St John’s and Heritage Open Days 2023

“A most beautiful church. Exquisite carvings both stone and oak. Very well maintained.”

“Loved the purity of its Victorian design including fixtures and fittings.  Beautiful reredos, delicately lit. The vestry - what an unexpected joy!”

The arrival of September signalled the continuation of St John’s programme of events, activities, and concerts – all part of the Education and Community programme associated with St. John’s Organ Restoration and Conservation Project.  This followed the two inaugural organ concerts held in June and July respectively and given by Philip Berg and Claudia Grinnell.

Having taken part in Heritage Open Days for the first time last year, St John’s was keen to participate again and further grow interest through this national initiative of our wonderful heritage building. Indeed, we describe St John’s as a, ‘treasure trove of culture and heritage’!

Responding to the Winchester Heritage Open Days theme of Creativity Unwrapped, PCC member, Peter Lamb, led and delivered a series of tours of St John’s on 13th and 14th September.  He was very well received and clearly  spoke with authority and knowledge and humour which went down very well with the 40 people that attended over the  2 days.

“Our guide was excellent – knowledgeable with an interest-rousing delivery style.”

“Immediate awe – quality of flint knapping and flush ashlar. Struck by the commanding position. Stunning and dominant tower; beautiful blind arcading under windows; interesting lychgate and unusually fine boundary wall – extensive and materially fine. Inside  - wonderment – the rich quality of the carving – stunning pew ends. Elegant pulpit  - more exquisite carving. Rich and very fine reredos. Fine monuments surrounding. Beautiful candelabra – finest of metalwork and useful winch mechanisms, The font – finely conceived with perfect cover, similarly winched.”