Dates for your diaries

It's hard to believe the scorching Summer of 26 is nearly over! Autumn and winter seem so far away, but here are some dates to put in your diaries:

• Saturday 5 September: St Peter's Market Stall
• Sunday 13 September 9:30am: Blessing of the Backpacks + picnic 6pm Choral Evensong
• Thursday 17 September 6:30 pm: Volunteers' Service 
• Saturday 3 October 7:00 pm: FoSP fundraising talk (Concorde Captain John Tye)
• Sunday 4 October: Choir recruitment event
• Sunday 11 October 6pm: Choral Evensong
• Friday 11 - Sunday 20 September: Heritage Open Days 2026
• Sunday 4 October: Harvest Promises Auction
• Sunday 1 November: All Saints & All Souls
• Sunday 8 November: Remembrance Sunday
• Wednesday 11 November: Armistice Day
• Saturday 14 November: Fundraising Casserole Evening
• Sunday 22 November: Festival of Light
• Sunday 29 November: Advent Sunday

... and then it's Christmas, but we'll cross that bridge a little later!

Saturday 5 September
St Peter’s Market Stall

Next Saturday, St Peter's has another market stall on Berkhamsted High Street. This is another opportunity for us to increase our visibility in the wider community, to chat to passers-by and tell the town that the doors of St Peter's are open for a warm welcome. We'll have leaflets and banners, and all we need is you - come and chat to members of the public and answer questions. There's a sign-up sheet at the back of church on Sunday - you only need to do a 1-hour stint, so it won't take up too much of your Saturday!

Sunday 6 September
Return of the choir

Our church choir will be back in the stalls after a well-earned break. They'll be working hard preparing to support our worship, especially for important dates coming up the church calendar. Our choir also sing a monthly service of Choral Evensong. We are very lucky that we can maintain this wonderful tradition in our parish, as it's often only found in cathedrals and Oxbridge colleges, so do please support these choral services:

• Sunday 13 September
• Sunday 11 October

We are also planning a recruitment event to bring in new choristers on Sunday 4 October. St Peter's Choir offers wonderful opportunities for children to develop skills that will be with them for life, so please support this and spread the word to any families with musical children.

 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk

Saturday 12 September
Bike ‘n’ Hike 2026

Our ever-hardy Rector, Fr Stuart, is taking part in this year's Bike 'n' Hike, raising money for Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust (BHHCT). He's walking 50 miles overnight on the Three Bishops Way, leaving Bedford on Friday evening, getting to Hertford on Saturday morning, and skipping into St Albans around Saturday lunchtime for a cheeky pint (or two). Do please sponsor Stuart.

The Trust does wonderful work raising funds for the repair of churches and chapels in our local area - last year, St Peter's sponsorship total was the highest in the two counties, so let's try to keep that record going!

If you'd like to take part in the Bike 'n' Hike yourself, you'll find information and resources on the BHHCT website.

 bedshertshct.org.uk

Sunday 13 September
Blessing of the Backpacks (and a picnic)

On Sunday 13th September as part of our regular 9.30am Sunday Service we'll be inviting the schoolchildren of the parish to come forward to have their school backpacks/satchels blessed to mark the start of the new school year. All are very welcome to join us.

After the service there will be a picnic at The Rectory (Rectory Lane, HP4 2DH) to which everyone is very welcome (weather permitting!).

You can read more about backpack blessing here:

 www.elydiocese.org

Sunday 13 September at 6:00 pm
Choral Evensong

Choral evensong offers a space to pattern our live with time and quietness, to readjust our internal clocks to tick along to a slower rhythm. Amid the beauty of choral music, everyone attending is invited to contemplate the glory of heaven in the glorious company of God. Whatever your faith, you are welcome here.

