRAFT WORKSHOP ON FRIDAY 15TH WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!  About 30 children plus parents came along to make Easter cards etc and they all had a great time.  Many thanks to Pat Kitley for organising the event.  A similar event will be arranged prior to Christmas.

30.3.2011  We have reached agreement with Surrey Archaeological that we can use part of the field adjacent to the churchyard for burials.  We now have to apply for "change of use" planning permission prior to getting the field consecrated.  A long haul, but we are making progress!

9.3.2011  A Craft Workshop has been arranged for Friday 15th April to take place between 10.00am and 12.00noon.  This will be a fun and creative event for children who will be able to make their Easter cards and try other crafts.  Coffee and juice will be provided.

11.2.2011  OLYMPIC CYCLE ROAD RACE IS COMING THROUGH OUR PARISH.  The mens race will take place on Saturday 28th July 2012 and the ladies on Sunday 29th July 2012.  There will be 145 riders in the mens race and 67 in the ladies.  The loop up the zigzag past St Andrew's along Box Hill Road past Headley Heath then looks as though it goes down Tot Hill out through Tyrrells Wood golf club onto the A24 along the A24 and back to the zigzag will be done multiple times.  HOW EXCITING!

2.2.2011  The field adjacent to the St Mary's churchyard, into which we hope to extend our churchyard, is currently undergoing an archaological investigation.  This is necessary before we can apply for "change of use" planning permission.  Fortunately the work is being part funded by Surrey County Council Mole Valley Local Committee.  The work is going on at present 1/3 February and  some pits have been found, one of which is yielding some old flint pieces that are believed to be pre historic (although this has to be checked by an expert).  The work is making something of a mess of the field as you can see from these pictures.

Four trenches are being dug, see above.                                                  The pit yielding flints is shown here.