On 6th September there is to be an autumn
entertainment ‘There is Sweet Music’
in Preston St Mary Parish Church.
Serendipity, described as ‘South Suffolk’s best small choir’
will sing a selection of songs dating from the sixteenth century to the present
day, including Tallis and Byrd, Rachmaninoff and Mendelsohn, folk songs, and also
favourites from the First World War.
All proceeds of the concert will go towards the maintenance
of the fabric of the church.
Preston Church, pictured above, contains much of interest. In the nineteenth century however it was in a
state of dilapidation, and after the
tower was struck for a second time by lightning in 1868, much of
the building was reconstructed by the Victorian
architect Sir Arthur Blomfield. Blomfield
is perhaps best known for designing the Royal College of Music, and he also
rebuilt the nave of what is now Southwark Cathedral. Those who know about these matters consider
that perhaps his restoration at Preston might be considered over grand for a
small parish church, but it must be remembered that the population of Preston
at the time was almost certainly rather larger than it is today.
More ancient relics remain in the Church, including a fine
sixteenth century porch, an outstanding twelfth century font, and what is described
by Mortlock as ‘one of the most interesting Decalogue boards to be found
anywhere. Dating possibly from the time of Edward lV…’ There are also interesting mosaics and
monuments, including brass of one of Suffolk’s first antiquarians, Robert
Ryece, who died in 1638. Ryece collected
over 150 stained glass heraldic shields, dating from the fourteenth to
sixteenth centuries, and 46 of these can be seen in the aisle east windows and
the clerestory.
Why not come to the
concert and take a look? The performance starts at 7.30 p.m. and tickets are
priced at £12.50 to include canapés and a glass of wine after the
performance. Tickets can be bought at the
door, in advance from Lavenham Tourist Office, or by calling 01449 741389.
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