Northampton Armed Forces Day Week June 13, 2010

Holy Sepulchre, Northampton made a considerable contribution to Northampton's celebration of Armed Forces Week in 2009. We shall be doing the same this year.

Details are currently being finalised but events already planned will include:

Dedication of a new Flag Pole and Flags - probable dates 13th or 20th June. The flagpole is being erected in a newly repaired raised flower bed just outside the South entrance porch in the churchyard off Sheep Street, Northampton

Flag Raising ceremony: In common with thousands of others all over the UK this will take place at 10.30am on Monday 21st June in the churchyard off Sheep Street. We shall be using our new flagpole for the first time.

Church Open Day: Saturday 26th June from 10.00am to 4.00. Holy Sepulchre is 'The Forces Church for Northamptonshire'. It used to be the Garrison Church of the Northamptonshire Regiment and it holds the main memorials to about 9000 men who gave their lives in the wars from the 19th century onwards. Some of the superb stained glass windows are simply amazing - especially the huge 'Battle Window' and the two William Morris windows. This magnificent Grade I Listed Building - commenced over 900 years ago - has been fully restored over the past 27 years. It is the oldest standing building in Northampton and 'the Round' (based on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem) is the largest and best preserved of the Round Churches in this country. Guided tours will be available or you can walk round in your own time.

Church Fair: also Saturday 26th June from 11.00am to 2.00pm in the Parish Rooms just opposite the church, with the usual stalls - including cakes - refreshments will be available.

Thanksgiving & Dedication Service for the Armed Forces of the Crown: Sunday afternoon at 3.00pm. During the Service a number of veterans will be receiving their Veterans Badges from one of Her Majesty's representatives in the County. The Standards of some Forces' organisations will be 'on parade'.

Prayers for Peace and Prayers for the British Armed Forces in Afghanistan: Monday 28 June at 12.30pm. We commenced these Services before Easter and will be continuing Monday-by-Monday for the next two years (at least). At 1.00pm the bells will ring 13 times -signifying 13.00 hours for our Armed Forces.

Further details will be added as the events are finalised. In the meantime e-mail: [email protected] for more information.

Contact details:

Name: The Revd Graham St.John-Willey

Phone: 01604 499060

Email: [email protected]

##http://www.stseps.org/armedforcesweek2010.htm##