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Babes and Tots, our hugely popular weekly gathering of little ones and carers runs every Friday morning during term time  with singing, outdoor play and crafting. 9.30-11.30. Coffee makers particularly welcome!

Our choir (and  junior choir) are happy to welcome new members. Please contact our Director of Music Julia Bowyer via choir@stmaryslongditton.org.uk​​​​​​​​
 

Wednesday 10 th June 2026, 8pm: BookBox - Merle Nygate, author of espionage thrillers. Merle’s new book The Protocols of Spying (No Exit Press) touches on the Middle East conflict, British Intelligence and the shadow war that connects them, weaving together tradecraft, betrayal and the human cost of intelligence work. It's getting great reviews, with The Times praising how: 'Merle Nygate examines the human cost of spying and what patriotism should mean' and fellow ex-M16 spy novelist Charles Beaumont saying: 'it's ‘Brilliant…believable, gripping and humane’, and ex-CIA spy turned novelist, I.S. Berry, says she’s ‘one of the best spy novelists writing today'.  Yet Merle describes it as: 'the hardest thing I’ve ever written, despite having worked in TV news'; Please do join us to hear why.
 

Sunday 21 st June, 2026, 6pm: Choral Evensong in St Mary’s, followed by refreshments.

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Saturday 4th July 8pm:  The Great American Songbook performed by The Songbirds & Friends.  Tickets £15 on the door or in advance at 0208 398 5322.

Wednesday 15th July 2026, 8pm:  BookBox - Sarah Quail, historian. A former mayor of Chichester, we are delighted to welcome Sarah to talk about her work in local government, her explorations as a social historian, particularly focussing on women’s suffrage – and her particular links to St Mary’s.

Sunday 19 th July, 2026, 6pm. Choral Evensong in St Mary’s, followed by refreshments.

There is no BookBox in August.

Wednesday 16th September, 2026, 8pm:  BookBox - Andrew Lownie is a distinguished publisher, literary agent – and
author. His book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York (published by Collins, August 2025) both reported, in sometimes excruciating detail, what had happened – and arguably partly precipitated what came next. Come and hear him speak about his research processes, and the impact, both personal and professional, of publishing what the Daily Mail called ‘the most devastating royal biography ever written’.

Wednesday 14th October, 2026, 8pm:  BookBox - Why Poetry Matters. We offer a poetry workshop with poets Heather
Coook and Linda Huxley. Our two poets explore what poetry is, where their inspiration comes from and how to get started. Given that research has shown that more people are engaging in writing poetry (it is argued this is one of the side-effects of involvement in social media) their guidance will be really helpful.

Wednesday 18th November, 2026, 8pm:  BookBox - Stephen Owens from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Stephen will outline the creation of the Imperial War Graves Commission, the development of memorials and cemeteries, before moving on to outline the commission’s work around the world today. He will include stories relating to those buried locally of which St Mary’s provides some first-class examples.

Wednesday 9 th December, 2026, 8pm. We were due to have a visit from Bishop Richard Harries in which he would share his new collection of poetry: The Still Point of the Turning World: T. S. Eliot's ‘Four Quartets’ – a journey through darkness to hope (published by Collective Ink). Bishop Richard, who died very recently, was the former Bishop of Oxford, and also a highly respected peer within the House of Lords. His book comes out this year and we are thinking about whether to hold an evening around the event. Opinions most welcome.

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How to book: For church services, just turn up! Tickets for BookBox cost £10 per person. They are available from us in church after services, or from Eventbrite via our website. If you find access difficult, or prefer to speak to someone in person, you can call Diana Jemmett 020 8398 1184 or Joanne Hall on 020 8398 5637.

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Most BookBox events are accompanied by a recommended book to share (although you can enjoy without). Copies of most of the titles are either available, or can be ordered, from our friendly local independent bookshop, The Regency Bookshop in Surbiton and they also often have tickets (and there is a discount if you buy both ticket and book from them).

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At each evening we serve home-made refreshments. You can just turn up on the day, but it’s helpful if you book – so our wonderful social committee can prepare ahead.

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Come along and join us for a Sunday Stroll on one or all of the following dates. These walks are free and open to everyone that wishes to get some fresh air and meet new people. Dogs, children, friends, neighbours - all are welcome and there is no need to book your place, please just turn up and say hello!

 

You'll need some walking shoes and suitable clothing if the weather looks a bit changeable. Parking at most walks is free. Car sharing from St Mary's Church, Long Ditton is available but please call Felix on 07977 112920 to arrange a lift.​

 

Sunday 10th May - Home Park, Hampton Court - Details TBC.

 

Sunday 14th June - Richmond Park - Details TBC.

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Get involved: We are always delighted to welcome those who would like to help: our social team runs a monthly Friendship Lunch on the first Friday; magazine distributors support their local roads; our technical team helps with recording or events; our gardening team keep the church grounds looking lovely (and learn about gardening at the same time). Full training and comradeship are always on offer!

 

For information/programme suggestions please contact office@stmaryslongditton.org.uk

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