St Lawrence 800th Anniversary or octocentenary – Lawrence 800

Bradwell Church

St Lawrence the 800th Anniversary since our first Vicar Henricus, in 1223AD


Logo Competition

To help celebrate the anniversary we launched a competition with local schools to create a logo we could use on all our publicity for 2023. The winner was Oliver Goodall from Bradwell Village School with the runner up from Summerfield School. The prizes were Amazon vouchers, study Bible and tickets for MK Dons. The prize was presented by Pete Winkleman on Tuesday 13th December 2022.


Events celebrating the octocentenary throughout the year

DateEvent
12th March 6pmEvensong service with choir Quorum featuring music from the late Tudor era
1st June 1.45pmPilgrim walk from Bradwell Abbey. With actors and refreshments
9th & 10th June 10amArt Exhibition of local artists
12th AugustSummer fete jointly with the Parish Council celebrate St Lawrence day
10th Sept 1.45pmPilgrim walk from Bradwell Abbey. With actors and refreshments
7th October 7.30pmBig Quiz night with Tearfund
3rd Dec 1.45pmPilgrim walk from Bradwell Abbey. With actors and refreshments
Confirmed events this will increase as we confirm dates

Events celebrating the octocentenary by visiting preachers on a Sunday throughout the year!

Date (Sunday)Event
29th January The Rev Helen Cameron (Methodist District Chair) will preach at Bradwell Church
26th February The Right Reverend the Bishop Alan of Buckingham will preach at Bradwell Church
26th MarchGeoffrey Clarke URC Moderator will preach at Bradwell Church
23rd AprilThe Rev Canon Chris Hollingshurst
28th MayThe Rev Tim Norwood Anglican area Dean of Milton Keynes
25th June The Ven Guy Elsmore, Archdeacon of Buckingham will preach at Bradwell Church
23rd JulyThe Rev Dr Quentin Chandler, Director of Ordinands, Buckingham Archdeaconry
10th September The Right Reverend the Bishop Steven of Oxford
8th October The Rev Lisa Kerry, Regional Minister, Baptist Central Association
22nd OctoberThe Rev David Byrne, former Vicar
26th NovemberThe Rev Andy Jowitt, former Vicar
10th DecemberThe Rev Ian Popham, former Vicar
Confirmed events this will increase as we confirm dates

We are planning events for the year possibly including (but not confirmed)

  1. Logo schools’ competition (this year)
  2. Special preachers during Sundays throughout year
  3. Church History guide book
  4. Historic music events
  5. Quorum choral service
  6. Bell ringers open day
  7. Bell ringers quarter peal
  8. Flower festival
  9. Community barbecue/hog roast
  10. Cream tea
  11. Pub Beer mats
  12. Exhibition from Bradwell Abbey
  13. Exhibition from MK Museum
  14. Link up with other churches celebrating an anniversary
  15. MK Arts Group exhibition
  16. Away day to visit URB Farm
  17. Altar cloth replacement
  18. With parish council replace pathway
  19. Commemorative Tree

Lawrence 800

St Lawrence before the Great War, exact date unknown

Lawrence 800

St Lawrence 1970

Lawrence 800

St Lawrence 2011

Lawrence 800

St Lawrence Church with pews, choir stalls and old pulpit. Date unknown.

Lawrence 800

St Lawrence interior 2019

Lawrence 800

Bell Ringing in the tower before the annexe and mezzanine floor were built. Date unknown

Lawrence 800

View of the church and surrounding area 1970

Lawrence 800

Bradwell “Beer & Bun” race which traditionally took place on Good Friday. Picture taken in 1970

Lawrence 800

Bradwell Footbridge date unknown possibly 1920/30’s

Lawrence 800

Map of Old Bradwell before Milton Keynes