Stondon Massey: Sacred Music on BBC FOUR and 'Through Changing Scenes' at St Peter & St Paul Church. An update

Stondon Massey (Essex) will be on television tomorrow. The third programme in the series ‘Sacred Music’ (BBC FOUR. Friday 4 April. 8pm) features ‘Tallis, Byrd and the Tudors’. William Byrd lived for the last thirty years of his life at Stondon and was buried in the churchyard. We can expect a re-enactment of his burial in the film. The programme features music by the acclaimed choir, ‘The Sixteen’, recorded at Waltham Abbey. Andy King Dabbs, producer and director, spent five and a half hours with his film crew at Stondon Massey last autumn.

Meanwhile tickets for ‘Through Changing Scenes – a history of Stondon Massey church and village in words and music’ are on sale. There will now be two performances at St Peter & St Paul Church on Saturday 19 April: one at 7.30pm, and an additional performance at short notice at 4.00pm. The church holds only 80 people and demand for tickets has been higher than anticipated. See elsewhere on ‘Blackmore Area Local History’ for details.

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - April 2008

Stondon Massey

April is a big month for historic Stondon Massey: on TV on 4 April, and ‘Through Changing Scenes’ on 19 April. St Peter and St Paul Church will echo again to the words of their previous Rector and historian, Reverend Edward Henry Lisle Reeve, and will feature music by local Elizabethan composer, William Byrd.

Due to rapid sale of tickets, there will now be two performances: at 7.30pm, as scheduled, and a matinee presentation at 4.00pm.

Feedback

Comments on ‘Blackmore Area Local History’ are now being received. One response was, “It’s very informative and makes wonderful reading. The Churchwardens references are very helpful and I shall be looking some of them up when next at the Essex Record Office”.

You can now E mail me. Go to 'Profile' on left hand side of this page and click 'E mail'.

Summer is coming

Folks are out and about photographing Blackmore Church (see below for links). Summer opening to visitors begins at the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore from 22 April. Obviously subject to other needs (e.g. funerals) and the availability of stewards, opening times are Tuesdays to Fridays (Tues & Thurs, 2.00 to 4.30pm, Weds & Fris, 1.00 to 4.00pm) and Sundays (from 4 May), 2.30 to 4.30pm. These opening times will change in early October 2008.

The National Trust

With an early Easter, places of historic interest are re-opening for the summer season. This month I want to sing the praises of The National Trust. I visited Lyme Park, Cheshire, over the holidays and was once again really impressed with the activities laid on for families and children. It’s great to see them there! Sponsored by Cadburys – all chocolate gratefully received for the plug!! – Easter Egg hunts were in full swing as well as an informative ‘round the house’ quiz about pests. Children were told about Dave the Death watch Beetle, Wilma the Woolly Bear, Millie the Clothes Moth, Sammy the Silverfish and Bertie the Bookworm. This is teaching children about conservation in a lively and informative way. Adults too learn from this style of presentation and can discover more through reading the leaflet ‘A Future For The Past’.

Over the weekend I visited Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire – another National Trust property - and spoke to one of the informative stewards who was in the Library. In bookcases from floor to ceiling are 10000 books. But this is not a browsing Library. The books are there for show and must not be touched. The reason is that oil from fingers causes deterioration. So these books have become, understandably, museum pieces. I asked how they were checked for woodworm. Periodically volunteers dress up in white overalls with face-masks and place each book in turn under a “lamp” which detects spores.

Wimpole Hall and Home Farm – it’s lambing time now – is a great place for families, and many with children under eight years’ old were enjoying a sunny Sunday afternoon out. When I joined The National Trust several years ago it had a slightly old-fashioned image. That cannot be said now.

In Essex the nearest National Trust properties are in Coggeshall – Paycockes and Grange Barn – and make an enjoyable afternoon out for all ages.

