Our Dockland Churches

Plans are being made to open the three dockland churches again in 2005. As in previous years we intend to open the churches on Thursday afternoons from 12 May until late September at the same times as last year:

• St Peter and St Mary at the Quay 2-4 pm,
• St Clement 3-4.30 pm.

In addition there will be a special "one-off" opening on Saturday, 7 May (times to be decided but possibly 10.30-12.30 and 2.30-4.00) as well as during the very busy weekend of Heritage Open Days, 10-11 September. Friday, 6 May will be a sweeping, polishing and setting up of displays day for which as much help as possible is needed.

Last year we had a very successful season - over one thousand visitors were glad to have the opportunity to see inside these marvellous buildings and to enjoy the local history and other displays. In addition to many local people, visitors came from many parts of the UK as well as from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Belgium, Greece and Norway. Also among the visitors were members of the family descended from Sir George Gilbert Scott, whose architect son did so much excellent restoration work at St Peter's in the 19th century.

None of this would have been possible without the help of a team of volunteers. If you would like to help, please contact me by phone or email.

ROGER WOLFE

Tel: 01473 726649

roger@wolfe4800.freeserve.co.uk