Responses: Smith
Psalm: 114 (Chant 186)
Canticles: Walmisley in D minor
Anthem: Call to Remembrance - Richard Farrant

Thursday 17 September at 6:30 pm
A Service of Thanksgiving for Volunteers

At St Peter's we would like to say thank you to all those who make this town a better place to live in through volunteering their time This service will celebrate their contribution and give thanks for the many ways our lives are enriched by the work of volunteers, not just at St Peter's, but across our community and across the country. This short service will be followed by a drinks reception. We look forward to including our many St Peter's volunteers and volunteers from community organisations all over the local area - all are warmly invited to come along to be part of that celebration. To help us with refreshments we'd invite you to complete this Google form to let us know if you'll be joining:

Saturday 3 October at 7:00 pm
An Audience with Captain John Tye

The David Pearce Memorial Lecture was started last year in memory of our dear departed churchwarden and Berkhamsted schoolmaster. It's run by the Friends of St Peter's in partnership with Berkhamsted School, and this year's event is a fundraiser for the St Peter's Renovation Appeal, supporting our urgent ongoing roof repairs.

This year the Friends welcome BA Concorde pilot Captain John Tye as speaker. John will explain technical features of Concorde and take us on a virtual flight from Heathrow to New York. There will be a Q&A session and an opportunity to purchase a signed copy of his best-selling book, Life of a Concorde Pilot - From the Orphanage to the Edge of Space.

Tickets are £15 and include a complimentary drink on arrival (£5 for under-18s and students). All ticket holders will also be entitled to a year's membership of the Friends of St Peter's. Centenary Theatre, Kings Road, drinks from 7pm. Don't miss this - and invite your friends and neighbours, and support this vital appeal! Book online, or contact Cathy Imber to secure a ticket.

Contact:

Cathy Imber    07909 868 928

 Email Cathy Imber

Henry of Berkhamsted

680 years ago, Henry of Berkhamsted rode into battle with Edward the Black Prince, Prince of Wales and son of King Edward III, to fight at the Battle of Crécy (26 August 1346).  This was the first major battle fought by England and France in the Hundred Years' War. The date is significant to Berkhamsted because of the involvement of the Black Prince, whose centre of operations was Berkhamsted Castle. The English victory was decided by the introduction of a new weapon, the English longbow. Berkhamsted had become a centre of archery under the Black Prince, and it is thought that Berkhamsted bowmen went with him into battle at Crécy. 

He began as a butler to the Burghersh family at the Castle, but rose to prominence as he became a favourite of the Black Prince, eventually becoming Constable of Berkhamsted Castle and a henchman in the Black Prince's retinue.  He died in 1398, and his tomb can be seen today in the Lady Chapel of St Peter's Church. You can read more about Henry's life on the Berkhamsted Castle website:

 www.berkhamstedcastle.org.uk

Contacting the Parish Office

A reminder of the Parish Office contact details:

• Phone: 01442 878 227
• Email: churchoffice@greatberkhamsted.org.uk
• Mobile and WhatsApp: 07506 072 884

An increasing number of emails, phone calls, texts and WhatsApp messages are being sent to Robin's personal numbers/accounts - please try to use the church office contacts above for all church business unless it's a dire emergency.

Roof repairs – next steps

This summer, we completed the first phase of our roof repairs above the Lady Chapel. This is only the beginning, and the St Peter's Renovation Appeal continues as we look to repair leaks in other parts of the building. We may next turn our attention to the roof over the St John Chantry (the choir and organ). The recently published Quinquennial Report on the fabric of the church urges that this work be carried out in the next two years to avoid lasting damage to the building. Our choir have been singing for many years surrounded by buckets of stagnant water, and will be the first to welcome roof repairs! The Renovation Committee will be getting estimates on this work very soon.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our fundraising over the past few years - from the Petertide Fair and Festival of Light to raffles and Carolynne's legendary lasagne evenings. Please continue to give your support and help us to conserve this historic place of worship.

