“After 160 years of serving our local community, our beautiful and historically significant church is in need of repair. Tackling growing damp in our brickwork, attending to the roof, and installing a new heating and lighting system, amongst other things, is estimated to cost in the region of £1 million. Whilst this is a significant amount, we are not daunted by the challenge and wish to put the restoration of our church building at the heart of a wider rejuvenation campaign that will see us continuing to serve the needs of our local community for the next 160 years and beyond. Whilst we will be launching a formal fundraising appeal later in the year, we feel that the hymnathon will give a significant boost to our fundraising efforts.”
The Rev Dr Darrell Hannah
Rector of All Saints’ Church
In order to raise funds for our Restoration Appeal, from 10:00 to Midnight on Friday 16 May and from 05:00 to 19:00 on Saturday 17 May members of All Saints’ Church, Ascot Heath will be singing straight through our hymn book (Hymns Old and New) – all 571 hymns!
The idea is that people are encouraged to sponsor their favourite hymn(s), with a constant running top 10 hymns (in terms of amount sponsored) available throughout. The three hymns that receives the most sponsorship will be sung again at the end. If you see your hymn is not yet in the top three or falls down the chart, sponsor it some more. If you do not have a favourite hymn you can still sponsor the overall endeavour by making a general donation.
This community event will feature singers, choirs and musicians from other churches, local schools and music societies, to support our regular musicians at All Saints'. Together they will keep the Hymnathon flowing right through the 28 hours needed to sing all the way through our hymn book. Members of the local community are encouraged to join in with the singing and can pop in and out, staying for as little or as long as they like. We hope many people will attend at various points and to have a full church for the conclusion on the Saturday evening at 19:00.
Refreshments will be available throughout, with a special cooked breakfast being served between 07:00 and 10:00 on the Saturday morning.
How can you get involved?
- Sponsor your favourite hymn(s) – Click here (link to sponsoring page coming soon)
- Turn up and join in with the hymn singing
- Spread the word and encourage as many friends and family as possible to get involved
- Volunteer to help with refreshments or as a welcomer – 01344 884 686 or office@all-saints-ascot.org
Questions?
Q – How will I know if my favourite hymn(s) is in your hymn book?
A – A list of all the hymns being sung can be found here.
Q – How will I know when my favourite hymn(s) will be sung?
A – A list of when all the hymns will be sung can be found here.
Q – Do I need to book a slot to come and join in with the hymn singing?
A – No, you are welcome to come and go as you please and to stay for as little or as long as you like.
Q – Do I need to be a good singer to attend?
A – No, this is not a singing competition, it is a fun community event and everyone is welcome!
Q – Will refreshments be available?
A – Yes, refreshments will be served throughout and between 07:00 and 10:00 on Saturday 17 May a cooked breakfast will be available
Q – Will parking be available?
A – Yes, free parking is available throughout the event.
Q – Will there be access to a toilet?
A – Yes, toilets will be available throughout the event.
Q – Is the church disabled friendly?
A – Yes, the church has disabled access.