Events Archive
Events during 2021
Advent & Christmastide 2021
We were delighted that Bales College once again held their 2021 Christmas Celebrations at St John's and that the Ark Franklin Academy returned for their Nativities and performances during Advent. In addition the Honeypot Playgroup held their Christmas party in church.
14th November: Remembrance Sunday
The annual service of Remembrance took place on Sunday 14th November. This year marked the 100th Anniversary of The Royal British Legion and the collection from the service is being donated to the Legion.
Events during 2020
8th November: Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance: a time to Remember, Reflect and Give Thanks
During this 75th Anniversary year of the ending of war in Europe and Japan, Remembrance weekend was particularly poignant. The traditional Act of Remembrance took place in the Windrush Garden with local councillors laying wreaths at our sundial installation.
3rd November: Honeypot Playgroup Opening
The Kensal Green Community Playgroup has opened under a new name, the Honeypot Playgroup. There are two sessions (with a cleaning break) in order to accommodate numbers. Carers can sign up for sessions running from 09.30am to 10.30am and from 10.45am to 11.45am.
A new outdoor play area will be opening in the Spring, sponsored by the Allchurches Trust .
Although current guidance means that there will be some changes to routine, we will ensure that the stay-and-play remains as fun and familiar as ever.
27th September: Evensong
Choral Evensong was held to mark the Feast of St Michael and All Angels. The Evensong was followed by the blessing of two new bells at St John's. The church now has a ring of eight bells!
20th September: Harvest Festival
Harvest Festival was celebrated at the 11.00 am mass, with thanks to all those who gave items of food for distribution.
5th September: Lady Hospitallers
On 5th September St John's welcomed the Lady Hospitallers for a (socially distanced) meeting in the vicarage garden. It was an extremely enjoyable occasion and the Ladies said they would be back!
16th August: Opening of Windrush Garden!
St John's Windrush Garden was officially opened on 16th August (postponed from May) by Mrs Curline Hibbert MBE in the presence of Hon Alderman Jan Prendergast, representing The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Westminster. We are grateful to all those who have supported this project and to those who have worked hard to create a beautiful garden for enjoyment by the local community.
Our thanks to everyone who supported us during 2019 when we celebrated St John's 175th Anniversary..........
6th & 7th December: Bells Blessing & Pageant!
On 6th December St John's bells were blessed by the Bishop of Fulham during a ceremony which has its roots dating back to the 7th century. The following day a Children's Celebration took place in church which included an interactive play about bells and featured the arrival of St Nicholas.
The bells will be rung for the first time on Christmas Day.
The Bells are Born!: 19th September
A small group from St John's visited the Loughborough Foundry on 19th September to witness the first three of six new bells for St John's being cast. It was a fascinating day which included a presentation on the history of the foundry and a tour of the site. It is planned that the bells will arrive in time for Christmas with a blessing by the Bishop of Fulham on 6th December. The project is being largely funded by a generous donation from Tony Fernandes, the owner of QPR football club.
Bishop Sarah Visits St John's: 8th September
Bishop Sarah was welcomed to St John's on 8th September for a special Evensong as part of this year's 175th anniversary celebrations. Guests included the Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster, the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of the City of Westminster and the Worshipful Major of Brent.
Prior to the service, the Silver Mace of the old county of Middlesex (on loan from Harrow Council) was placed before the High Altar.
After the service Bishop Sarah saw the new church decorative scheme for Our Lady of Walsingham which was blessed earlier by the Archdeacon of London, during the morning 11.00am service.
(Photos by Rodycloud)
Summer Fete: 20th July
Our thanks to everyone who helped with this year's Summer Fete on 20th July, including the very welcome refreshments. The weather was kind and fundraising receipts from the raffle and stalls totaled over £1000! Congratulations to those who won the splendid raffle prizes and a big thank you to those who donated prizes and stall items.
Tony Fernandes Visits St John's: 29 June
Tony Fernandes, owner of QPR, visited during St John's Open Day on 29th June. The visit followed Mr Fernandes' generous donation of £35,000 towards the bell fund. The church is now preparing to receive the bells in December so that that they will be in place for Christmas! (Photo by Rodycloud)
Confirmations: 26th May
We were delighted to welcome the Bishop of Fulham for the Mass of Confirmation on Sunday 26th May. Numbers confirmed on the day were the most since 1976 - that was over 40 years ago!
The Bishop kindly agreed to pose for the camera with our Churchwardens, Pastoral Lay Minister and other members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC).
