Several hundred Brightlingsea residents took the opportunity to visit All Saints’ Church over a two-day event held to mark its re-opening following months of restoration work.
The open weekend – on September 30 and October 1 – gave townsfolk a first look at the new kitchen and toilet extension and restored stonework, all completed with the help of a £500,000 National Heritage Lottery Fund grant and other fundraising.
The first day featured fun events aimed at local families, with a range of activities around the church and the launch of an arts trail made by The Arts Society of Colchester. The Brightlingsea Primary School choir performed sea shanties, led by local group the Motley Crew*.
On the Sunday the Friends of All Saints’ held a welcome day, which included an exhibition of the plans and designs used for the restoration work to the church tower, windows and other areas. A service of evensong rounded off the event.
* The school choir will be on stage again, along with Bright Voices and Women in Harmony, at the Voices for Hospice matinee concert in St James’ Church at 4pm on Saturday, October 7. In the evening the two adult choirs will be joined for another concert, at 7pm, by the Motley Crew and guest soloist. Tickets for both events are available from Spirals and Little Boat Gifts.
