Welcome to our Festival blog

We are a small congregation commemorating the 400th anniversary of the death of the village's Elizabethan composer, William Byrd (c.1540 - 1623).

We are planning to erect a permanent memorial to Byrd to mark the quatercentenary since his death, and have begun a fundraising appeal. Our events this year have included a talk on The Life and Times of William Byrd (30 June), including book release; a Commemorative Service of BCP Evensong (2 July); and, welcomed The Stondon Singers who gave a sell-out William Byrd Anniversary Concert on the actual day (4 July). Stondon Massey has also featured on BBC Radio 3's 'Composer of the Week' programme (3-7 July).

This website contains everything you need to know about William Byrd's life and music as well as his links with Stondon Massey. /

Friday, 29 April 2011

Reeve's Vestry

Step into the Vestry at St Peter & St Paul Stondon Massey and you step back to a time when Edward Reeve (1858 – 1936) was rector. It contains a collection of brass rubbings, a map of the village and two items given to him on the occasion of the William Byrd Tercentenary in 1923: a photograph copy of William Byrd’s will and a copy of G Vander Gucht’s engraving of the great composer with his mentor, Thomas Tallis. This short video was made with thanks to the current rector and churchwarden.

Two books on Byrd and Reeve will be launched on Sunday (1 May).

Visitors may view the Vestry on Sunday 8 May*, from 2.30 to 4.30pm, when the church is open for a general look round. Tea will be available too.

(* and every second Sunday in month from May to September)

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