George & The Dragon: 26th & 27th April
On the 26th & 27th April local children were treated to a performance of George & The Dragon. The show took place inside the church and outside on the forecourt lawn. The youngsters all joined in, making their own shields and helping to defeat the Dragon!
Easter Vestry & APCM: 25th March
Our thanks to everyone who attended the Easter Vestry and Annual Parochial Church Meeting. Congratulations to Nigel Clark and Michael Tavenier who were elected Churchwardens for a further year. We were also pleased to welcome three new PCC members: Steve Emeh, Frances Ikemefuna and Carol Smith. Rupert Gather has now stood down and we are grateful for all he has contributed during his time on the PCC. A full list of members and other appointments can be seen here.
2019 New Years Honours: Award
The Lay Pastoral Minister at St John's, Anne Abel, was awarded the British Empire Medal by Her Majesty The Queen in the New Year's Birthday Honours. Fr David said he was "thrilled" by Anne's honour. "Anne has worked for many years for three organisations dedicated to St John: St John's Ambulance, the St John's Guild for the Blind and St John's church. At the church she is Pastoral Assistant and served for nearly thirty years as Churchwarden. Her latest role is helping lead our new playgroup. This is a richly deserved honour and we are all so proud of her".
175th Anniversary Concert
Our Anniversary Concert, celebrating 175 years of church life at St John's, took place on Saturday 26th January. The Vaska Quartet provided a programme which was designed to appeal to a family audience. Read more on our CONCERTS page.
ll so proud of her"
Events during 2018
Preparing for Advent
Fr Philip Barnes, Vicar of St Stephen's Gloucester Road, gave a talk on Advent at St John's on 27th November. Everyone was welcome to meet Fr Philip over drinks following the 6.00pm Mass.
Armistice Concert
A sing-a-long of old-time favourites was held on 10th November marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One. The afternoon Concert was followed by refreshments in church.
Remembrance Concert
A Concert of Remembrance performed by the Vaska String quartet, with piano, sponsored by Bales College and Paddington Charities was held on 9th November. The evening Concert featured music by Mozart and Elgar as well as music specifically written for the left hand only.
Parish Outing to Brighton
This year's Parish Outing was a day trip to Brighton on Saturday 11th August and it was a glorious day! Many of our party spent most of the time by the sea while others visited the famous Pavilion as well as the Lanes for a spot of shopping.
Royal Wedding Party!
While millions worldwide watched the marriage of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on 19th May 2018, here at St John's we held our own celebrations to mark the special day. Festivities included a bouncy castle for the children, a buffet lunch in the vicarage garden and an evening BBQ and drinks.
Order of St George Award
On the 12th May 2018 Maurice, our organist, was presented with the Order of St George at Great St Mary Church in Cambridge. The ceremony was followed by lunch at Queen's College. The Order of St George is an international association that exists to promote and pursue the traditions of chivalry by supporting works of charity.
Easter Vestry and APCM
This year's Easter Vestry and APCM was held on 17th April 2018. Nigel Clark and Michael Tavenier continue as our Churchwardens while Maris Mathias has stood down. We welcome Rupert Gather who joined the PCC last October. Yema Barlay and Maria Heijenga continue as the Diocesan Synod Representatives. A full list of PCC members and appointments can be found here.
Events during 2017
St John's 2017 Carol Service
Our thanks to everyone who attended the Carol Service on 22nd December and helped to raise funds for The Children's Society and Embrace the Middle East. It was the perfect way to start the festive season with carol singing and readings.
Carol Concert for 'Real Action'
The All Sing! Harrow Road Community Choir returned to St John's with a concert in aid of the charity REAL ACTION ; supporting their work with the survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire. The event was attended by the Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Ian Adams.
A Talk on 'Servant Leadership'
Tim Hastie-Smith, the Director of Scripture Union, gave a talk on Servant Leadership on Wednesday 29th November. Many thanks to those who turned out in the cold weather to support this event.
Advent Sunday
We were pleased to welcome the Rt Revd Dr Stephen Platten, Chaplain to St Martin-within-Ludgate and formerly Bishop of Wakefield, on Advent Sunday (3rd December) to celebrate and preach.
All Souls' Day
Following the All Souls' Day mass on 2nd November, a small group visit to the graves of Henry Edward Kendall Jnr and William Harrison Ainsworth in Kensal Green Cemetery. (Kendall was the architect who designed St John's Church while Ainsworth was one of our first Churchwardens. It was pleasing to see that Edward Kendall's grave had recently been restored.
Harvest Festival & Reception
Harvest Festival at St John's was celebrated at Sunday mass on 24th September. The festival was preceded by a well-attended Harvest Cheese and Wine Reception on Friday 22nd September!
