On Saturday, June 28 at 7:30pm voices will be raised in the medieval church St Mary the Virgin in Stone in Oxney, a beautiful old building with quite a lot of history not far from Rye. The Tenterden Singers will present Midsummer Melodies, the first fundraising event by the newly-formed Friends of St Mary’s who are appealing to the village and to the wider community for financial support to keep this historically significant church open for visitors. Tickets cost £12.
This enigmatic wonderful church St Mary the Virgin in the parish of Stone-cum-Ebony has been at the heart of life and history in the village for fifteen hundred years. It is in an area of natural beauty but there are seldom cars and it is well worth visiting.
Rye Association of Churches Together includes five other areas (Camber, East Guilford, Rye Harbour, Iden and Playden) but also visits churches outside the Rye area. Often it includes a visit to St Mary the Virgin in Stone which is proud to have provided high tea in their community centre for the group. Looking out over the magnificent views from this island church to Romney Marshes below and the sea beyond, you will be transported back in time. Inside one can see that it is not a run-off-the-mill church. It was built after the Norman invasion but was badly damaged by a massive fire in 1464 and repaired over several years. There is evidence of a Roman military stronghold occupying the area and building a thriving industry.
There are several other events planned: on July 19 from 1:30pm to 4pm there is a flower show and fete at the Stone in Oxney recreation ground, free entry. On Saturday, August 9 there is a fun Teddy Bears’ parachute jump, with a picnic and Pimms at St Mary’s, Stone in Oxney with free entry. More information about the Friends can be found at carolzbailey@yahoo.co. More information about the church’s interesting history at can be found here.
Image Credits: Heidi Foster .
Re The article about the summer concert – fundraising by the friends of St Mary’s church Stone in Oxney. For the sake of accuracy I should point out that the stone altar to the god Mithras with the bull carved on it is below the church tower. The photo shows the font.