Friday 13th August 7.00 pm
Patronal Festival of 
the Assumption of Our Lady

Mass: Celebrant & Preacher: 
The Rt Revd Norman Banks, Bishop of Richborough
Procession, Benediction,
Blessing of Mendlesham's Best real ale
Fireworks to music.

More details after publication of the Govenment's Coronavirus regulations from 19th July 

What it's about..

Our wonderful parish church of St Mary is dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady - when after her death she was raised in glory to be with her Son, Jesus - a foretaste of our Christian hope for us all. As always, everyone is welcome to join our worship of Him, which is at the heart of our celebrations.

Parish Ales

In Mediaeval and Tudor Times Parish Ales or Church Ales were important celebrations in many English parishes. Originally instituted to honour the patron saint of the church, these were events held in the south-side churchyard. Home-brewed beer was sold by the churchwardens to offset the maintenance and repairs to the church fabric. At one time many churches had brew-houses in the churchyard, or attached to the church itself. Frances Beaumont (1584-1616) wrote the following verse in ‘Exaltation of Ale’:

 ‘The churches much owe, as we all do know, 
For when they be drooping and ready to fall 
By a Whitsun or Church-ale up again they shall go 
And owe their repairing to a pot of good ale.’ 

Our Own Real Ale:

It’s back!!  
MENDLESHAM’S BEST REAL ALE
Assumption Celebration Edition 2021

After an enforced gap because of Covid, Mendlesham’s Best will be back this year. The 11th limited edition, brewed by Earl Soham Brewery using locally grown barley, English hops and traditional brewing techniques will be sold in aid of St Mary’s Mendlesham Church Funds.
READY AT THE SUMMER FESTIVAL
Prices: Bottles: £3, Pack of 12: £36
Payment on collection
You can order in advance; complete the form below: