Christ Church, Radlett
Welwyn Garden church recorders presented their record of Christ Church, Radlett, at a morning service on Sunday 4th September 2016.
The church has a fine set of stained glass windows and some beautifully embroidered banners.
There is also a sprightly model of a donkey, sturdy enough to be ridden, which visits parishioners’ homes in the run-up to Christmas each year in memory of the Virgin Mary’s journey to Bethlehem.
The next project for the recorders will be Holy Trinity, Little Amwell – a much smaller church situated at Hertford Heath near Hertford.
If you would like to join in this absorbing and worthwhile activity contact the group leader, Joyce Wallis.
New members are badly needed, particularly anyone with a special interest in or knowledge of embroidery and textiles.
All Saints, Datchworth
The church recorders presented their record of Parish Church of All Saints, Datchworth at a family service on Sunday 27 April 2014.
There are two contemporary stained glass windows in the church by local artist Maria Glenn, one showing all five churches in the team ministry - St. Mary’s, Welwyn; St. Michael’s, Woolmer Green; St. Peter’s, Ayot St. Peter; All Saints, Datchworth and St. Peter’s, Tewin - as the branches of a vine.
The other window is an abstract rendering of The Light of the World.
This window occupies the position of the former north door which was bricked up in the early 19th century because it enabled worshippers to slip out to a pub in the churchyard without being seen by the parson!
St Mary, Stapleford
In 2012 the record of the Parish Church of St Mary, Stapleford was presented. This completed the group’s recording of all the churches in that benefice – Brampton, Watton-at-Stone and Waterford being the other three.
We are seeking new recruits. If you would like to be active in recording and helping to preserve our national art heritage as found inside churches then contact the group leader,
Joyce Wallis.
St Michael and All Angels, Waterford
In 2011 we recorded the Parish Church of St Michael and All Angels, Waterford which is famous for its pre-Raphelite stained-glass windows from the William Morris factory and outstanding mosaics.
The image is of the prophetess Miriam in a window by Edward Burne-Jones.
St Andrew and St Mary , Watton-at-Stone
The Church Record of the Parish Church of St Andrew and St Mary at Watton-at-Stone was presented by Welwyn Garden DFAS Church recorders in September 2010.
Leader of the Group, Joyce Wallis commented: "There were some real challenges in the form of floor memorials hidden under heavy chests, and a narrow winding stairway leading up to the roof which had to be explored in order to record doors!
The recording and photographing of a clock mechanism posed another challenge as it was squeezed in against a wall in the bell chamber and could only be accessed by a narrow metal ladder".
Welwyn Garden DFAS Church Recorders group presenting the Record at Watton-at-Stone
Presenting the Record at the church of St Andrew & St Mary, Watton-at-Stone in September 2010.
There are 10 members in the group, meeting in the church we are recording on Tuesday mornings, working in pairs to complete descriptions of everything from the kneelers to the organ. Research is conducted into the provenance of items and photographs taken.
The completed record is presented to the church with copies going to the V&A art library and the Historic England Archive.
How Does Church Recording Work?
Church Recorders work as part of a team, choosing a single local church to record and then working in pairs on different sections of the church furnishings: memorials, metalwork, stonework, woodwork, textiles, paintings, library, windows and miscellaneous.
Training is given by experienced recorders and help is available from a wide range of experts with whom we share our discoveries.
.jpg "Portrayal of St Margaret in the east window at St Margaret's, Ridge - click to enlarge")
