Events

The Christ Church Dedication Festival 2025
In the Church of England, the Dedication Festival is the annual celebration of a church's consecration and dedication to God, observed on the anniversary of its original dedication, where this is known. The day serves to celebrate the church building as a place of worship and a spiritual centre for its local community, and for that community to enjoy coming together to give thanks.

But why stop at just a day? In recent years both St James and Christ Church have enjoyed a weekend, with concerts on the Saturday and celebratory services on the Sunday, and this year Christ Church has three events over two weekends! The date of the Festival – 19th October – falls on a Sunday so there will be a festive Evensong (6pm) with Leith Hill Choirs, and featuring choral and organ music by ‘local-boy-made-good’ Ralph Vaughan Williams, the anniversary of whose birth falls in the previous week. The previous day (Saturday 18th - 3pm, £10) the Swing Band will delight us all with toe-tapping classics, and the previous Saturday (11th October - 4pm, Admission Free) our regular organ duet pairing will be back in action.

Organ Rectal, Saturday 11 October
At 4.00pm Philip Drew and David Hansel will be playing organ duets and duos, including anniversary tributes to Orlando Gibbons (d1625) and Rev'd Dr Sir Frederick Arthur Gore Ouseley (b1825). This is a splendid piece (if not quite as splendid as the composer’s full name!) by the man whose energy, determination and philanthropic outlook laid the foundation for the modern excellence of our church choirs. 
The full programme is:
- Sonata in B flat - W A Mozart
- Four Short Duets - C P E Bach
- Concerto in A minor - A Vivaldi
- Voluntary for Double Organ - O Gibbons
- Rondo  - F A G Ouseley

The recital lasts approximately 45 minutes, admission is free and there will be a retiring collection in aid of the organ fund. Booking is not required. There will be refreshments from  3.30pm.

Leith Hill Big Band Concert, Saturday 18 October

In conjunction with the Arts Alive Festival, The Leith Hill Big Band is presenting an afternoon of the popular big band classics.  This is a fantastic way to experience the energy and excitement of these iconic swing tunes whilst evoking a sense of a bygone era.

The concert will take place on October 18th 2025 at Christ Church, Coldharbour from 15.00 –16.30.  Tickets will cost £10 per person to include tea and cake with wine/prosecco available at an additional cost. Monies raised will go towards the fitting of a much needed handrail along the back steps leading from the village hall to the church.

Don’t miss out on this spectacular event with its upbeat tempos and catchy melodies.  Reserve tickets now by emailing the parish office@abingerandcoldharbour.org  Advance payment by bank transfer.

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Dedication Festival Service, Sunday 19 October
We will be having a festive Evensong at 6.00pm, with the Leith Hill Choirs, and featuring choral and organ music by ‘local-boy-made-good’ Ralph Vaughan Williams, the anniversary of whose birth falls in the previous week.

The Crafts Fair, Saturday November 15
All but one of last year's stall holders has already signed up!

'Thank You' Reception, Wednesday 26 November
Rev'd Kia and the PCC will be sharing a drink and nibbles with those who have contributed to the life and work of Christ Church and St James over the past year; 6.00 - 8.00pm.

Churchyard Leaf Sweep, Friday December 5
Come along at 9.30am to help tidy our churchyard by sweeping up the leaves - and enjoy a mince pie and a cup of coffee with the other sweepers.

Christmas Wreath Making,  December 11 and 12
There’s nothing quite like a real Christmas wreath on your door at Christmas so why not try your hand at this traditional Christmas craft and make your own wreath this year. Join Amanda Hanlin for a festive workshop with full and simple guidance on how to create your own unique wreath between 2.00 and4.00pm.  £35 per person to include a 10” wreath ring, natural foliage, mince pie and mulled wine. Up to 6 people per session so book now to secure your space.  Contact Amanda on 07770 324083 for details.

2026

Annual Parochial Church Meeting , Sunday May 10
The APCM, when the records of the past year are presented and discussed, Church officials elected and the future discussed, is at 3.00pm in the John Venus Hall.

Coldharbour Village Fete - Saturday 16th May from 2 p.m. on the Memorial Ground.