Blackmore Players Virtual Nativity Play!

As there will be no Panto this year the Blackmore Players decided to put on a Nativity Play instead. This has been an interesting challenge due to COVID-19 and the need to maintain social distance. The Director is the previous FoSL Chairman John Riley who commented "because I am old and mad, I was invited to come out of retirement to direct it."

So here we are, a production like no other; a mixture of live Zoom and video’s so you are invited to join for 45 minutes of fun! Putting it together has all been a bit last minute as we could not shoot the socially distanced video’s until the weekend before last and post production work was still in hand up until 15th December.

This will be broadcast using You Tube, you can see it on a (Smart) TV, computer, tablet or Smart ‘Phone.

The You Tube link: https://youtu.be/QcTryRATixY

“Xmas Angels” a seasonal comedy by Jacob de Bruyn, looking at the events leading up to the birth of Jesus, but this time from the perspective of the angels themselves.

Just imagine……It is a few years before the year zero CE. The birth of the Messiah has unexpectedly been brought forward, and Archangel Gabriel puts a young and inexperienced Events Management Team in charge of proceedings on earth.

Led by ‘Junior Angel’, the team tries their best, but do not always succeed in achieving their goals. In fact, most of the time, things seem to go awry…...

Latest FoSL News

Herald May 19

From time to time, you may have seen our yellow posters around the village advertising events and perhaps have wondered “who are the Friends of St. Laurence?”

Well, a committee was formed in 2006 with the specific aim to assist in the maintenance and preservation of the building known as the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore(to give it its correct name) as well as its surroundings. The Grade I church, (a representation of the tower appears on our village sign), is a beautiful historic building and was once part of a small Augustinian priory founded around 1160 by Richard, Bishop of London.

A structure as old and as historically important as this, however, needs considerable funds to keep it in good order so that it can continue to be both enjoyed as an attractive and significant building, and fulfill its important role in the community, today and in the future. Hence, the Friends of St Laurence Church Blackmore which is a secular, independent charity. Membership is open to all, regardless of faith or belief and by becoming a member you will help us in preserving this ancient building.

Over the years and with the help of our members and other supporters, we have raised money and paid for various projects such as the redecoration of interior church walls, repairs to the outer wall and a new fence, to name but a few. More recently we were pleased to cover the cost of essential tree work in the grounds of the churchyard, in preparation for repairs to the lychgate.

A proportion of our funds has been set aside specifically to cover the maintenance of the wooden bell tower of St. Laurence. This striking architectural feature was constructed around 1400 and is considered to be one of the most impressive timber towers in the whole of England. Unfortunately, over the years it has been become a target for squirrels and woodpeckers and at some time soon will need careful restoration. The recent five-yearly survey of the whole church has identified the need to consider a long term plan of action.

The Friends of St. Laurence generally hold three events during the year to raise money for future projects. Our most recent event was a concert given by the Ford Community Choir and Un4gettable who performed a programme of popular songs. As last year, their enthusiasm was catching and enjoyed by all.

The Friends of St. Laurence will again be supporting the Blackmore Village Fayre which takes place over the last Bank Holiday weekend in May. Along with others we shall be on the Green on Sunday, 26thso do visit us and try your hand at some of our fun games.

Plans for future fundraising events are already in the pipeline so keep an eye out for our posters and more information.

Annual Quinquennial Survey Completed - Oct 2018

Summary of main recommendations as follows:

5.      Recommendations of Works of Repair in Order of Priority

5.3 Works to be carried out within the next six months

i)     Redress lead flashing to south slope of south aisle roof where it abuts the tiled section of the roof of the tower.

ii)    Retile section of roof of north porch to east face at northern end and   point up verge.

           iii)    Clear rainwater gulley to south aisle.

         iv)    Inspect gutters when raining for leaks and rectify if necessary.

         v)     Remove ivy growth to east wall of vestry.

         vi)    Redress lead flashing to plate to base of tower to south.

         v)     Review report of electrical installation and undertake work  

         recommended.      

5.2    Works of repairs recommended to be carried out in the next two years

i)     Repair holes to vertical boarding and horizontal boarding to tower.

ii)    Repair section of west wall  and plate at eaves to south aisle.

iii)   Remove moss from lych gate and repair fascia.

iv)   Redecorate church notice board.

v)    Redecoration and plaster repairs to walls internally where necessary.

5.3    Areas recommended for further investigation

i) Timbers to tower to be inspected by a specialist in respect of attack by wood boring insects.