Arts

Face2Face Arts Chaplaincy:

Face2face Arts Chaplaincy exists to be a blessing on the arts and artists of Leigh.  And we thank everyone who supports the Face2Face Arts Chaplaincy. 

We would welcome any contributions or offers of help on any of the arts projects.  You can contact Mtr. Cherry via saintclementsleigh@outlook.com.  

It is our prayer that this will grow, and give confidence to those whose creativity is still unformed as well as bringing us closer to those outside our walls.  Please keep the chaplaincy in your prayers.

Art Space

A new venture, got off to a good start and will continue on the first Friday of each month.  All are welcome.

Face2Face Arts Chaplaincy and the Leigh Art Trail

Leigh Art Trail was wonderful again in 2024.  We were lucky enough to exhibit the work of Violette Dooley.  Look out for information about the 2025 Art Trail!  .
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In 2019 Saint Clement’s Face2face Arts Chaplaincy were pleased to host an exhibition of work of Access to Art and Design Students from South Essex College.  This was photographic work responding to their project, Love and Death, with their entries for this year’s Royal Opera House Design Challenge, Romeo and Juliet. 

From this exhibition we had a ROYAL OPERA HOUSE WINNER

We are so happy that one of the Access to Art and Design students who exhibited in St Clement’s on 14 February, Klaudia Zolkos-Urbanek, won first prize in the Royal Opera House Design Challenge marketing category. This nationwide contest saw 42 schools and colleges take part with 85 entries making the final, which were all judged by the Royal Opera House’s design, production and marketing teams. Klaudia created a simple yet effective design with a strategy aimed at attracting a younger audience to Kenneth MacMillan’ interpretation of the ballet, Romeo & Juliet.

Klaudia studies on the College’s Access to HE (Art & Design) course run by Mother Cherry at South  Essex College and she will begin the BA (Hons) Fine Art degree at the College in September. Klaudia said she was delighted to have won.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I found out. It’s unbelievable that something I have created has been recognised by such a prestigious organisation and I’m proud that it will be seen by so many people. The course at the College is great because it gives you the confidence and knowledge to really push yourself. It covers so many different aspects of art so our skills can be widely used and explore many avenues. The tutors are incredibly helpful and supportive, too.”

In 2018 'Requiem' a response to the centenary of the First World War, was displayed in St Clement’s Church and Leigh Community Centre. Many thanks to all who supported this moving exhibition.  All proceeds are being donated to a local branch of the armed forces charity, SSFA [​Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association].

Thanks also to all who supported our recent series of Sunday afternoon art lectures, "Meaning Beyond Absurdity" Art, Faith, War & Peace.  We really appreciate the support that has been shown for these interesting lectures.

Since 2016 St Clement's has been a venue for the Annual Leigh Art Trail; hosted art events, exhibitions and record launches.  2018 saw the Private View of work by South Essex College Access to Art and Design students, showing work for the Royal Opera House's production of Salome, an Opera by Strauss. The college has well established links with the ROH, since September 2015 South Essex College has formed a partnership with ROH and the University of the Arts London (UAL) to deliver a unique BA (Hons) degree in Costume Construction, specifically to address the current shortage of people with high quality costume making skills.  In 2018 we also hosted and enjoyed the launch of local singer-songwriter, Dave Livings' EP, Stray Dog.  In May 2018 we hosted Breathing Space, by Ruth Rotherham, showing beautiful felt artworks created in relation to biblical subjects.  In early June we welcomed the Leigh Art Trail to St. Clement's once again, when we were delighted to be the host venue for 'Me-on-Sea', a wonderful exhibition featuring artwork submitted to the Art Trail by children from four of our local schools. 

Keep an eye out for other arts and music events on our notice boards and website. 

Music:

Our church choir sing at our Parish Mass every Sunday, and for special religious events.  Contact: Mr.Roger Folley, 01702 471799.

Training musicians of all ages can perform in the church on Saturdays during coffee mornings. This helps up and coming musicians to build performance confidence, and is particularly helpful for students preparing for exams or festivals. 

Saint Clement’s maintains links with the LEIGH FOLK FESTIVAL, took a fallow year this year, the Folk Festival will be back in 2025.

Stained Glass:

The stunning windows at St. Clement's date from across the centuries, and include the beautiful east window, depicting the Crucifixion, which is of hand-painted enamel, rather than, as is often supposed, stained glass.  It dates from c.1850, and is probably German.  Other windows include those depicting St. Clement and the saints of our daughter parishes, Ss. Thomas, James and Margaret.

In September 2016 the east window was taken away for expert restoration, and was reinstated in early April, in time for Easter 2017.

The Bells of Saint Clement's:

You might have heard the bells ringing out across the town, they are rung regularly for church services and to herald newly wed couples as they leave the Church to start their married life together, as well as for special local and national events.

There are eight bells hung for Change Ringing in Saint Clement’s.  The oldest bells date from the 17th century although three of them have been recast since.  The Ring was augmented from six bells to eight bells in 2003.

Under normal circumstances our practice night is Thursdays at 7:30 but if you are interested in learning to ring, a visiting ringer or would just like to see ringing in action it would be best to contact us first, to make sure there’s someone to meet you. Contact: Mrs.Mary Folley, 01702 471799.