Saturday 5 September
Berko Repair Café

Has your favourite mug has lost its handle? Has your lamp has gone dark? Has your coffee grinder stopped grinding? Don't bin it just yet! Bring it along to the Berko Repair Café at Northchurch Social Centre, where clever volunteers will work their magic and help give your well-loved items a second chance. Berko Repair Café is open on the first Saturday of the month 9.30am to 12.30pm. Not every superhero wears a cape - some fix toasters!

 ecoberko.uk

Saturday 5 September - Sunday 27 September
Herts Open Studios

Herts Visual Arts is holding its annual Herts Open Studios event. You are invited to explore studios, meet artists, and discover unique, handmade work right across the county. Here in Berkhamsted, there will be exhibitions at the Civic Centre, Lagley Meadow Hall (opposite Majestic Wine), Hill Farm Barn (Northchurch Common) and Mitzie Green's studio on Meadway, with a wide range of artistic styles and media. All venues are free to visit, there will be works on sale, and everyone is welcome. Visit the HVA website to download a brochure and explore an online map of studios.

 www.hvaf.org.uk

Saturday 5 September
Wellbeing + Artisan Market

Local wellbeing businesses, holistic therapists, makers and artists offering natural skincare, aromatherapy, crystals, jewellery, artwork, handmade gifts, homewares, self-care products, with snacks and refreshments. 10am-3pm, Berkhamsted Town Hall. Free entry.

Tuesday 8 September - Wednesday 9 September
DENS Foodbank at Waitrose

Waitrose in Berkhamsted is very kindly supporting the DENS Foodbank with two upcoming in-store collection days next week. DENS volunteers will be on hand to encourage shoppers to add a little extra to their trolley and help DENS to replenish the foodbank with items they are currently running low on - mainly tinned food, toiletries and kitchen items. Do please support this excellent cause and pick up a few extra bits on your shopping visit. Volunteers will give you a shopping list, or you can view the high-needs list on the DENS website:

 www.dens.org.uk

Wednesday 9 September
Neighbourhood Plan Consultation

Berkhamsted Town Council is holding another consultation on its Neighbourhood Plan. This Plan aims to shape improvements to Berkhamsted from now to 2041, looking at issues such as education, leisure facilities, green spaces, transport and congestion, housing and heritage. The Plan is on display in the Civic Centre Foyer 20 July to 15 September, and is available on the Town Council website. BTC will be holding another drop-in event at the Civic Centre on Wednesday 9 September 10 am-12 noon. Once you've read the Plan, you can send your feedback via the online consultation.

 www.berkhamsted-tc.gov.uk

 www.berkhamsted-tc.gov.uk

Friday 11 September - Sunday 20 September
Heritage Open Days 2026

The annual opening of historic sites and buildings across England returns in September. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences - and it's all FREE. Here in Berkhamsted, there are more opportunities to celebrate our heritage, community and history - events include guided tours of Berkhamsted Castle, Rectory Lane Cemetery, St Peter's Church, Amersfort Hall, the Foundling Hospital, Berkhamsted Place, the Dacorum Heritage Museum Store, the railway, the Grand Junction Canal and town tours. On Sunday 13 September, there's also a pop-up exhibition at Berkhamsted Civic Centre, entitled Dacorum's Everyday Heroes.

Many tours are now fully booked, but you can add your name to am online waiting list in case of cancellations.

 tinyurl.com

Friday 11 September - Sunday 20 September
Photographic exhibition: The Working People of Berkhamsted

As part of Heritage Open Days, Berkhamsted Local History and Museum Society (BLHMS) are holding an exhibition in St Peter's about daily working life through the ages. Photographs and illustrations from yesteryear will reveal how ordinary people in Berkhamsted made a living, from Roman times to more recent industries. Visitors can learn about lost trades and discover the location of forgotten industries and trades. Free entry, no booking required - open all day 10am-4pm.

 www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Saturday 12 September at 7:00 pm
Mozart – Missa Brevis

Berkhamsted and Chorleywood Choral Societies join forces to perform a concert in St Peter's. They'll be singing Mozart's Missa Brevis in D minor, and a selection of choral classics including Zadok the Priest by Handel, Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine, and Lotti's Crucifixus. Tickets: £22 on the door and £20 in advance, £10 for 18-25-year-olds, and free if you are under 18.  Book now!

 berkhamstedchoral.com

Sunday 13 September
Berkhamsted Artisan Market September

The next Artisan Market is on the High Street, offering handmade jewellery, gifts, crafts, wooden homewares, ceramics, sculpture and more. Cand have a browse - all stall fees go towards the Friends of St Peter's.