Links

Returning to ‘singing the praises’. Top of the list of recommended links this month has to be the BBC / Open University series, ‘Sacred Music’. Go to:
http://open2.net/sacredmusic

This month’s links to other sites and blogs:
Unusual picture of bell tower, Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore
http://366pix.blogspot.com/2008/03/day-66.html

Another shot of Blackmore Church: comments about “loving Blackmore” and “Essex with its weather boarded spires”.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/celpelly/2314533480/

Can you help? Ancestor search for Susan Warwick, born Blackmore 1807
http://www.familytreecircles.com/journal_9165.html

Francis Frith collection – includes local memories and things about the past
http://www.francisfrith.com/archive/england/essex/blackmore/blackmore.htm

‘Keldon’ is a busy local historian who gleans a number of items for ‘History House’. I have picked up his latest contribution (http://www.historyhouse.co.uk/history/?p=88)
that refers researchers to a list of resources: http://www.cornucopia.org.uk/search?keywords=essex&search_form_submit=Go

Other blogs covering the ‘Sacred Music’ series theme are:
‘Music for grown ups’ reviews programme two on Palestrina
http://musicforgrownups.wordpress.com/2008/03/28/palestrina-portrayed/

‘Ikon Arts Management’ provides overview to ‘Sacred Music’ series
http://www.ikonarts.com/news/2008/03/sixteen-on-bbc4-tvs-sacred-music.php

The blog spot for the Diocese of Leeds Music Department – ‘Psallite Domino’ - says how wonderful the series is.
http://psallite-domino.blogspot.com/2008/03/sacred-music-program-on-bbc-four.html

Rosie Bell on programme one; ‘The Gothic Revolution’.
http://rosiebell.typepad.com/rosiebell/2008/03/sacred-music.html

Stondon Massey: Through Changing Scenes - Saturday 19 April 2008 - additional performance arranged for 4.00pm

High interest in history event means additional performance

The congregation of a small village church is now to stage two performances of its village's history on the same day. With just over two weeks to go until 19 April, 'Through Changing Scenes - a history of Stondon Massey in words and music' has sold such a large number of tickets for the 7.30pm performance that it has been decided to hold another presentation at the earlier time of 4.00pm. Andrew Smith, one of the organisers said, "Interest in this event has taken us by surprise. We held an almost sell-out event at Blackmore in February. Stondon's connection with the Elizabethan composer, William Byrd has boosted ticket sales and we are fortunate that his life and work is currently being shown on BBC FOUR as part of the television series 'Sacred Music'. It was at St Peter and St Paul Church that Byrd was buried in 1623". He adds, "The church holds only 80 people so 'Tuneful Accord', at short notice, has kindly agreed to a 4 o'clock show".

'Tuneful Accord', who have clocked up 26 'Through Changing Scenes' performances to date in nearly as many churches, is directed by Christine Gwynn. The music at Stondon will feature short pieces by William Byrd as well as more light hearted pieces. The text, which Andrew has researched and written, draws on the writing of Stondon's Victorian clergyman, Revd Reeve. This one-off event is not to be missed!!.

Stondon Massey: BBC TV / Open University series to feature St Peter & St Paul Church

Details have been released of a TV series, ‘Sacred Music’, which comes to our screens (if you ‘do digital’ that is) over the Easter period. The programmes will be broadcast on BBC FOUR.

And Stondon Massey, Essex, will appear in the third programme on 4 April 2008.

Stondon’s claim to fame is that William Byrd, a catholic and gentleman of the Chapel Royal, lived at Stondon Manor, from 1593 until his death on 4 July 1623.

Last October, Stondon’s Churchwardens were present at St Peter & St Paul Church during filming, which lasted for over five hours. One of them was interviewed and participated in a re-enactment of Byrd’s burial at night in the churchyard. Byrd is thought to have been laid to rest there - according to his Will - but without a surviving burial register for the period this cannot be proved. No memorial was erected at the time to the Elizabethan composer, no doubt because his Catholic conviction which brought him into conflict with the protestant locals.

