The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Wendens Ambo
The approach to the church is particularly picturesque and pictures and representations of the church regularly appear on calendars, in country magazines, in books and even on jigsaw puzzles. The church has a Norman Tower, surmounted by a later spire and has a Norman doorway made with Roman bricks.The church was enlarged in Victorian times but still has the "feel" of a medieval building. There is a beautifully carved 15th century pulpit and a fine domed 16th century font cover. In 1934 some medieval paintings depicting the life of St Margaret were discovered and can now be seen. The church is always open during daylight hours and receives a steady stream of visitors.
There is a lively worshipping Christian community and services are held every
Sunday at 10.00 am. Other services, especially on the occasion of the great
festivals, are held as announced. Lent groups and study groups are held from
time to time. The church is part of the Saffron Walden Team Ministry and further
details may be obtained from its website : www.stmarvsaffronwalden.org
St Mary's Wendens Ambo has benefited from the services of a choir for as long as
anyone can remember. This is a tradition of which the village is justly proud.
In addition to singing at the regular services the choir provides a substantial
amount of Christmas music, provides the occasional Choral Evensong services and
avails itself of the opportunity to join with Cambridgeshire choirs to sing
Evensong in King's College Chapel from time to time.
The choir always welcomes new members. The Choirmaster says " Musically we
progress in a gentle and leisurely way in order that everyone can feel
comfortable with the music irrespective of their sight reading ability".
Further details of the church and its activities may be obtained from Rev
Michael Lovegrove c/o St Mary's Parish Office, Church Path, Saffron Walden,
Essex CB10 1JP. Telephone 01799 506024. When the office is closed an answer
machine is available.
Wendens Ambo Church Choir
Bell Ringing in Essex
Brass Rubbing in Essex
The Bells
New bell ringers are needed! Please contact John Harvey at Wenden (540604) or Roy Seaman at Littlebury (528123) for details.