 www.berkhamstedartisanmarket.co.uk

Sunday 13 September
Come and Sing Evensong

Our friends at St John's Harpenden are holding a Come and Sing Evensong, led by local teacher, choir trainer and organist Russell Tucker. Refreshments are provided, and there is an excellent pub right next door to the church! The music will include Brewer in D, Smith Responses, and Haydn's The Heavens are Telling. Rehearsal at 3.30pm, service at 5.00pm (to which all friends and family are warmly invited). The event is free, but please book a space online:

 www.ticketsource.com

Wednesday 23 September at 7:00 pm
The People’s Emergency Briefing

Amid drought, extreme heatwaves and wildfires, come to find out about the science behind climate change in a 50-minute film screened in St Peter's by EcoBerko. The People's Emergency Briefing brings together leading climate experts to explore the impacts of climate change on our lives, with appearances from Chris Packham, Deborah Meaden, and a range of voices from across the UK. After the film, there will be an open discussion about what it means for our community and what we can do locally. Free entry, but please book a space online if you can:

 www.tickettailor.com

Thursday 24 September - Sunday 27 September
Graham Greene Festival

The annual Graham Greene International Festival returns, celebrating Berkhamsted's famous author. This year's speakers include novelist Jo Baker, broadcaster Robin Ince, journalist Melanie McDonagh, John le Carré biographer Adam Sisman, and espionage expert Robert Verkaik. Among the highlights will be talks about the book cover art of Paul Hogarth, hidden references to Watford in Greene's Cold War-era thriller The Human Factor (1978), a walking tour of Berkhamsted Common, film screenings of England Made Me (1973) and A Splinter of Ice (2021), and much more! Tickets are now on sale

Contact:

Graham Green Birthplace Trust    07491 674594

 Email Graham Green Birthplace Trust

 www.grahamgreenebt.org

Friday 2 October - Thursday 22 October
Little Missenden Festival

Looking ahead to October, this gem of cultural life in the Chilterns returns to St John the Baptist Church in Little Missenden, just 7 miles (10km) south of Berkhamsted. There's a varied programme of string quartets, piano recitals, jazz and choral. The line-up includes the Alex Clarke Quintet, the Kleio Quartet, St Martin's Voices, with poetry read by BBC Radio 4's Zeb Soanes and a lecture on the portraits of Jan van Eyck by National Gallery curator Nicholas Flory. Booking opens 24 August.

 little-missenden.org

Tuesday 13 October - Saturday 17 October
The Pepper Show 2026

The Pepper Show returns to the DEMBE Theatre in Tring for five nights (plus a matinée) with rock and pop hits across the decades. This hugely popular annual event raises funds for The Pepper Foundation, a local charity that raises vital funds for children's hospice at home care in Bucks & Herts. Tickets are on sale now:

 www.pepper.org.uk

Saturday 31 October at 7:00 pm
The Berkhamsted Ball

Berkhamsted Castle Trust are holding a fundraising Black Tie Berkhamsted Ball at Nash Hall in Berkhamsted Girls' School, Kings Road. Tickets are £75 each and include a welcome drink, a three-course dinner, and live music and dancing with The X Tones. There will also be a Gala Charity Auction with Antiques Roadshow experts John Bly and Eric Knowles, with the chance to bid on some fabulous items, including a private plane flight, golf sessions and holiday home stays. Bookings for couples or individuals are welcome, or get friends together and book a table of 8! Don't miss this glittering occasion - all proceeds will go to the Castle Fields Appeal, saving a historic battlefield site next to Berkhamsted Castle. Book now: 

 buytickets.at

Sunday 1 November
BerkoFest Book Festival

Back for its seventh year, BerkoFest Book Festival is returning to Berkhamsted Town Hall, with a mix of acclaimed fiction and non-fiction writers, children's authors, comedians and cartoonists in discussions, readings, Q&A sessions and book signings. The event will be hosted by Robin Ince and Nigel Barden, with appearances by Alexei Sayle, Lucia Osbourne-Crowley, Athena Kugblenu, Ellen Jones, Caroline Litman and Ben Jennings. Tickets are now on sale, and usually sell out very quickly, so book now to avoid disappointment!

 tickets.matterpay.com