The Christian faith is often described as a journey, a lifetime’s journey, when we explore who we are, how we understand relationships and how we make sense of the world in which we live. Our exploration of faith may go through different stages according to our age, our circumstances and experiences. Many people will come to a place where faith has no meaning for them at all, others remain unsure and for others, they reach a point in their lives when they want to nail their colours to the mast and commit themselves to faith. A first step on this journey of commitment will have been baptism, either as an infant or as an adult, and on Sunday one candidate will be baptised, the others already having been baptised. Nailing their colours to the mast is what the four candidates will be doing this Sunday at St Peter’s when they will be confirmed by the Bishop of Bedford. This is always an occasion of great thanksgiving when people are prepared publicly to make this commitment to the Christian way of life.

At the heart of the confirmation service is the prayer that the Holy Spirit will fill the hearts and minds of the candidates and so strengthen their faith and commitment to being a disciple of Jesus Christ. As the bishop lays his hands on the candidates, he prays these words: ‘Confirm, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit.’ It is with the power of the Holy Spirit that each candidate will be enabled to live out the faith to which they have committed themselves. Confirmation is yet another stage on this journey of faith in which they are to deepen their love and knowledge of God. Those of us who will be present on Sunday at the service will not be mere spectators of something being done to other people. We will be welcoming the candidates to join with us on this great adventure of faith, so together we may go out into the world in the power of the Holy Spirit to love and to serve.

Our diocesan prayer ‘Living God’s Love’ expresses the life of faith to which God has called all Christians:

‘Living God, draw us deeper into your love. Jesus our Lord, send us to care and serve. Holy Sprit, make us heralds of good news. Stir us, strengthen us, teach and inspire us to live your love with generosity and joy, imagination and courage; for the sake of your world and in the name of Jesus. Amen.’

Saturday 4 October at 9:15 am
Awareness of Domestic Abuse training

We are running a face-to-face, group safeguarding training course on Awareness of Domestic Abuse, in the Court house on Saturday 4th October at 9:15. We will send e-mails to those who now need to do this course. You may do it online if you prefer but do let us know when you have completed the course. 

Please let us know if you would like to attend. There will be coffee and biscuits!!

Contact:

 Send an email to: Hilary and Rachel, Safeguarding Officers

Sunday 5 October at 9:30 am
Confirmation service

This Sunday we celebrate the confirmation of Lizzie, Joseph, Muriel and Adam in a special Sung Eucharist as they affirm their faith. It is our joy to welcome Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, Bishop of Bedford and our acting Bishop of St Albans. Everyone is welcome to share in this celebration as the confirmation candidates are admitted fully into the Body of Christ. We join in prayer for all those taking this important step in the journey of faith.

At this service, a retiring collection will be taken for the support of ordination candidates in training. Should you wish to make a donation towards the training of ordinands (trainee priests in the Church of England), you can also donate online at:

 stalbansdiocese.sumupstore.com/product/ordination-

Sunday 5 October at 12:30 pm
Sundays Together Lunch October

Sundays Together Lunches are a friendly social group for our older friends in the parish who may be on their own at a certain age. Luncheon is laid on every 1st Sunday of every month in the Court House. Guests receive a welcome drink when they arrive, followed by two-course meal, all for a handsome £6. If you would like to take part, or if you know someone who might benefit from this lovely social event, please get in touch:

Contact:

 Send an email to: Carolynne Charman

 07503 156 751

 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/groups/sundays-toge

Sunday 12 October
Choral Evensong

Everyone is welcome to Choral Evensong, when we glorify God through the beauty of choral singing, the poetry of Christian liturgy, and the stillness of prayers. It's a service where people often find great comfort and tranquillity simply through contemplation, as they immerse themselves in the beauty of music and prayer.

