For a number of years, EHCCA has been asked to sing for a special Evensong in the amazing and old church of St James, Stansteadbury.
This description is taken from the church’s website: St James’ has been a landmark for seven centuries. Built on a hillside above the River Lea, its embattled buttressed tower was a steering point for those on the water and a waymark for those on the ancient route to London. The church’s unspoiled interior has hardly been touched since Georgian times and features unusually high box pews and a three-decker pulpit. Monuments include that of a local nobleman, Sir Edward Baesh, who is shown kneeling opposite his wife.
This event has unfortunately had to be cancelled. This is what would have happened!
DATE: Sunday 19th July. REHEARSAL: on the day at 1.30. SERVICE: 3.00 p.m. The service is open to all who would like to attend; they can experience being in the high-sided box pews . All are invited to TEA and cakes which are very kindly provided by the Trower family at Stanstead Bury House close by (within easy walking distance).
MUSIC is yet to be decided. Accompaniment is provided by the hand-blown (!) organ. Local pumpers help us to keep the music flowing…. The choir will robe for this service using what they would normally wear “at home”.
Directions: post code SG12 8JZ. Access from A414 (on Harlow to Amwell road), through Stanstead Abbotts or from Roydon. Parking is available by the stables and house (past the church).