Choral Evensong will help musicians…

The church of St Mary the Virgin, Orchardleigh (BA11 2PH) will celebrate it’s patronal festival (celebrating the saint after whom the church is named) – the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary – with a Festal Choral Evensong at 6.00pm on Sunday 16th August. 

The service will be sung by members of the parish and includes music by Charles Wood and Antonin Dvorak and concludes with ‘extended voluntaries’ or mini organ recital given by David King, the Director of Music, with organ music by John Alcock, William Walton, Louis Vierne and Edward Elgar.

A retiring collection will be taken to support the work of HelpMusiciansUK www.helpmusicians.org.uk

‘Help Musicians UK is here for musicians throughout their careers.

A career in music involves highs and lows. For all the rewards, there can also be challenges. It takes a huge amount of dedication and practice to get started and sustaining a successful career can be tough.

Anti-social working hours, often away from home, a freelance lifestyle and consistently performing at the highest level can take its toll emotionally, physically and financially. An accident, injury or illness can have a devastating effect.

And then with many musicians unable to save for their retirement with little or no pension provision, later life can be difficult too.

That’s why we’re here and we’ve been here for 94 years. Since 1921, we’ve helped thousands of musicians. As well as providing advice and guidance, we give financial and emotional support. For many, we are a lifeline.’

The Church of St Mary dates back to the 14th Century and sits on a moated island adjacent to the lake on the Orchardleigh estate and due to it’s location has no electricity and all services are illuminated by candlelight and the organ is pumped by hand!