Responses: Ayleward
Psalms: 37 (vv. 1-9)
Canticles: Noble in B minor
Anthem: Blessed be the God and Father - SS Wesley

Please note that a small film crew will be present at this service. They are from Crossway, a US Christian publisher, and they are visiting Berkhamsted to shoot some footage of a typical English parish Evensong to be used in a video about the history of English Bible translations. It has been agreed that they will film the choir singing, and the backs of people in the pews. If you do not wish to be included in shot, please speak to the crew before the start of the start of Evensong.

Sunday 12 October at 11:15 am
Harvest Promises Auction

We'll mark Harvest Festival with a Promises Auction at 11.15am on Sunday 12th October. The origins of Harvest Festival lie in people giving directly of their gifts in the form of crops they'd grown or livestock they'd nurtured, and so in marking Harvest Festival with a Promises Auction, we're encouraging people to give of their gifts in that same direct way. This year we are supporting the Bishops' Harvest Appeal, "Rewrite Their Future", which is raising money for children's education for in Uganda and Zambia. 

So far the Promises being auctioned include a cream tea for four, two half-hour organ lessons, a Sunday lunch for four, an offer to try to trace some of your family tree, an evening meal, and someone has offered to play an anthem of your choice after the Parish Mass (there are no prizes for guessing who that is!). Please do email Fr Stuart if you'd like to add to this small but perfectly formed list - it's an attempt to raise money for a really good cause.

Video:

Contact:

 Send an email to: Stuart Owen

 01442 8797 39

 www.stalbansdiocese.org/parishsupport/growing-comm

Sunday 19 October
Mission Action Planning

At the start of the new Church year, on Advent Sunday, the PCC will be setting out our new Mission Action Plan. To help shape that plan, we're inviting feedback from members of the congregation on what you think our priorities should be over the next three years. This will take place after the Parish Mass on Sunday 19th October (you can also contact Fr Stuart directly if you won't be there that Sunday). We're encouraging people to think about priorities linked to the Diocesan vision:-

• Going deeper into God
• Making new disciples
• Transforming communities

Contact:

 Send an email to: Fr Stuart

 01442 879 739

 www.stalbansdiocese.org/parishsupport/growing-your

Festival of Light: coordinator needed

On Sunday 23 November the town celebrates the Festival of Light with a street fair and entertainments. St Peter's plays a major part in this event when we open our doors to the public with a magnificent display of candles filling the church. It's one of the highlights of the year and a significant part of St Peter's community outreach, when we welcome thousands of visitors into our historic building. We have a team of willing volunteers on standby to set up the candles in the church but importantly, we need someone to coordinate this effort this year. This involves preparing a roster of helpers, delegating all sorts of jobs such as lighting candles, health and safety, welcoming visitors and so on. (Last year we didn't run a mulled wine stall, in order to simplify the effort, but you may or may not wish to organise that this year.) Previous coordinators are very happy to advise and help you to get started, so it just needs a willing person to step forward. If we can't organise this year's event, it will not go ahead, and this will be a wasted opportunity for St Peter's to participate in this wonderful community event. 

Contact:

 Send an email to: Parish Office

All Souls list

On sunday 2 November we will hold our All Souls service. This is when we gather to remember with thanksgiving loved ones who have passed from this life. The Church Choir will sing Duruflé's Requiem. It is our tradition at St Peter's to read out the names of the departed during the evening service. If you would like to include the name of someone you have lost, whether recently or many years ago, please write their name on the list at the back of church. You can also email the names to:

Contact:

 Send an email to: St Peter's Parish Office

Lasagne Evening

Sumptuous lasagne, rich wines, delightful tiramisu, glittering raffle prizes - a veritable heavenly banquet was enjoyed last week by parishioners and friends in the Court House! The evening raised just over £1000 for the St Peter's Renovation Fund. Thank you to all who cooked food and created desserts, and to everyone who came to make this evening such a lovely social occasion.

Victoria School open mornings

Are you looking for a school in the local area? Looking for a Reception place to start September 2026? Victoria School are holding open mornings for prospective Reception families to have a tour of the school. 

