2014 Events

These are some of the key events at St Michael's which took place in 2014, listed in reverse order (with the most recent events at the top of the list).

2014 Nativity ServiceDecember 2014
Nativity Service


2014 Christingle ServiceDecember 2014
Christingle Service


2014 Christmas ServicesDecember 2014
Christmas Services


November 2014 - Breadline Africa

2014 Breadline Africa

Carole and Doug Aspinal arrive in South Africa with a very large consignment of knitted garments from St Michael's nimble knitters, just two days after they were blessed in our Church by the Rector at the Sunday service.  The picture shows Doug and Carole with Edna Titus of Breadline Africa.

November 2014 - Christmas Market

A lively event with Father Christmas, the Church Choir singing seasonal carols, and lots of stalls selling all manner of useful items for the Christmas period and beyond.
(Photos by Chris Johnson)

2014 Christmas Market images 12014 Christmas Market images 2

November 2014 - Bishop of Reading blesses new roof

2014 Bishop of Reading blesses new roof

October 2014 - Harvest Supper and Festival

2014 Harvest Supper and Festival

September 2014 - Patronal and Flower Festival

This year is the celebration of the 825th anniversary of the Church, so a traditional Flower Festival was held over the Patronal weekend.  The photos below show some of the flower arrangements on display.  (Photos by Rosa Bardwell)

BBC Radio BerkshireOver the course of the weekend, a number of interviews were broadcast by BBC Radio Berkshire:

  • Symbol - play sound  Interview with Eileen White and Glenis Kerr Elliott - about the celebrations to mark the 825th anniversary of St Michael's church
  •  Symbol - play sound Interview with the then Rector, Revd John Rogers - about the 2012 Restoration and St Michael's church
  • Symbol - play sound  Interview with the then Rector, Revd John Rogers - about his life and his introduction to the ministry
  • Symbol - play sound  Interview with Jackie Chappell - about the Wednesday Lunches

  • 2014 Patronal Festival images 12014 Patronal Festival images 2

    2014 Patronal Festival ConcertSeptember 2014
    Patronal Festival Concert


    2014 Last Night of the PromsSeptember 2014
    Last Night of the Proms


    2014 Breadline Africa teddiesJuly 2014
    Breadline Africa teddies

    A consignment of knitted teddies is blessed before being sent out to Breadline Africa, for onward distribution to children.

    2014 Open Air Songs Of PraiseJune 2014
    Open Air Songs of Praise


    2014 Quiz EveningJune 2014
    Quiz Evening


    2014 Summer Thanksgiving ServiceJune 2014
    Summer Thanksgiving Service


    May 2014 - Medieval Fayre

    Medieval Fayre was arranged as part of the celebrations in the 825th year of St Michael's church.  The sun shone brilliantly for the whole day.  Much fun and laughter was had by all who attended, especially when the Rector was thoroughly soaked in the stocks by his parishioners.  Many visitors took the opportunity of visiting the bell tower to try their hand at ringing a bell.  The Knit and Natter group had a stall selling their hand-made crafts and knitted garments, and the usual cake stall did a roaring trade.  Some were able to dress up for the occasion in medieval costume.  A lot of effort went into arranging the day and some £1,700 was raised towards Church funds.  Thanks to all who helped and attended the event.

    2014 Medieval Fayre images 12014 Medieval Fayre images 2

    May 2014 - 100th Peal by Jo Druce

    Jo Druce, who has been the Captain of Bells at St Michael's for well over 20 years, recently celebrated her 100th Peal on church bells.  To mark the occasion she chose the method called Tilehurst Surprise Major (which has not been rung as a full peal at St Michael's since 1938).  The peal took place on 11th May 2014, lasting for 2 hours 50 minutes.  The band of ringers was from past and present St Michael's ringers (left-to-right:  Jo Druce, Sarah Ewbank, June Wells, Giles Winter, Jo Knight, Stephen Smith, John Wells, Colin Newman). 

    The milestones achieved by this Peal were:  Jo scored her 100th peal; Sarah scored her 150th peal; John and June scored their 850th peal together; and it was the first time that Joanna, Colin and Sarah had ever rung that particular method.

    Jo dedicated the peal to all Tilehurst Ringers, past and present, especially Jane Antoniou, Rosalind Knight, Daphne Howcutt, Gordon Runham and Donald H A Drayton.

    2014 Jo Druce 100th Peal

    2014 Easter Egg HuntApril 2014
    Easter Egg Hunt


    2014 Easter ServicesApril 2014
    Easter Services


    2014 TVS Concert posterApril 2014
    Thames Valley Singers concert


    2014 Mothering SundayMarch 2014
    Mothering Sunday


    2014 Lent LunchesMarch 2014
    Lent Lunches


    2014 Stations of the CrossMarch 2014
    Stations of the Cross


    2014 Week of Prayer for Christian UnityJanuary 2014
    Week of Prayer for Christian Unity