THE ANGELS
THE ANGELS
The Angels are the creation of Artist Celia Kilner who comes from Holmfirth in Yorkshire. There are approximately 60 of them and they are painted on foamboard. Their subjects are taken from paintings of Angels from across the world, across the ages and across all religious persuasions.
The earliest Angel is from Fifth Century Egypt. Others include ‘The Angel of Resurrection’ from an Arabian manuscript, an Indian Angel holding an asp and group of Angels by Hans Memling, who died in Bruges in 1494. Closer to our own times is a pre-Raphaelite style ‘St Cecilia’ by J.W. Waterhouse.
An Angel is a good messenger and over the years has been depicted as providing the interface between heaven ad earth – something that has appealed to the human and religious imagination for centuries. There are stories of angels not only in the scriptures but in accounts of ordinary people, often in very ordinary situations. Angels have been alluded to in literature, poetry, film and of course art.
Most recently The Angels have been on display in Jarrow, Northumberland, and we will be travelling up to collect them shortly.
The Angels will be displayed in the beautiful, ancient church of Cradley adorning its walls and rafters from the 7th of May to 19th of July 2009.
What is the purpose of The Angels Festival?
The Angels display was created to raise funds for local churches. Through the magnificent display itself, combined with a numerous variety of activities, many of which will be sponsored, we hope to raise money for the refurbishment and adaptation of Cradley church to increase and enhance its community usage.
Proposed refurbishment
Areas currently identified for refurbishment include:
· urgent re-flooring of the North side of the church
· moving of the Font } in order to provide
· removal of last 2 pews on both North and South sides } more space for
· removal of 2 back pews from the Lady Chapel } meetings, concerts
· levelling of the floor where pews removed, } and larger functions
· erection of a glass screen, with double doors between
the bell tower and body of church – offering space for Sunday School, bell
ringing practice and/or other village meetings/activities.
All the proposed refurbishments have been enthusiastically approved and encouraged by Archdeacon Malcolm Colmer, prior to our submission of a Faculty for the work to be officially approved the Diocese.
If for any reason we are unable to carry out this work, or there are surplus funds left over after its completion, we will set the money aside and use it for essential repairs and maintenance of the building in the future. We will use your donation in this way unless you tell us now in writing that you would like to be given the opportunity to reclaim it if we are unable to carry out the work.
Why support the Angels Festival?
This exciting event is designed to engage our whole community.
Cradley church remains at the centre of village life, including, for example, Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals – and of course as a place of sanctuary in times of need. We rely on the support of everyone, along side our regular congregation, in order for Cradley church to retain its purposeful place within our community - and as such fund raising for its maintenance remains central to ensuring its future.
What can you do to help?
We would like as many people as possible in the community, to be involved, however you choose.
- Perhaps
you have an idea for an associated fund raising event, and maybe the
contacts to facilitate its realisation?
- Or,
maybe you, or someone you know, have a skill which you would like to
share, eg: playing a musical instrument, singing, a band, drama, love of
poetry & prose, flower arranging, cake making etc
Whatever your skill or interest we would love to hear from you.
Sponsor an Angel
We are inviting both company and individual sponsorship of an Angel. Sponsoring an Angel costs £100 and your/company name will be displayed along side an Angel, together with a credit next to an exhibit, on a scroll in church and in all advertising and programmes for the duration of the exhibition .
Dedicate an Angel
Angels can be dedicated in memory of a loved one. Donations of £100 will also ensure your name along side an exhibit, inclusion on the scroll in church and a mention in all advertising and programmes for the duration of the exhibition.
Donations
If you prefer, you can make a donation, no matter how large or small, either by cheque or cash – see below for payment.
How to Pay
Cheques should be made payable to ‘Cradley PCC’, marked ‘Cradley Angels Festival’ on the back. There will be a secured collection box for cash at the back of the church throughout the Festival.
Gift Aid – please remember that if you are a tax payer ‘gift aiding’ your donation enables Cradley Church to claim back 28p per £1. This is very easy to do and will have a significant impact on our profits (for example: donations of £100 are worth £128!)
How to Gift Aid: Simply complete a yellow gift aid envelope which can be found next to the collection box in church, enclose your donation and deposit in the box. However, if you would prefer to donate by post please contact Sue, Keith or Bill (contact details below) and we will send you an appropriate form/envelope.
Thank you so much for your support.
Angels Committee Members:
Rev’d Robert Ward Keith Harmer
Christine Abbott Sue Ronan
Ian Bailey John Sands
Bill & Georgie Buxton Rev’d Mike Vockins
Tony Copp Pauline Wykes
Margaret Edgar
Please feel free to contact:
Sue Ronan Tel:01886-884646; e.mail: sue@ronan.me.uk
Keith Harmer Tel:01886-884709; e.mail: s_harmer@sky.com
Bill Buxton Tel:01886 880519; e.mail: w.buxton@btinternet.com
ANGELS FESTIVAL
Programme of Events:
May 7th – July 19th
See the notice board at www.Cradley.org.uk – further details of event times will be published nearer the Festival – please look out for these in the local press (Parish Newsletter, Malvern Gazette, Ledbury Reporter, Worcester News and local Radio stations) and of course on this website.
NOTES:
· All events will be held in Cradley Church except ‘The ‘A’ Factor on 4th July: Venue: - Cradley British Legion
· Cream Teas will be served each weekend, throughout the Exhibition
We look forward to welcoming you
Enjoy the Angels Fesival