This year, the national heritage open days take place from13 22 September. Its an opportunity for people to go and visit places ofheritage that they wouldnt normally get a chance to see and all for free!
Running at the same time as the Ride and Stride sponsored events, its a good opportunity for churches to get involved and encourage theirlocal community to come in and see what we have to offer. Some churches willsimply be open, with a chance for people to look at the heritage while otherswill be planning special events across the two weekends.
St Peters Church in Pirton will be displaying the PirtonStone over the weekend of 13 15 September, which is generally on load to theAshmolean Museum. Last on public view in 1882, the Pirton Stone was found in1871 when the St Peters church was going under restoration, buried in theChancel Arch. Over the weekend, there will be a number of presentationsoutlining where and when the stone was found and exploring some of thesuggested purposes.
While you might not have an exhibit from the AshmoleanMuseum, the heritage open days provide a great opportunity to encourage thelocal community to come into your church to get a sense of the heritage andhear some of the stories. Perhaps you can have your parish registers on displayor people could have a go at bell-ringing? Assistant Church Buildings Officer,Kate Andrew said: Our churches are packed with historical items of interest invitepeople in to have a look and sign up to the heritage open days website for somefree publicity!
Find out more and how to get involved at: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/.
