Check out these amazing events in June and July in Wickford and Runwell:
Our Great Big Green Week (Churches Count on Nature and Love Your Burial Ground) events continue this week:
Wickford Wildlife Moth Night, Friday 13 June, 8.00 pm, St Mary's Runwell.
Contact Sue Wise on Sue.wise@sky.com, if you plan to come.
Mess! Fun! Food! FREE Kids crafts, activities, games, stories, & songs! plus FREE tea for each child. Email emmacdoe@googlemail.com or Sue.wise@sky.com
Come along to St Andrews Church, London Road, Wickford. As always everyone is welcome to come along and sing, play or whatever you would like to do anything goes! The surroundings are very comfortable and acoustics are fantastic. There will also be a bar available. Hope to see you there!
Messy Church in the Garden,Saturday 14 June 2025 at 2 a.m. for 2 hours, St Andrew's Church, London Road Wickford, SS12 0AN.
Mess! Fun! Food! FREE Kids crafts, activities, games, stories, & songs! plus FREE tea for each child. Email emmacdoe@googlemail.com or Sue.wise@sky.com
Open Mic Night
Friday 13 June, 7.30 pm, St Andrew's Wickford.
Come along to St Andrews Church, London Road, Wickford. As always everyone is welcome to come along and sing, play or whatever you would like to do anything goes! The surroundings are very comfortable and acoustics are fantastic. There will also be a bar available. Hope to see you there!
Museum of Living History workshop
Saturday 21 June, 10.00 am - 12 noon, St Andrew's Wickford.
Explore the history of the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 with Unpuzzled Theatre in an intergenerational workshop called The Museum of Living History. Unpuzzled Theatre are building a museum. What will you add? This workshop is linked to 'Revolt!', a co-creation project exploring power, protest, and impossible choices. It takes inspiration from the Peasants’ Revolt — a moment in history when everything was up for grabs. http://unpuzzledtheatre.com/wat-tyler/
Living God's future now
You are warmly invited to join us at the Living God Future Now event, presented by HeartEdge and with performances from The Choral Scholars of St Martins-in-the Fields.
Join us for one or both days, as we explore new approaches to mission. There will be a wide range of ideas covered, so we hope you will find something inspiring to take home.
Friday 27th June will be hosted by St Andrew’s Church, Wickford and will begin at 9:45am. Author Sam Wells and other inspiring guest speakers will share their insights and explore The 4Cs, (Commerce, Compassion, Culture, Congregation). There will be opportunities to share ideas, connect with your colleagues and be actively involved in our Being With workshops. We’ll also discuss music in mission and enjoy live musical performances.
Parking available: Church Hall (Runwell) or Village Hall (Rawreth). Nearest station: Wickford (for Runwell) or Battlesbridge (for Rawreth).
An evening with Neil Tye
Friday 4 July, 7.00 pm
St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN
For the last 25 years Neil Tye has been working professionally, as a physical visual theatre performer, instructor, teacher, and installation artist, and has taken his performances, and teaching skills around the world. Hear stories about his music, performance, and painting.
Part of ‘Unveiled’, the Friday night arts and performance event at St Andrew’s Church
Artist Statement
Neil’s artistic practice is grounded in an intuitive and process-driven approach, wherein the act of painting itself dictates the final composition. Rather than adhering to predetermined concepts, he engages with the canvas through spontaneous mark-making and gestural forms, allowing the work to evolve organically. While his initial engagement with a piece may be sparked by a particular colour or shape, it is the dynamic interplay of movement, texture, and form that ultimately guides its development.
By embracing spontaneity and fluidity, his work exists at the intersection of abstraction and interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with the imagery in a way that is both personal and open-ended. Through this interplay between process and meaning-making, Neil`s paintings function as both intuitive expressions and conceptual explorations of movement, memory, and transformation.
About the artist
Neil Tye (b. 1963, London UK) is a Denmark-based artist with a background in both visual arts and physical theatre. Initially working as a performer and educator in physical theatre, he transitioned into visual expression 15 years ago. He holds an MA in Professional Practice from Middlesex University, London, and has exhibited, performed, and taught extensively across Europe and beyond. His exhibitions include venues such as the arts and culture centre Spinderihallerne (Denmark), the arts centre Banco de Nordeste (Brazil), and The Post Houston TX (USA), among others. Drawing from his multidisciplinary background, Neil’s work explores movement, form, and storytelling through visual mediums. He continues to create from his studio M10 in the Art zone area here in Spinderihallerene.
'The things we carry'
Following its initial display at Spinderihallerene in April, Neil's latest exhibition 'The things we carry' will be shown at Redbud Arts Center, Houston, from 7 - 28 June. This is a collection of mixed media works that centre around the nature of human connection. To mark the opening, Redbud Arts Center will host a special one-night performance by the internationally acclaimed Ad Deum Dance Company. The performance, inspired by themes from Tye's exhibition, will weave movement, storytelling, and live interaction with the artwork, offering audiences a multidisciplinary experience that bridges visual art and contemporary dance.
Neil says of the exhibition: "The title of this exhibition was inspired by reflections I had while creating my recent body of work. The first thought centres on the fundamental nature of human connection—we are not meant to navigate life alone. We rely on one another for support, understanding, and encouragement, whether through conversation, shared experiences, or emotional upliftment. The second thought arose from one particular painting, which evoked the image of an overloaded truck. This visual metaphor led me to consider how, in life, we accumulate and carry various burdens—emotions, worries, frustrations, memories, secrets, hopes, and dreams. These intangible yet weighty elements can become overwhelming, making it evident that we cannot bear them alone. At times, we must find ways to release or share these burdens, but this raises important questions: Where do we turn for relief? To whom do we entrust our heaviest thoughts? And how can we cultivate a sense of communal support to help lighten the loads we all inevitably carry?"
Art Encounter is an international arts ministry under Rescue Team which is run by married couple Neil and Anja Tye who are based in Denmark.
Neil and Anja are trained artists, and have been using their artistic skills as artist missionaries for many years. They have worked with different Christian organisations and churches from around the world such as Creative Mission in Sweden, Creative Arts Europe in Belgium, YWAM Costa Rica, Circus Victory Brazil, Ad Deum Dance Company USA, Iris Ministries Brazil, Acts Academy International Bible College, to Euroclass youth Mission boarding school in Denmark.
Art Encounter communicates the Gospel by using the arts, from dance, theatre, creative writing, and the visual arts and painting in various settings both in Denmark and around the world.
Adventures in Joy: An exhibition by Max Blake, 2 May – 25 July 2025, St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN
St Andrew’s is usually open: Sat 9am-12.30pm; Sun 9.30am-12 noon; Mon 2-3.45pm; Tue 1-4.30pm; Wed 10am-12 noon; Fri 10am-1pm. https://wickfordandrunwellparish.org.uk/whats-on.html
“Adventures in Joy” presents the most recent work produced by artist and cleric Max Blake. It includes some of the work he has developed though his studies of Icons, as well as his experiments in a more abstract and surreal direction. Max explores his own deep imagination, which is fed by his wide knowledge of religion and reflections amongst other things.
As a man of faith, much of his work expresses an exploration of the Christian faith. Over recent years, Max has studied Byzantine and Coptic Iconography and he has used this study to develop his own interpretations of the icon. Much of Max’s work is highly detailed and the viewer can find many hidden details, people, faces and shapes in his work. This creates a joyful adventure for the eye through bright and vivid worlds. Max uses a range of media including oil paints, inks and coloured pencils.
Max Blake was born in East London in the early 50s and then grew up in Basildon. After graduating as a teacher, Max taught art in secondary schools across south Essex. He also worked with children with anxiety and children with special needs. He was ordained deacon followed by priesting in the early 2000s. Although he is now retired, Max still works as a retired priest with Permission to Officiate in the United Benefice of Horndon, Orsett and Bulphan.
As well as artwork Max has also illustrated book covers and books for children. He continues to exhibit his vibrant work in various locations, including the Well House Gallery in Horndon on the Hill and St Catherine’s Church in East Tilbury. https://www.wellhousegallery.co.uk/art/max-blake
Our churches in Wickford and Runwell are places to enjoy cultural programmes including concerts and exhibitions as well as being places to see art and architecture.
The Choral Scholars of St Martin-in-the-Fields - Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending.
You are warmly invited to join us at the Living God Future Now event, presented by HeartEdge and with performances from The Choral Scholars of St Martins-in-the Fields.
Join us for one or both days, as we explore new approaches to mission. There will be a wide range of ideas covered, so we hope you will find something inspiring to take home.
Friday 27th June will be hosted by St Andrew’s Church, Wickford and will begin at 9:45am. Author Sam Wells and other inspiring guest speakers will share their insights and explore The 4Cs, (Commerce, Compassion, Culture, Congregation). There will be opportunities to share ideas, connect with your colleagues and be actively involved in our Being With workshops. We’ll also discuss music in mission and enjoy live musical performances.
‘Heaven and Earth’: A concert by The Choral Scholars of St Martin-in-the-Fields
Friday 27 June, 7.00 pm, St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN
The Choral Scholars of St Martin-in-the-Fields sing for services, concerts and other events at St Martin’s, exploring a huge range of repertoire from the Renaissance to the present day.
Saturday 28th June will be hosted at St Mary’s Church, Runwell and in contrast this will be a Quiet Day. We’ll begin the morning at 9:00 am with a contemplative prayer walk through Wickford Memorial Park. This will be followed by input from Catherine Duce, of The Nazareth Community at St Martin-in-the-Fields, drawing on their seven spiritual disciplines, in particular the significance of silent prayer and service in listening to the Spirit at work in our lives.
We all have something to bring to the church and this inspiring event will help us recognise this value. Leave with your imagination sparked and your heart singing!
This is a Diocesan event supported with SDF funding. Refreshments will be provided but please let us know if you have any dietary requirements, allergies or additional needs.
Find out more about the event and register for it here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/living-gods-future-now-an-event-by-heartedge-tickets-1319715016139?aff=oddtdtcreator
Quiet Days
Our Quiet Days enable people to reflect in the beautiful and historic surrounds of St Mary’s Runwell and St Nicholas Rawreth. St. Mary’s is often described by visitors and by regular worshippers as a powerful sacred space to which they have been drawn. St Nicholas provides times of quiet and reflection in a beautiful setting.
Themes for 2025 include: Rogation Days; A Path with a Heart; Sabbath; Our Lady; and Lancelot Andrewes (at St Nicholas).
All are 10.30 am – 3.30 pm. Runwell Rd SS11 7HS/Church Rd SS11 8SH.
Friday 27 June, 7.00 pm, St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN
The Choral Scholars of St Martin-in-the-Fields sing for services, concerts and other events at St Martin’s, exploring a huge range of repertoire from the Renaissance to the present day.
Saturday 28th June will be hosted at St Mary’s Church, Runwell and in contrast this will be a Quiet Day. We’ll begin the morning at 9:00 am with a contemplative prayer walk through Wickford Memorial Park. This will be followed by input from Catherine Duce, of The Nazareth Community at St Martin-in-the-Fields, drawing on their seven spiritual disciplines, in particular the significance of silent prayer and service in listening to the Spirit at work in our lives.
We all have something to bring to the church and this inspiring event will help us recognise this value. Leave with your imagination sparked and your heart singing!
This is a Diocesan event supported with SDF funding. Refreshments will be provided but please let us know if you have any dietary requirements, allergies or additional needs.
Find out more about the event and register for it here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/living-gods-future-now-an-event-by-heartedge-tickets-1319715016139?aff=oddtdtcreator
Quiet Days
Our Quiet Days enable people to reflect in the beautiful and historic surrounds of St Mary’s Runwell and St Nicholas Rawreth. St. Mary’s is often described by visitors and by regular worshippers as a powerful sacred space to which they have been drawn. St Nicholas provides times of quiet and reflection in a beautiful setting.
Themes for 2025 include: Rogation Days; A Path with a Heart; Sabbath; Our Lady; and Lancelot Andrewes (at St Nicholas).
All are 10.30 am – 3.30 pm. Runwell Rd SS11 7HS/Church Rd SS11 8SH.
- Saturday 28 June – A Path with a Heart: Seeking inspiration from the Nazareth Community - Silence and Service are at the very heart of the Nazareth rule of life. Led by Revd Catherine Duce, Assistant Vicar for the Companions of Nazareth, St Martin-in-the-Fields.
- Saturday 12 July – Sabbath: Explore Sabbath as both a day of rest and the coming kingdom of God. Led by Mike Tricker, LLM.
- Wednesday 13 August – Our Lady: Reflect on the experiences, inspiration and support of Our Lady, the Mother of Jesus. Led by Revd Sue Wise.
- Saturday 27 September – Lancelot Andrewes: Discover the influence and example of Lancelot Andrewes (who lived in Rawreth) who helped define Anglican doctrine, translate the Bible, and shape the liturgy. Led by Revd Jonathan Evens & Revd Steve Lissenden. To be held at St Nicholas Rawreth.
Parking available: Church Hall (Runwell) or Village Hall (Rawreth). Nearest station: Wickford (for Runwell) or Battlesbridge (for Rawreth).
An evening with Neil Tye
Friday 4 July, 7.00 pm
St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN
For the last 25 years Neil Tye has been working professionally, as a physical visual theatre performer, instructor, teacher, and installation artist, and has taken his performances, and teaching skills around the world. Hear stories about his music, performance, and painting.
Part of ‘Unveiled’, the Friday night arts and performance event at St Andrew’s Church
Artist Statement
Neil’s artistic practice is grounded in an intuitive and process-driven approach, wherein the act of painting itself dictates the final composition. Rather than adhering to predetermined concepts, he engages with the canvas through spontaneous mark-making and gestural forms, allowing the work to evolve organically. While his initial engagement with a piece may be sparked by a particular colour or shape, it is the dynamic interplay of movement, texture, and form that ultimately guides its development.
By embracing spontaneity and fluidity, his work exists at the intersection of abstraction and interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with the imagery in a way that is both personal and open-ended. Through this interplay between process and meaning-making, Neil`s paintings function as both intuitive expressions and conceptual explorations of movement, memory, and transformation.
