St Stephen's Church

What's On

'A Space for the Community' -
community space launch and family fun day

Saturday 3 July, 10am to 3pm

Celebrate the opening of the St Stephen’s community space with fun drop-in activities for all the family, including the launch of our pop-up local history exhibition, church guidebook, Young Explorer’s Guide and art and craft activities. Find out how to get involved and how to book this exciting new space. Refreshments will be served.

Admission free.

From Great to Little Wig-Wig (Alex’s walk)

Family-friendly walk for adults and children age 5 plus

Saturday 10 July, 10 to 3pm

Enjoy a leisurely 5km country walk linking the beautiful medieval churches of Great and Little Wigborough to discover evidence of the Great Essex Earthquake, a WW1 Zeppelin, historic buildings and local wildlife. A short extension to the walk will take you to the sea wall for extensive views of the salt marsh and Salcott Channel.

Starts and finishes at St Stephen's Church, Great Wigborough. Begin any time between 10 and 12 noon. Free parking available. Pick up a trail sheet at the start. Dedicated to the memory of Alex Graham, who loved St Stephen’s Church and the local countryside, and who was an inspirational member of the Space for the Community project team.

Wed 28 July, 11am to 3pm

All Shook Up! The story of the Essex Earthquake
Fun Science activities

Discover what happened to St Stephen’s and other Essex churches when the earth shook in 1884 and explore fascinating evidence from eyewitness accounts, old photographs and in the church stonework. With a fun opportunity for children of all ages to experience a mini earthquake and make an Earthquake Detector.

Admission free. Suitable for all ages.

St Stephen’s at Night

Thursday 12 August, 7pm to midnight

Wrap up warm and bring a torch to take part in some exciting night-time activities inside and outside St Stephen’s Church, including an after-dark tour, ‘stained glass’ lantern making, bat detecting and astronomy. From 10pm onwards there will be a chance to observe the Perseid meteor shower (if there are clear skies). Marshmallows and hot chocolate will be served.

A free family-friendly event for all ages. Small charge for refreshments.

Churchyard minibeast hunt!

Saturday 14 August, 10am to 3pm

St Stephen’s churchyard is buzzing with minibeasts from honeybees, lady birds and beetles, to dragonflies, centipedes and woodlice. Join the bug hunt to see how many you can find and identify. Then make a beautiful dragonfly to take home.

Admission free. Suitable for children age 2 to 11 and their families.

Heritage Open Days

Sat 11 September, 11am to 4pm

Explore historic St Stephen’s Church. With free guided tours, exhibition of church and village heritage and creative activities. Refreshments will be served.

Free drop in event, suitable for all ages. Small charge for refreshments.

'The Young Explorers Guide to St Stephen’s Church' - Self-guided

family trail

From Sat 3 July onwards

Pick up a trail sheet to discover the story of this fascinating medieval building. Investigate mysterious carvings and stained glass, learn how the church was rocked by a powerful earthquake, the WW1 Zeppelin that crash-landed nearby and some mysterious animals who live in the tower. Including fun challenges and creative activities for all the family.
Free activity available during church opening hours.

Community Coffee Mornings

TBC

Meet a friendly group of local people for a chat, a cuppa and a piece of cake in our lovely new community space.

A meeting place for the community - exhibition

From Sat 3 July - 30 Sept 2021

Explore our community history exhibition to discover fascinating stories of local people

associated with St Stephen’s Church and life in the Wigboroughs.