In fact, it was not until the 1920s that Byrd received official local recognition, thanks to the efforts of the Rector and local historian, Canon Edward Reeve. On the south wall is a tablet commemorating the tercentenary of Byrd’s death, describing him as ‘A Father of Musick’ (see picture). The proceeds for the Tablet were paid for from the surplus received from Tercentenary Celebrations in London in 1923. The unveiling of the memorial, during a special Service on 12 March 1924, was attended by choristers from the Chapel Royal.

'Sacred Music', the TV series, (described as a history of 600 years of European Sacred Music from its roots in 12th Century Paris to the works of Johann Sebastian Bach), is an Open University documentary series which includes performances by conductor Harry Christophers and his world-famous choir, The Sixteen.

The series begins at St Paul’s Cathedral in London and journeys to Paris, Rome and Leipzig charting the political, social and musical developments of the time.

There is also a one-off 90-minute concert of music from the series which will broadcast on BBC FOUR on Easter Sunday.

Simon Russell Beale, the presenter, said in the press release: “I had a wonderful time making this series, travelling to extraordinary places, meeting fascinating people and above all listening to some of the most beautiful music ever written.

“The history of Sacred Music is an intriguing story and I hope the programmes will be a feast for both ear and eye.”

As well as London, the series also visits Dover, Waltham Abbey, the Cathedrals of Winchester, Lincoln and Canterbury, Stondon Massey in Essex where Simon visits the parish church of St Peter & St Paul, Ingatestone Hall and Harlington in Middlesex which features the parish church of St Peter.

The series will be broadcast on Friday evenings from Friday March 21 for four weeks on BBC FOUR. The accompanying concert will broadcast on BBC FOUR on Easter Day, Sunday March 23.

Programme Three, featuring Stondon, will be broadcast on Friday 4 April. This edition centres on London, where two great Catholic musicians of the 16th century composed for a very Protestant monarch, Elizabeth I. Against a background of religious upheaval and political change, Thomas Tallis and William Byrd served as gentleman of the Chapel Royal, the musical powerhouse of the monarchy, and their music was fundamental to the development of the English choral tradition, regarded today as the finest in the world. Despite their own deeply held Catholic beliefs, they composed some of their finest music for the Anglican church. The singers of “The Sixteen” illuminate through rehearsal and conversation not only the music itself but the sheer clarity of sound with which the tradition is associated.

Locally, of course, more about William Byrd can be heard at the ‘Through Changing Scenes’ event, to be held at the church on Saturday 19 April. Tickets are available now.

A booklet will also go on sale in aid of Church Funds, entitled 'William Byrd: Some Notes".

Meanwhile, across the Internet and in magazines, the name 'Stondon Massey' is appearing in connection with the TV Series.

For enquiries about the church, its events etc, click on 'Aask Andrew' under 'Labels' (left hand sie) and add a comment or use the Comments field below. Both will reach my E mail box.

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - March 2008

Following the success of ‘Through Changing Scenes’ at Blackmore, it’s Stondon Massey’s turn on Saturday 19th April, starting at 7.30pm. St Peter and St Paul Church (see photograph) will echo again to the words of their previous Rector and historian, Reverend Edward Henry Lisle Reeve, and will feature music by local Elizabethan composer, William Byrd. ‘Through Changing Scenes’ is a history of the church and village in words and music’. The music is provided by Tuneful Accord directed by Christine Gwynn, and the script, researched and written by me, told by members of the congregation. Profits will go to church funds.

Linked with ‘Through Changing Scenes’, two small books will be available telling the history of Stondon Massey. There will also be the opportunity to buy “Revd. E.H.L. Reeve. Chronicler Of The Great War” and “William Byrd: Some Notes”. All books are £1.50 each, more if posted.

Stondon Massey Church will also be featured on television. On 4 April, programme three in the series ‘Sacred Music’ will feature the life and work of William Byrd. Some of the programme was “filmed on location”. The series will be broadcast on BBC FOUR.

Will this mean a surge in visitor numbers this summer to our local parishes?

Over the next month, this ‘blog’ will feature aspects of Stondon’s history: not only some notes on composer William Byrd but also other local worthies.