About the artist
Neil Tye (b. 1963, London UK) is a Denmark-based artist with a background in both visual arts and physical theatre. Initially working as a performer and educator in physical theatre, he transitioned into visual expression 15 years ago. He holds an MA in Professional Practice from Middlesex University, London, and has exhibited, performed, and taught extensively across Europe and beyond. His exhibitions include venues such as the arts and culture centre Spinderihallerne (Denmark), the arts centre Banco de Nordeste (Brazil), and The Post Houston TX (USA), among others. Drawing from his multidisciplinary background, Neil’s work explores movement, form, and storytelling through visual mediums. He continues to create from his studio M10 in the Art zone area here in Spinderihallerene.
'The things we carry'
Following its initial display at Spinderihallerene in April, Neil's latest exhibition 'The things we carry' will be shown at Redbud Arts Center, Houston, from 7 - 28 June. This is a collection of mixed media works that centre around the nature of human connection. To mark the opening, Redbud Arts Center will host a special one-night performance by the internationally acclaimed Ad Deum Dance Company. The performance, inspired by themes from Tye's exhibition, will weave movement, storytelling, and live interaction with the artwork, offering audiences a multidisciplinary experience that bridges visual art and contemporary dance.
Neil says of the exhibition: "The title of this exhibition was inspired by reflections I had while creating my recent body of work. The first thought centres on the fundamental nature of human connection—we are not meant to navigate life alone. We rely on one another for support, understanding, and encouragement, whether through conversation, shared experiences, or emotional upliftment. The second thought arose from one particular painting, which evoked the image of an overloaded truck. This visual metaphor led me to consider how, in life, we accumulate and carry various burdens—emotions, worries, frustrations, memories, secrets, hopes, and dreams. These intangible yet weighty elements can become overwhelming, making it evident that we cannot bear them alone. At times, we must find ways to release or share these burdens, but this raises important questions: Where do we turn for relief? To whom do we entrust our heaviest thoughts? And how can we cultivate a sense of communal support to help lighten the loads we all inevitably carry?"
Make Space for God, Saturday 5 July, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm, Miracle House, Silva Island Way, Wickford
A day of creativity and inspiration lead by Anja and Neil Tye, the visionary leaders of "Art Encounter" from Denmark.
Art Encounter is an international arts ministry under Rescue Team which is run by married couple Neil and Anja Tye who are based in Denmark.
Neil and Anja are trained artists, and have been using their artistic skills as artist missionaries for many years. They have worked with different Christian organisations and churches from around the world such as Creative Mission in Sweden, Creative Arts Europe in Belgium, YWAM Costa Rica, Circus Victory Brazil, Ad Deum Dance Company USA, Iris Ministries Brazil, Acts Academy International Bible College, to Euroclass youth Mission boarding school in Denmark.
Art Encounter communicates the Gospel by using the arts, from dance, theatre, creative writing, and the visual arts and painting in various settings both in Denmark and around the world.
Adventures in Joy: An exhibition by Max Blake, 2 May – 25 July 2025, St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN
St Andrew’s is usually open: Sat 9am-12.30pm; Sun 9.30am-12 noon; Mon 2-3.45pm; Tue 1-4.30pm; Wed 10am-12 noon; Fri 10am-1pm. https://wickfordandrunwellparish.org.uk/whats-on.html
“Adventures in Joy” presents the most recent work produced by artist and cleric Max Blake. It includes some of the work he has developed though his studies of Icons, as well as his experiments in a more abstract and surreal direction. Max explores his own deep imagination, which is fed by his wide knowledge of religion and reflections amongst other things.
As a man of faith, much of his work expresses an exploration of the Christian faith. Over recent years, Max has studied Byzantine and Coptic Iconography and he has used this study to develop his own interpretations of the icon. Much of Max’s work is highly detailed and the viewer can find many hidden details, people, faces and shapes in his work. This creates a joyful adventure for the eye through bright and vivid worlds. Max uses a range of media including oil paints, inks and coloured pencils.
Max Blake was born in East London in the early 50s and then grew up in Basildon. After graduating as a teacher, Max taught art in secondary schools across south Essex. He also worked with children with anxiety and children with special needs. He was ordained deacon followed by priesting in the early 2000s. Although he is now retired, Max still works as a retired priest with Permission to Officiate in the United Benefice of Horndon, Orsett and Bulphan.
As well as artwork Max has also illustrated book covers and books for children. He continues to exhibit his vibrant work in various locations, including the Well House Gallery in Horndon on the Hill and St Catherine’s Church in East Tilbury. https://www.wellhousegallery.co.uk/art/max-blake
Our churches in Wickford and Runwell are places to enjoy cultural programmes including concerts and exhibitions as well as being places to see art and architecture.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Choral Scholars of St Martin-in-the-Fields - Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending.
