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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

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​Sunday 28th September, 2025. Macmillan Cake Sale in church, after both 8am and 101.5 services. Do bring along a cake/cakes/biscuits to sell, and also buy.
 

Sunday 5th October, 2025. Harvest Festival, 10.15am in church, followed by refreshments.
 

Saturday 11 th October, 2025. Parish Quiz, 6.30pm in Long Ditton Village Hall. BYO picnic.
 

Wednesday 15 th October, 2025, Oktoberfest, 7.45pm in the Community Hall (note slightly earlier time). This month we offer you something different: a wine-tasting the Christmas season ahead on our minds. We are thrilled that Charlotte Dean, who has worked in the wine trade since 1991, has kindly agreed to join us – she runs the very popular Wined Up Here in Norbiton. She will offer an overview of six wines you might like to consider, and there will be 10% off for orders taken on the night. Tickets are £25 per person (to include the
chance to try all six wines) – and the learning comes too.  Please note that as Charlotte has to order the wine, all requests for tickets must be in by Friday 10th October. There is a sign-up sheet at the back of church in the history corner and Alison will be selling tickets in church from Sunday 21 st September. Do note this in your diary as it is sure to be popular. Regrettably for this event we cannot sell tickets on the door.
 

Sunday 19th October, 2025. Choral Evensong, 6pm in church, followed by refreshments.

Sunday 2nd November, 2025. All Souls Service of Memories, 4pm in church, followed by refreshments.

Sunday 9th November, 2025. Remembrance Sunday. Parish Communion 9.45am in church followed by Act of Remembrance at the village War Memorial.

Wednesday 19th November, 2025, BookBox, 8pm. Baroness Ilora Finlay presents the debate around assisted dying. A consultant in palliative care, and acknowledged expert in the field, Baroness Finlay will provide an up to the minute review of the current proposals before Parliament. She is the co-author of The Reality of Assisted Dying: Understanding the Issues (Open University Press, 2024).
 

Sunday 30th November, 2025. Advent Carol Service, 6pm in church followed by refreshments.
 

Wednesday 10th December, 2025. BookBox, 8pm. Louise Fein. Louise writes historical fiction, focusing on unheard voices or from unusual perspectives. https://www.louisefein.com We will be focusing on her most recent title: The London Bookshop Affair (Harper Collins). Our Christmas BookBox is always an ideal time to purchase signed books as presents – as well as for yourself!
 

Sunday 21st December, 2025. Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, 6pm in church followed by refreshments.
 

Thursday 24 th December, 2025, Christmas Eve. Crib Service, 3pm and Midnight Mass 11.30pm in church.
 

Friday 25th December, Christmas Day. Holy Communion 8am and Parish Communion 10.15am in church.
 

Saturday 24th January 2026. Our annual Burns Night celebration. We gather to enjoy a traditional meal and the poetry of both Burns and others. Tickets always sell quickly and will be available in November.

Wednesday 11th February, 2026. Roger Morgan-Grenville is a former soldier who has a passion for nature – and was a founding member of the conservation charity Curlew Action. Roger now has a second career as an author. Roger will share his most recent title: The Restless Coast: A journey around the edge of Britain (Icon Books) – although may also give us strong statistics about beekeeping.
 

Wednesday 11th March, 2026. Nigel Jackman, chairman of the Richmond Park Bird and Wildlife Groups, will give an illustrated presentation to share his passion for the rich variety of birds and butterflies of Richmond Park, one of London's largest and best places for wildlife. Many of the species occur elsewhere locally, so come along to be better informed about how to recognise them.
 

15th April 2026 To mark the anniversary of the sinking of Titanic – on the very day! – we are delighted to host the launch of a new novel about the famous ship, The Lost Passenger (Penguin Random House) by Frances Quinn. Her book tells the story of someone who chose to change their destiny on the night the ship sank. The book will be available to order from Regency Bookshop, and Frances will kindly sign copies.
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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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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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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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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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