• Tuesday 21 October 2025 9.15am
• Monday 3 November 2025 11am
• Thursday 13 November 2025 9.15am
• Wednesday 19 November 2025 9.15am
• Tuesday 2 December 2025 9.15am
• Thursday 8 January 2026  9.15am (Reception and Nursery Tour)

View Victoria's online presentation for prospective parents

To book your space, please complete the online booking form. The staff look forward to sharing their wonderful school and welcoming you to the Victoria family.

"Thank you for all the care, joy and encouragement you've given to the children. X has been so happy here."
"We love Victoria! Thank you for all the positive energy and fostering such curiosity in our kids."

- Quotes from the Year 2 Parents of the Class of 2025 Leavers

victoria school prospectus

 forms.office.com/e/yuB10v7yas

Kindness events at Victoria School

We had a creative start to the week with the Jigsaw Arts group coming in, where the children took part in different workshops developing their dance, drama and singing skills. It was lovely seeing how involved the children were and how it developed their confidence in performing to others.

We also had our first Kindness Ambassador zoom meeting with other Kindness schools. We shared ideas about our Kindness Festival, getting donations for Hope Food Bank for Harvest and a kindness area on the playground to help children who may be finding playtimes difficult or if they were upset. We are planning lots of different events through the year and will keep you updated.

Next Monday, we will be coming to St Peter's to celebrate our Harvest Festival, and the Spiritual Ambassadors will be leading the service through readings and prayers. We will also be performing our new song about the Mustard Seed which underpins our school vision and values.

Mrs Lisa Freeman
Head of School, Victoria CE Infant and Nursery School

Thursday 9 October at 7:30 pm
Magna Carta 800

A talk at St Albans Cathedral, Magna Carta 800: How 1215's Crisis Became 1225's Constitution - David Carpenter, Professor of Medieval History at King's College London, explores the Charters of 1215 and 1225, and their impact on English law today. Tickets £12, clergy and readers in the St Albans Diocese free. 

Contact:

 01727 890 290

 www.stalbanscathedral.org/Event/magna-carta-800

Tuesday 28 October - Saturday 8 November
Poppy Fields at the Cathedral

This October half term, experience Poppy Fields by Luxmuralis, an immersive journey of light and sound inside St Albans Cathedral reflecting on the World Wars and hopes for peace. Stunning projections and evocative music will transform the Cathedral into a moving work of art, as our thoughts turn to Remembrance. Entry is by ticketed time slot, so you must book ahead, selecting a date and time slot. Adults £12, children £8, family tickets and disabled concessions available.

 www.stalbanscathedral.org/Event/poppy-fields

Vacancy for PA to the Archdeacon of St Albans

The Diocese is currently advertising for a new PA for the Archdeacon of St Albans (on the retirement of his current PA). This senior secretarial/administrative role is offered on a part time basis of 20 hours per week. The PA will support the Archdeacon in all aspects of their work, including diary and meeting organisation, supporting parish officers and the management of the appointments process for parish clergy. The role is based in the Archdeacon's office in St Albans and the closing date for applications is Monday 13 October 2025. For full details and an application form, see:

 www.stalbansdiocese.org/vacancies/pa-to-the-archde

Friday 3 October - Sunday 12 October
Little Missenden Festival

The 2025 Little Missenden Festival starts today, with an eclectic mix of jazz, classical, choral and poetry in the evocative surroundings of the 10th-century church of St John the Baptist, Little Missenden (with its breathtaking frescoes), just 7 miles south of Berkhamsted. Tickets are still available for many events, but the Stile Antico concert is sold out.

 www.little-missenden.org/2025-programme

Saturday 4 October at 7:30 pm
Music of Love and Longing

An evening of music for voice and piano at St Mary the Virgin Church in Old Amersham, with baritone Thomas Isherwood, accompanied by Fei Ren on piano. Advance tickets £17, £20 on the door, under-16s £10.

