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Parish Profile - The Diocese of Hereford

Parish Profile - The Diocese of Hereford

Parish Profile - The Diocese of Hereford

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<strong>The</strong> population <strong>of</strong> Aymestrey is weighted to the older generations: it is notsurprising that the congregation reflects this bias. Nevertheless children attendchurch in disproportionately large numbers. We have excellent involvement fromchildren on special occasions such as Mothering Sunday, Plough Sunday, Easter(including an egg hunt), and Rogation Sunday (on a farm) and Christingle. Children(youngsters and teenagers) providing music and readings and even dance as part <strong>of</strong>the worship.Church is usually packed for the Carol services; while Harvest Festival includes aharvest supper which can draw in almost 100 people—over a quarter <strong>of</strong> the parish.This list reveals that the traditional rhythms <strong>of</strong> country life, and traditional patterns<strong>of</strong> engagement with the community, remain important and effective.Churchyard working parties and church spring cleans is anothervery successful way <strong>of</strong> encouraging non-churchgoers andyoungsters to get involved in ‘their’ church. During the lasttwelve months, Aymestrey has joined the God’s Acre churchyardproject. This is attracting interest from a different section <strong>of</strong> parishioners.Aymestrey Church contains remarkable historical features, such as a 16th century screen.More practically, it comfortably seats 150 people. Because <strong>of</strong> its wonderful acoustics, it hostsverysuccessful spring and autumn concerts each year with increased following year on year. Wehave hosted a myriad <strong>of</strong> talented young musicians including members <strong>of</strong> the Kensington Sinfonia, violinistRebecca Sewell, <strong>The</strong> Cann Twins, violinist Litsa Tunnah, Robert Huxford (tenor), Crispian Steele Perkins andJeremy Cole (organ scholar at <strong>Hereford</strong> Cathedral).Community support plus grant funding enabled a comprehensive restoration <strong>of</strong> Aymestrey church in 2004,followed by new (and effective) heating in 2007 and restoration <strong>of</strong> the medieval preaching cross in 2010.Aymestrey’s worshipping life is built round the 1662 Book <strong>of</strong> Common Prayer: but this statement needs to be15

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