Beetle Drive Results
The Beetle drive evening on the 7th May, which was the first at St John’s, was a success. Takings on the evening from ticket sales, bar donations and the raffle came to £856. Thank you so much to all who supported the Beetle drive and contributed to making it a lovely evening. The funds raised will go towards the refurbishment of the parish hall. A special thank you to Harriet Miller for organising and hosting the evening.
Congratulations to Jack Gonzales-Harding
Our wonderful organist Jack has been chosen to be the Conducting Fellow of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra in Hamburg, Germany, for the 2026/27 season. This is a really prestigious and exciting opportunity for Jack and we wish him all the very best. Unfortunately for us it means he will be leaving St John's on Sunday 19th July to move to Hamburg, but before he gets out the door that day he will play a Farewell Prom Concert after his final service with us. We will miss his outstanding musicianship, but hope to tempt him back to see us whenever his work brings him back through London.
We will be advertising for a new organist very shortly.
Dates for Your Diary
Upcoming events you shouldn’t miss! Note the dates – further details will be forthcoming nearer the time.
Whitsun Carols
Sunday, 31st May, 6pm
Our ultimate carol service of the year marking the events from Easter to Pentecost. A unique service of readings and music from our choir and guest musicians, followed by a seasonal reception of Pimms and cucumber and mint sandwiches. Make sure you don’t miss this.
Summer Barbecue
Sunday, 28th June, 12pm
The 10am service on 28th June will be followed by our summer barbecue in the gardens behind the church. St John’s provides the meat and dessert; you are asked to bring a salad. Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £5 for children. Sign up on the sheet in the porch or by e-mailing Philip at parishadmin@stjohns-hydepark.com, making sure you let us know how many will be in your party and what salad you will be bringing.
Licensing of Deborah Marsh
Sunday, 20th September, 10am
We are very much looking forward to Deborah joining Team St John’s this coming autumn. Her licensing will take place during the morning service on Sunday, 20th September. Deborah will be taking up the house for duty post, living on Connaught Street and having a particular ministry within Culture Vulture Ventures.
Prom Concerts
Sunday, 19th July, 11.30am
Jack Gonzales-Harding, organist
Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Guilmant’s Sonata No.1 in D minor and Henry Wood’s Fantasia on British Sea Songs
13th September, 11.30am
Choral Scholar 2026/27 Showcase
Meet and hear this year’s group of wonderful vocal students as they start their time with us. Expect a range of song, opera and choral treats.
Improvement Projects for St John’s
Vestry Renovation
The refurbishment of the vestry was completed before Easter. The vestment chest and a new carpet have also been installed in the last few days of April. We are now awaiting delivery of a wooden table and chairs so that the space can be used for small meetings and for the clergy to see people pastorally. The renovation and the addition of a vestment chest means that now we can store the new vestments appropriately. Funds for the works were set aside by the PCC last year.
Hall Refurbishment
The hall was expanded around 1973 and, aside from a new kitchen in 1995 and new toilets in 2015, we have not invested much beyond routine maintenance in the space. A key asset for the local community, it is badly in need of upgrading. Paint Pots’ departure last year has given us an opportunity to carry out significant works to it while we locate a new tenant. We are currently seeking the advice of the Diocesan Advisory Committee and hope to begin the works later in the spring. The PCC has set aside some funds for this last year but there may be some fundraising events in support of this project.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Refugee Drop-in Volunteers
St John’s hosts a monthly Sunday drop-in centre for refugees run by the West London Synagogue. This provides families with a hot meal, a shopping voucher and a contribution towards their transport, as well as signposting for other practical help. The drop-in centre normally takes place on the third Sunday of the month and they are always open to volunteers to assist them. If you would like to join the volunteer crew, please speak to the Vicar. The next drop-in centre is today.