Returning to the subject of books, I have written a number on aspects of Blackmore’s local history. A list is now included.

Here in this corner of Essex consultation around a Planning Appeal for the old school continues but in the meantime with Brentwood Borough Council approving a separate plan to extend the old building to permit conversion to a four-bedroom house. Letters associated with the Planning Appeal close on 7 March. My personal views are given on this blog.

As a parish, Blackmore covers about 2500 acres. In terms of housing, it may be divided into three sections: the old village, Hook End (or anciently Hooks End) and, Wyatts Green. The latter areas were scattered farms until the 1960s when estates were created. First Avenue, Hook End, were former ‘plot land’ dwellings, sold in the 1930s. In the old village (central Blackmore, actually towards the north of the parish) The Green and its surroundings lie within a Conservation Area. Essex County Council has recently undertaken an appraisal (the consultation period closed on 1 February) and this is of both historic and civic interest. This month I include a link to this and other Conservation Area appraisals.

Listed buildings are of importance to our history. Local Councils publish a ‘Buildings at Risk’ register. This includes Coachmans Cottage (Grade II listed) in Church Street but, a gold star is now required to its owner in that over the recent weeks it has been repaired. A link to Brentwood Borough Council’s register is now on this ‘blog’.

The landscape too is important to our heritage. This is illustrated in the nearby town of Chipping Ongar which has recently published its ‘Ongar Tree Strategy’. I include a short review.

I wrote last month that in terms of coverage Blackmore Area Local History will include the area roughly Epping to the west, Chelmsford to the north, Billericay to the east, and Brentwood to the south. I came across a map from 1848 which, being way out of copyright, I have included at the foot of the page. It gives a sense of relative location for those who are unfamiliar with this part of the county.

Coming soon to this blog
- Jericho Priory
- Early twentieth century postcards of Brentwood, Warley Barracks, Shenfield etc

Coming soon to Blackmore Village Website
- an index of Blackmore ancestors
- a transcript of the 1910 Electoral Register.

You can contact me by adding a Comment below, or better still, go to 'Aask Andrew' under 'labels' (left hand side) and add a comment under that topic.

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - FEBRUARY 2008

Blackmore’s heritage comes to life this February with ‘Through Changing Scenes: a history of the church and village in words and music’. The event will be held on Saturday 23rd February at the Priory Church of St Laurence, starting at 7.30pm. The music is provided by Tuneful Accord directed by Christine Gwynn, and the words, researched and written by me, told by members of the congregation. It is a repeat of the successful event held in 2005. Profits will go to church funds. Tickets are available from Blackmore Post Office.

There is no doubt that the popularity of the BBC TV series, ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ has encouraged many to research their family history. It is, apparently, the second most popular hobby – gardening being the top. I read an article in the ‘Essex Journal’ recently which, stated the obvious in my view, said that local history and family history are closely linked. Although I would say I am interested in local history (defining the geographical area), it goes without saying that the lives of those who have contributed (or otherwise!) to the area are vitally important. Inevitably research crosses the invisible boundary into social history too.

On the blog now is a feature about the Caton family in Blackmore (Essex) in the nineteenth century. I was able to help Wendy Snowdon with her family history research by directing her to various resources which many genealogists may not have come across. You might not be a member of this family, one of whom was a churchwarden, but this is a ‘Case Study’ which hopefully encourages you to delve deeper and understand more about your ancestors. I would be glad to hear your comments.

My forbears come from Mountnessing, the parish to the immediate east of Blackmore. My great-grandfather was schoolmaster at the beginning of the twentieth century. His son, Walter Reed (my great-uncle), also became a school teacher, and in 1950 gave a speech, probably to students at his school in Norwich, entitled ‘Retrospect’ recalling the village of Mountnessing in his childhood. Such, almost unique, material is too good not to publish on the Internet. It doesn’t fit into the Blackmore Village website (http://www.blackmorevillage.co.uk/) and is the reason for calling this blog ‘Blackmore Area Local History’.