St John's Open Day
St John's Open Day was held on 15th July and included a morning sale of gifts and cakes, a raffle in the afternoon and an evening reception in the vicarage garden. This day also marked the launch of our new Church Guide. Copies can be bought in church for £2.50
Parish Outing to Harmondsworth
On 9th July a large group from St John's visited Harmondsworth, one of the villages potentially under threat from the building of a third runway at Heathrow Airport. Father David gave the sermon at the beautiful church of St Mary the Virgin (parts of which date back to the 12th century) before everyone was invited to tour the famous 15th century Great Barn.
The Big Toddle
Barnardo's Big Toddle event at St John's on Sunday 25th June 2017 was a tremendous success. Nearly £300 was raised on the day for Barnardo's while one of our younger parishoners raised another £140 through her 'justgiving' page. Congratulations and thanks to those who helped with organising the event - and to all the 'little ones' who took part!
Pentecost Celebrations
St John's new kitchen servery was officially opened following this year's Pentecost service and the ribbon was cut by our very own celebrity, Curline Hibbert MBE. (2017 also marks the centenary of the Most Honourable Order of the British Empire.)
The visiting preacher Fr Neil Evans (Director of Ministry) kindly blessed the new kitchen.
Fulham Palace Visit
On 30th May a group from St John's visited Fulham Palace. The Palace has a fascinating history as well as beautiful grounds and gardens. This is definitely one of London's hidden treasures!
Mark's Gospel Live!
'Mark's Gospel Live' was performed by priest and actor Rev Joseph Morris on 17th May at St John's. It was an inspirational and powerful performance of St Mark's gospel which had the audience 'spellbound'. Rev Joseph has delivered his performance of 'Mark's Gospel Live' to high acclaim in the UK, Canada and the US.
2017 Easter Vestry & APCM
This year's Easter Vestry and APCM was held on 12th April. Nigel Clark and Michael Tavenier continue as Churchwardens while Joanne Okello decided not to stand for re-nomination to the PCC. Jo was thanked for her time on the PCC and we are delighted that she has agreed to continue her appointment as Children's Champion. We welcome Natelle Peters as a new member.
After two terms (six years) Nigel Snuggs has stood down as Diocesan Synod Representative and has now been elected to the PCC. Yema Barlay has agreed to become the new Representative, working alongside Maria Heijenga.
All Sing! Community Choir & Workshop
The Harrow Road All Sing! Community Choir returned to St John's on 1st April. In addition to performing, the Choir held a workshop for the membership - and for those interested in joining. The afternoon was extremely well attended and it was great fun!
Events during 2016
Christmas at St John's 2016/17
Our thanks, as ever, to everyone who helped with our Christmas preparations and activities. In addition to the Christmas Services, we were delighted to welcome back the Silk Street Sinfonia for a wonderful Festive Concert!
Once again our Christmas collections contributed to our support for The Children's Society. Together with donations, over £500 was raised this year!
Pack Up Your Troubles!: Saturday 5th November
Our popular sing-a-long concert of old-time favourites was held at St John's Church in aid of the Royal
British Legion. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped to raise funds.
All Souls Day Mass: Wednesday 2nd November
The All Souls Day Mass at 10.00am was followed by a visit to the graves of Henry Edward Kendall
Jnr and William Harrison Ainsworth who are both buried in near by Kensal
Green Cemetery. Kendall was the architect of St John's while Ainsworth,
the celebrated author, was one of St John's first Churchwardens. Read
more about St John's history here.
Harvest Supper & Barn Dance: Saturday 24th September This
year the
Barn Dance evening replaced the Harvest Festival lunch - and proved to
be a huge success. It was an evening of family fun with lots of food and
dancing - yee ha! Our thanks to everyone who helped to make this an
enjoyable evening!
Walsingham Day-trip: Saturday 3rd September
The day-trip to Walsingham (and the sea-side!)was
well attended. It is hoped that those who attended this popular outing
might consider joining the Walsingham Pilgrimage weekend in future
years.Parish Outing to Highgrove: Wednesday 24th August
Children's Outing: Saturday 23rd July
Everyone
had a fantastic time at Thorpe Park! It was a particularly hot day so
many cooled off on the water rides before enjoying ice cream on 'the
beach'.2016 Flower Festival - a blooming wonderful weekend, celebrating Her Majesty The Queen's 90th Birthday
St John's celebrated The Queen's 90th birthday during the weekend of 10th-12th June. With the generous support of local community groups, businesses and schools the Festival was a tremendous success. Our thanks to everyone who helped with preparations, displays, refreshments, raffle contributions - and clearing up! Here are just a few images from the Festival.
