The St Marie’s Heritage Group are proud to present “For the Fallen” on Saturday 27th October 2018 starting at 14.00. The presentation will be delivered inside the historic and picturesque setting of St Marie’s on Lugsdale Road in Widnes.

The talk will be delivered by Eileen Smith. Here’s how she describes the talk:

A Presentation
For a Widnes Born Man
From St Marie’s
Who was killed in WW1
With no known grave.

After the presentation we’ll be having a sing-a-long to some classics songs from the era. There will also be fascinating artefacts to view. As always, there will be plenty of hot drinks, high quality biscuits and lots of opportunities to see familiar faces and catch up with old friends.

It’s free to attend “For the Fallen”, but places are limited so we do need you to reserve your seats in advance. To book a place, please contact Matthew Roberts via mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk or call (01928) 592 405.

The volunteers of St Marie’s Heritage Group were delighted to welcome 49 guests to St Marie’s on Sunday afternoon (9th September) for our latest Heritage Event. It was part of the national Heritage Open Days events. Across the country, heritage events were held under the theme, “Extraordinary Women”. As such, the topic for our get together was “Women of St Marie’s”. Attendees had the opportunity to submit their stories and photos in advance and the Heritage Group had put together a lovely leaflet to commemorate the occasion.

Attendees discussed the stories in the book, the Legion of Mary and their favourite female teachers.

We felt that the event was a great success and it was wonderful to hear St Marie’s alive with happy conversations and laughter.

You can collect a copy of the “Women of St Marie’s” for free from the reception desk at St Marie’s. Available whilst supplies last.

Attendees discuss The Legion of Mary

Here’s the feedback we collected on the day:

Was there anything you particularly liked?

– Thoroughly enjoyable.
– Really enjoyed it.
– Particularly liked time given to discuss stories, events, anecdotes etc from the book. Time to develop stories from everyone. Learn new things from discussions. The enjoyment people expressed by such an event.
– It is THANKS to some of the great women of St Marie’s that I/we are able to read and write so well. It was good to see some familiar faces and to bring to mind fond memories of our lovely parish and the wonderful St Marie’s school.
– Yes, was brilliant reminiscing and listening to stories from the older days. All the old famous names. Teachers that were influential to many of us in Widnes. Also, lovely seeing old faces not seen since childhood days. Really enjoyed it.
– Enjoyed it.
– It was lovely to be reminded of all the wonderful women of the parish – especially the teachers. Eg Miss Pinnington & Miss Mulroy.
– The stories told by those attending the event.
– Nice to see people sharing their memories
– I really enjoyed all aspects of the events. Loved catching up with people.
– Had a very informative afternoon. Met people I haven’t seen for a long time. Enjoy chatting with them.
– I liked everything we talked about, brought back happy memories.
– Liked everything. Great to hear teacher’s names, which brought back memories of our days at school. Miss Pinnington remains one of the ones I will always remember. Think it’s great we keep memories.
– It was brilliant.
– Enjoy it very much. Thank you all Heritage Group.
– Very good.
– It was good.
– It was a lovely afternoon.
– Very good.
– Liked all.
– Liked all of it.
– Everything was very good.
– Thoroughly enjoyed listening to others, reminiscing and bringing back my own memories. Will call again.
– Discussing our childhood at school.

Was there anything you particularly disliked?

– Again, the sound. Difficult to hear everyone without a mike.

Any ideas for future Heritage Events at St Marie’s?

– Military matters. Women war efforts (WW2). About the Priests who served at St Marie’s.
– I would like to see more of this project as I feel that there is a lot more information out there which would enrich massively what is already printed in the book.
– Photographs. If any parishioners of old can provide photographs linked to St Maries (school, community etc) they would be great to see.
– Photos.
– To have people bring photographs of St Marie’s School & Church and have a tour round the boys school and hall.
– Would be lovely to see as many photographs as possible showing the teachers, girls & boys school – outside and inside. Just any photos at all of the history of St Marie’s school and church. Thank you. People could just write their names on the back so they won’t get lost.
– It would be wonderful to be able to have a tour of the boys school.
– Carol Concert. Event focusing on May procession.
– Event for Christmas.
– Microphones!!!
– Would like to have carol service again at Christmas.
– Children Christmas play.
– Is there still a plan to collect photos of people married in the church?
– Just keep doing it.
– Should be promotion of events. Invite school children down to promote history of church/broadcast Heritage Group ect. Young children enjoy listening to stories about “olden days”.
– Maybe an event to see the old books and registers from the parish.