READ the book and booked the speaker – that in an ecclesiastical nutshell is how eminent arts and heritage figure, writer and broadcaster, Sir Roy Strong, came to be taking part in Downham Festival.
The former director of the National Portrait Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum, has agreed to give one of his entertaining evenings, based on Saving the English Country Church, at St Edmund’s Church, Downham on Tuesday, May 26 at 7.30pm.
Pric
ed on a simple “break even” structure, tickets are £11 each, with concessions and groups of four or more £9 each, available in advance or on the door.
“This really does promise to be a fascinating and entertaining evening for anyone and everyone who feels our wonderful country churches are an important part of our heritage,” said Father James Mather.
“I was given his book, A little History of the English Country Church, for Christmas in 2007 and found it so entertaining I thought how wonderful it would be if we could get Sir Roy to come to speak at St Edmund’s, which is the town’s oldest and only Grade 1-listed building,” he said.
“Sir Roy is much in demand, it’s taken well over a year of negotiating and planning, so we’re really delighted and we’re doubly pleased to be able to arrange a date to be part of the Downham Festival week and also the 900th anniversary year of the Ely Diocese,” said Father James.
For pre-booking, cheques made payable to Downham Market Churchwardens, can be sent to St Edmund’s Events, The Rectory, King’s Walk, Downham Market, PE38 9LF, and please enclose a stamped addressed envelope.
