Yapton & Ford Local History Group

History of Yapton & Ford Churches

The History of Yapton & Ford Churches

On Saturday 18^th & 25^th April 2015, the Yapton & Ford Local History Group are staging consecutive exhibitions based on the Churches of Yapton & Ford, their history and influence on village life.

St. Mary at Yapton church will be the venue of the first exhibition on 18^th April followed by a second exhibition on the 25^th April which will take place in St. Andrew-by-the-Ford. Both exhibitions will be open between 11.00am and 5.00pm.

We are delighted that the Yapton Free Church is joining in with the idea by holding their own exhibition, on the 25^th, about the history of the Yapton Congregational Chapel and the part the Free Church has played in the community. We shall also, of course, be mentioning the Roman Catholic tradition in our discussions to present the fullest picture of the Church in the community

Early visitors at St. Mary’s will have the opportunity to study the displays which will cover various aspects of the church’s history and its influence on the local population and will contain copies of original documents, maps and photographs. There then follows, at 2.00pm, a programme of short talks relating to the church, interspersed by musical interludes and a demonstration of bell ringing. There will also be an opportunity to put any questions to members of the Group. Following this programme, at approximately 4.00pm, there will be a further opportunity to look around the exhibition until the doors close at 5.00pm.

On Saturday 25^th the focus turns to St Andrew's in Ford. The format will vary from that at St Mary's due to the restriction of space although the timings will remain the same. The displays will help tell the story of the Church but the main part of the event will be in the form of a slide show with commentary. The programme will also include a choral octet from the University of Chichester singing examples of church music through the ages.

Light refreshments and toilet facilities will be available at both venues for the duration of the exhibitions

The exhibition programme being staged by the Yapton Free Church in the Congregational Chapel in Main Road on Saturday 25^th will be arranged so that visitors will be able to listen to the talks in the Free Church and have time to make their way to Ford Church for the programme there as well.

Timetable St Mary          Timetable St Andrew

We would still like to hear from anyone who has any memorabilia or photographs relating to any of the churches which they would allow us to copy to help make these events as complete as possible. We would especially like photographs of any clergy or church officials that may be in existence. We would also appreciate anyone’s memories of the Sunday school and church outings along with any relevant photographs that you may have. If you can help please contact us at infoyaptonhistory.org.uk

Thanks:  The exhibition at St. Andrew's is generously sponsored by A-Plant, Ford.