 www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/old-amersham

Saturday 4 October at 7:30 pm
Bridgewater Sinfonia concert

The Bridgewater Sinfonia will be playing a concert tomorrow at Berkhamsted School Deans Hall on Castle Street, with pianist Thomas Kelly playing the Brahms Piano Concerto N° 1, and Walton's Symphony N° 1 in B? minor.  Advance tickets are available from Ashtons Estate Agents (next to Tesco) and online for £20, or £22 on the door, under-18s free.

 www.bridgewater-sinfonia.org.uk/event/brahms-piano

Sunday 5 October
Berkhamsted Antiques & Vintage Market

October's antiques fair and street market will be on Berkhamsted High Street and in the Civic Centre. Come and browse antiques and vintage items from silver, jewellery and glass to furniture, vintage clothing and collectibles.

Sunday 5 October
Books in the Woods

During October, Books in the Woods Outdoor Playgroup are running lovely autumn story reading sessions for children aged 5 and under in Rectory Lane Cemetery and in Ashridge. Children read a book together and then enjoy fun nature-filled activities. Just bring a ground sheet/ blanket, your own snacks and weather-appropriate clothing. Prebooking required - family tickets (for up to 6 people) only £3. Show your ticket for 20% off at Dowerhouse Coffee!

 www.booksinthewoods.org

Sunday 5 October at 4:00 pm
Alexander Ardakov Piano Recital

Celebrated pianist Alexander Ardakov will return to St Peter's for another exhilarating recital in October. He will present a programme of works by Frederick Chopin (1810-1849), including a selection of nocturnes, mazurkas, impromptus and Chopin's Sonata No. 3 in B minor. Tickets are just £12 (pay on the door).

We are so fortunate to welcome musicians of this calibre to St Peter's, so do please show your support and come along on Sunday afternoon!

Wednesday 8 October at 8:00 pm
BLHMS Talk: Rev Henry Small of St Albans and the missing £20,000

Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society presents a talk in the Civic Centre on Berkhamsted High Street.  John Mein explores the surprising story of Rev Henry Small of St Albans, and a series of local banking scandals that attracted the attention of the then Prime Minister. Non-members are always welcome @ £5 at the door, or join BLHMS on the night.

 berkhamsted-history.org.uk/programme

Saturday 11 October
Tring Apple Fayre

Tring's annual Apple Fayre is back, with an Apple Cart parade through the town at 10.30am, and a farmers' market in Brook Street.9am - 2pm, plus a scarecrow competition, Morris dancing, a Maypole and family fun. In the run-up to the parade day there are fruity events all over Tring, including open gardens, an open day at Ford End Watermill, apple pressing and a Harvest Festival service in Tring Parish Church. Download the Apple Faure programme:

 www.tringtogether.org.uk/apple-fayre

Sunday 12 October
Berkhamsted Artisan & Makers Market

Berkhamsted is getting a fabulous new market - Berkhamsted Artisan Market! The Market will be a regular showcase for local creative talent, and brings another exciting event to the High Street. This is a great opportunity for everyone to support local artisans & makers and to bring a new creative vibe to the town, attracting more footfall and benefitting High Street businesses! It's also an opportunity to support our historic buildings - the Market is being organised by The Friends of St Peters (FoSP), a charity that fundraises to support Berkhamsted's cherished heritage assets, St Peter's Parish Church (1222), Berkhamsted Town Hall (1859) and Rectory Lane Cemetery (1842). All the pitch fees from The Market will go towards maintaining these historic sites. 

Berkhamsted Artisan Market will have two launch markets on Sunday 12 October and Sunday 30 November, and then from March next year it is planned to hold the market on the second Sunday of the month.