In terms of the area covered, I consider it to be roughly Epping to the west, Chelmsford to the north, Billericay to the east, and Brentwood to the south. All sides of my family seem to have hailed from this part of Essex since at least 1900.

The possibilities for inclusion of material seem endless. Over the years I, and other members of my family, have received or taken photographs of the area so it would be good to scan and upload those. Pictures of Blackmore appear down the left hand side of the text.

Coming soon to this blog
- Jericho Priory
- a feature on Stondon Massey
- my grandfather’s postcard collection of Brentwood from the beginning of the twentieth century

Coming soon to Blackmore Village Website
- an index of Blackmore ancestors
- a transcript of the 1910 Electoral Register.

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - JANUARY 2008

A Happy New Year to all our Readers. Creating a 'blog' on the history and heritage of the Blackmore area in Essex is an interesting project and, if there are New Year Resolutions, the plan will be to provide information on a variety of local history and family history topics, as well as a list of events and other things happening around the district.

This month I have provided links to other sites, including the BBC's Peoples War project. These folks recollections are an important part of our heritage.

2008 also marks ninety years since the end of hostilities in the First World War. I include a link to the Blackmore Village Website which holds the list of those who served and fell from Blackmore.

On the subject of the First World War, I publish an account of the night of the Zeppelin raid over Blackmore. Since writing this magazine article a couple of years ago I have discovered more material. An update will follow.

Plans for 2008 also include the publication of an 'Index of Blackmore People' and a transcript of the 'Electoral Roll of 1910' on the Blackmore Village Website. Coming soon to this 'blog' will be an item on Jericho Priory.

Regarding events, don't miss 'Through Changing Scenes' at Blackmore on Saturday 23 February 2008, 7.30pm at the Priory Church of St Laurence. Tickets available from Blackmore Post Office. (see 1 December 2007 post for more information).

An outing in January? If you know Maldon then you might know of a second-hand bookshop at thebottom of high Street, top of Church Street. It's closing on 20 January andhas books on sale 20% off. Also there is a room of unsorted books so is an Aladdin's cave. I bought home a pile of books yesterday at a really modest price. Where I will find shelf-space for them is another matter! Maldon is worth an outing. Perhaps you could make this known to anyone who might be interested - the book shop closure, this is, not lack of space in my study.

Finally, your feedback is always welcome on any topics, or this new blog. It would be good to know that there is someone out there!

Stondon Massey: Through Changing Scenes 19.4.08

Through Changing Scenes
A history of Stondon Massey in words and music

St Peter & St Paul Church
Stondon Massey, Essex

Saturday 19th April 2008
7.30pm

An opportunity to hear the history of Stondon in words and music will be given on 19 April.

‘Through Changing Scenes’, an event run by church members in association with ‘Tuneful Accord Ensemble’, a Choir directed by Christine Gwynn, is a lively and thought provoking evening reviewing a thousand years of history in an engaging way. It should appeal to anybody with an interest in local history. It’s an event not to miss!

The script is being prepared by amateur local historian, Andrew Smith. He admits to being given a head start thanks to a former Rector of the parish. “Edward Reeve was the priest here from 1893 until 1935 but in his spare time researched and published from 1900 what many regard as a model parish history. His last volume was published in 1914, on the eve of the First World War.

“Reeve died as a bachelor in 1936. I understand that his father forbade him and his sisters to marry – quite why I don’t know”, Andrew adds. “One hundred and fifty years after his birth it seems appropriate to bring Reeve’s work back to life in an edited and updated form. As well as the ‘Through Changing Scenes’ production we will be producing a book containing an extended version of the script and bringing Stondon’s history forward a further century.

Andrew is looking for old postcards and photographs to illustrate the book. He would also love to hear from those who have memories to Stondon.

“Most of the text comes from Reeve’s original work so on the night one of the current members of the congregation will play the part of the Rector and stand in the pulpit where he preached Sunday by Sunday for 42 years. It should be a great evening in this small church. Tickets are limited so get them early to avoid disappointment!”