More pictures from the Festival can be seen here!
With thanks to the Friends of Queen's Park Gardens
Strawberry Tea & Sing-along: Saturday 4th June
Our popular Summer Sing-along was extremely well attended this year. All washed-down with a delicious strawberry tea! Our thanks to everyone who helped to make this an enjoyable afternoon.2016 Easter Vestry & APCM
This year's Easter Vestry and APCM was held on 13th March. It was a poignant occasion as two of St John's volunteers announced their decisions to stand-down from their respective church roles.
Anne
Abel has stood-down as Churchwarden after 20 years of service. We gave
thanks for Anne's work as Churchwarden on Palm Sunday, when the Bishop
of Fulham presented Anne with a gift from the congregation; a
commissioned painting of St John's. Anne will now be dedicating her time
to the demanding role of Pastoral Assistant.
Gwen Buncombe has been one of our longest serving PCC members and has undertaken a number of responsibilities, including Treasurer and Social Secretary. Following her decision to stand-down from the PCC, Gwen was presented with a gift of thanks on Easter Day.
We welcome Nigel Clark as Churchwarden, working alongside Michael Tavenier. Directions on how to order prints of the commissioned painting of St John's can be found here.
Visit by Archdeacon of London: 31st January 2016
On Sunday 31st January we welcomed The Venerable Luke Miller, the new Archdeacon of London, at St John's. During the 11.00 mass, the Archdeacon rededicated our restored statues of Our Lady of Walsingham and St Joseph. The Archdeacon is based at The Old Deanery and is working alongside our new Associate Archdeacon, Rosemary Lain-Priestly.
Events during 2015
Christmas at St John's 2015/16
Our
thanks to everyone who helped with church preparations during the weeks
prior to Christmas. This year the task of cleaning and decorating was a
particular challenge as the final phase of restoration work continued.
Happily the plaster work and painting within the church is now
complete!
Concerts and carol services were well attended, with Christmas collections and donations contributing to our support for The Children's Society. With thanks again to all our helpers and best wishes for the New Year!
Order of St John of Jerusalem
Our
Church Warden Anne Abel has become an Officer of the Most Venerable
Order of St John of Jerusalem. Anne received the award on 20th October
2015, in recognition of her 30 years of voluntary work with St John's
Ambulance. Describing the award as "wonderful news" Anne only signed up
for a six week course with St John's Ambulance in 1985!
Concert for Remembrance: 31st October
Following last year's successful event, St John's held a concert in advance of Remembrance weekend, featuring well-known war-era songs. The Concert was free to attend with a collection for the Royal British Legion. Thank you to all those who attended and for giving generously!
Walsingham Pilgrimage: 9th-11th October
Those who attended this year's pilgrimage enjoyed a relaxing and thoughtful weekend in the beautiful surroundings of Walsingham.(The weather was kind which was an additional bonus!)
Iraqi Christians In Need Recital - 5th September
On Saturday 5th September St John's hosted a recital for Iraqi Christians in Need (ICIN). The evening featured Carl Bahoshy preforming a varied programme; including works by Chopin, Debussy and Rachmaninoff. Admission was free, with donations going towards the work of ICIN.
Outing to London Zoo: 22nd August
This
year the Junior Church (Sunday School) visited London Zoo. Seven
children and their parents & carers joined the trip, with some
making their way to the Zoo by canal boat from Little Venice. The
weather was excellent and everyone enjoyed looking at all the different
animals - including this cheeky chap!Father Royston Beal Anniversary Requiem: 1st August
A
10th Anniversary Requiem Mass was held on Saturday 1st August for
Father Royston Beal (vicar at St John's from 1970 to 2005). The
Venerable Doctor William Jacobs, former Archdeacon of Charing Cross,
gave the address and the service was attended by members of Fr Beal's
family, and his many friends.
Garden Party: Saturday 25th July
St
John's was delighted to host this year's Neighbours' Summer Party. The
party took place in the vicarage garden and was well attended by local
Kensal residents.
There were many delicious contributions
of buffet food and refreshments!
Parish Summer B-B-Q: Saturday 27th June
We
enjoyed perfect weather at this year's B-B-Q in the vicarage garden and
it was a lovely way to celebrate Fr David's birthday. Many thanks, as
ever, to those who helped with setting up - and clearing up!