Berkhamsted Artisan Market

 www.berkhamstedartisanmarket.co.uk

Tuesday 14 October - Saturday 18 October at 7:00 pm
The Pepper Show

at the Dembe Theatre (formerly the Court theatre) in Tring, promising a fabulous night of live rock, pop, country, dance and indie music, performed by local bands and singers. Each year, the show raises vital funds for the Pepper Foundation, a charity which provides children's hospice-at-home care in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. Tickets £15-22.50, discounts for children aged 12 and under, available from the Pepper Box Office:

Contact:

 01442 507324

 www.pepper.org.uk/event/the-pepper-show-2025

Sunday 2 November
BerkoFest Book Festival

BerkoFest Book Festival is returning for its sixth year, with a diverse range of guest speakers, including Shaparak Khorsandi, Nigel Planer, Robin Ince, and many more top-selling writers, musicians, comedians and sports people. The event in Berkhamsted's historic Town Hall usually sells out, so book your tickets!

 bookfestival.berkofest.com

Artists & makers wanted!

Back in May we had a super successful Arts & Crafts Fair in the Court House. Local creatives sold works of art and raised £1000s for the St Peter's Renovation Appeal. We're planning to run another fair on Saturday 22 November and we're putting the call out for artists and makers to take part. You sell works and we just ask for a % donation towards church funds. It's a fun community day, you'll meet lots of people, and you'll also help St Peter's to fix its leaking roof! Want to book a stall? Give us a call!

Contact:

 Send an email to: Carolynne Charman

 07503 156 751

Help to map Castle Fields footpaths

Castle Fields, the land to the east of Berkhamsted Castle, have recently been purchased by Berkhamsted Castle Trust, and they are now raising funds to repay the loan that made this possible. In addition to this, the local community group Save Castle Fields are campaigning to establish official public footpaths across the fields. They are compiling testimonials from people who have used the paths for some/all of the 20 years before 2020 so that they can legally establish rights of way. If you can help or know of someone who can, please email them and they will send you a footpath map and a short testimonial form to complete.

Contact:

 Send an email to: Save Castle Fields

 www.savecastlefields.com

The Transformation of Rectory Lane Cemetery

This short video (below) tells us about the transformation of Rectory Lane Cemetery through fundraising and volunteer effort by the Friends of St Peter's. The cemetery on Rectory Lane (just behind the Rex Cinema) was established by St Peter's Church in 1842, when Rev John Crofts was Rector of St Peter's and Queen Victoria had only been on the throne 5 years. St Peter's medieval churchyard had run out of space, and with a donation of land by the Countess of Bridgewater from Ashridge, the church laid out a new, detached burial ground.

After over a century of use, the cemetery was closed to new burials when Kingshill Cemetery opened in 1946. Over the next 60-70 years, the overgrown cemetery fell into ruin until the Friends were formed in 2014. After securing nearly £1 million in Lottery funding and with other donations, Rectory Lane Cemetery has been restored as a welcoming green space, where our parish history is preserved and celebrated - "From Dead Space to Living Place".

This video is well worth watching - it's like an inspirational episode of Grand Designs, reminding us of what can be achieved by our community:

Video:

 www.rectorylanecemetery.org.uk

Herts Police phone fraud warning

Hertfordshire Police report that Herts residents have been targeted by fraudsters posing as police officers. The fraudsters phoned victims in St Albans, Watford and Kings Langley, who lost around £150,000. Your bank and the police will never ring and ask you to verify your PIN, withdraw cash or purchase high-value goods. They'll also never come to your home to collect your card, cash or purchased items. If you get a call like this, end the call.

If you get a call from your bank or the police, make sure you know who the person is before handing over any personal details. You can do this by calling your bank (the number on the back of your card) or the police (101) on a different phone line.

For more info on scams visit:

 orlo.uk/eWTVU

The Swan Youth Project: Berkhamsted Together

The Swan Youth Project starts a new chapter next week to further support people in our community. With the unfortunate closure of Open Door, the Swan have decided to open their centre so that groups have a place where they can continue to meet and get the help they need. Whilst this is on a temporary basis, a new charity is being set up by volunteers under the banner "Berkhamsted Together".

swan berkhamsted together

 www.theswanyouthproject.co.uk