A TIME TO GATHER STONES TOGETHER – Ecclesiastes ch3 v5 

The nine stones carved in the churchyard in September 2019 will be gathered together to stand as an arch in honour of the builders, craftsmen and worshippers of St Mary the Virgin in the 1160s and today. The unique one-day exhibition of this remarkable new work of art will celebrate the skill demonstrated by nine first-time stone-carvers and their teachers. The exhibition is FREE and everybody is welcome to drop by from 9.30 am – 5.30 pm.

The arch will stand in the churchyard facing the 12th-century beak-heads on the West Front of the church that inspired the carvers. If the weather is terrible it will be erected indoors, in the Church Hall, instead.

The afternoon will be an open celebration of the Living Stones events in 2019: the Drawing Day, the Mystery Play, the Stones of Iffley festival, and a glimpse of other things our volunteers and visitors get up to behind the scenes. See https://iffleychurch.org.uk/category/living-stones/

You might find yourself going home with a work of art! There will be a raffle for copies of Iffley’s 12th-century carvings. Alex Wenham is very generously donating his exquisite copy of the bird in the nest, and Royse Murphy his curious beak-head. Alex and Royse were two of the tutors on the stone-carving course. If you’re one of the two winners and need help with taking your sculpture home, just ask!

What’s happening when

9.30-4.30  – Exhibition of the arch in the Churchyard (or Hall if wet)

3.00 pm – Celebration of THE STONES OF IFFLEY in Iffley Church Hall (Souvenir Booklets for sale)

4.00 pm – Tea party in Iffley Church Hall. Please bring something simple to share!

4.45 pm – Raffle of two sculptures by tutors on the stone-carving course

5.00 pm – Film of the Mystery Play in Iffley Church Hall

5.30 pm – End