St John's Summer Fete: Saturday 20th June
St
John's Summer Fete took place on Saturday 20th June; with a variety of
stalls, refreshments and - a bouncy castle! Nearly £630 was raised for
the church re-decoration fund. Our thanks to everyone who ran the stalls
and helped with arrangements on the day.
Waterloo Commemoration: Thursday 18th June
On
the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, Father
David conducted an Act of Remembrance for the 1st Regiment
Royal Horse Artillery at the Anglican Chapel in Kensal Green Cemetery.
Wreaths of laurel leaves, charged with cornflowers and red roses, were
then placed on the graves of soldiers who had fought in the battle.
Members of St John's congregation joined 1 RHA in this moving ceremony.
Lunchtime Recitals & Evening Concerts
St John's church is hosting a series of Recitals and Concerts through the Summer - and beyond! Find out more on our Concerts page or take a look at the St John's Music website for dates and times.
The
first Lunchtime Recital took place on Thursday 7th May and featured
guitarist Laura Snowden. The programme included a variety of both
traditional and more modern classical music - a very pleasant way to
spend lunchtime!
Easter Vestry & Annual Parochial Church Meeting
The Easter Vestry and APCM were held on Sunday 26th April.
Easter at St John's
During Lent St John's held a number of special events, starting with a Quiet Afternoon on 14th February. The Lent Course, arranged by St Thomas' ran from 25th February. In addition there were two 'Film Showings': The Sound of Music (for children) on 21st March and The Way (for adults) on 28th March.
Services were held throughout Holy Week and included the Liturgy of the Lord's passion on Good Friday and Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. The weather was especially kind on Easter Sunday - perfect for The Big Easter Egg Hunt!
Events during 2014
Christmas at St John's
St
John's hosted a full a varied programme of Christmas events and
services in December, including: choir concerts, a Christmas lunch and
Christingle. We were particularly pleased to welcome the Bishop of
Fulham who led our Midnight Mass.
170th Anniversary Celebration: Sunday 6th July
The
Bishop of Fulham led a special service of thanksgiving on Sunday 6th
July, to celebrate St John's 170th anniversary and to give thanks for
the completion of recent external restoration work.
The service was followed by a drinks reception in the vicarage garden and the cutting of the 'Anniversary Cake' baked by Eliza Christmas.
Remembrance Concert - 8th November
Pack Up You Troubles.......
Despite the terrible weather, our commemorative concert was well attended. The concert featured songs from the era of The Great War and was followed by a short act of remembrance.
Harvest Festival and Lunch - 28th September
Our Harvest Festival was held on Sunday 28th September. The service was followed by a traditional Harvest Lunch - an impressive 'bring and share' feast !
Thank you to everyone who brought food and drink - and for helping with preparations on the day.
Walsingham Pilgrimage - 10th-12th October
The
Walsingham Pilgrimage took place over the weekend of 10th-12th October.
Despite the slightly chilly weather, it was an enjoyable and
restorative few days. As ever, we are grateful to Anne for making all
the arrangements and ensuring that everyone had a relaxing weekend.
Summer Evening BBQ - 16th August
On
16th August we gathered in the vicarage garden for St John's BBQ. This
has become a regular Summer feature - and this year there was music too!
Special Songs for You with Sue Kennett - 6th August
Sue
Kennett gave a heartwarming performance at St John's, adding her own
personal touch to classic songs by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and the
Beatles. We raised the roof with
Jerusalem and joined in some Gilbert & Sullivan! Sue then joined
her audience for a strawberry cream tea in the vicarage garden while
entertaining everyone with stories from her career in variety. Our
thanks to Sue for a lovely afternoon - we hope to see you again? (Watch
this space.....)
Summer Outing - 29th June
Didn't we have a lovely time the day we went to...the Cotswolds!
This
year's Summer Outing to the Cotswolds included a picnic lunch and a
walk along the River Windrush. The weather was kind - a perfect Summer's
day in the country.
After a long, hot afternoon the outing ended with a concert in Sherborne. (Can we do it again next year?)
Kensal Summer Fete - 21st June
St John's joined forces with The Paradise for the Kensal Summer Fete - we could not have hoped (prayed?) for more glorious weather!
There were a variety of activities, food, stalls galore, more food, a grand raffle, live entertainment and....even more food.
Furthermore,
the church stalls and raffle raised over £1,000 for St John's. Our
thanks to everyone who helped make this a successful day.
There were lots of pots - and plants!
Live entertainment and the chance for a dance - and a sing-along. (Like the hair!)
So many cakes.......so little time to eat........
And finally............more tea vicar??
Contact
St John's Vicarage
Kilburn Lane
London
W10 4AA
020 8969 2615