The 9.30am Parish Eucharist service returned to the Abbey on Sunday 12 July. We were encouraged and delighted to welcome members of the Abbey community for the first time since March and to share our worship together with them and those watching online. The addition of pre-recorded segments together with the live-stream from the Abbey is a new and exciting challenge and we are grateful to Chris Pritchard and the technical team for their support. Last week was the first attempt and for those physically seated in the Abbey there were some sound issues at the start of the service. which Chris has now investigated and resolved. Thank you for your understanding and appreciation of our hard working team of volunteers and to everyone that is contributing behind-the-scenes, in-advance and on-the-day to pull together our worship. It is particularly important for those attending the Abbey that require the use of the hearing loop to sit within the loop system and preferably nearer to the front. Please mention this when booking and on arrival.
Following a review of the opening of the Abbey, we have now extended access within the Abbey to include the retro choir and east end chapels. The one-way system remains in place with entrance via the south door and exit via the north door. Some seating in the side chapels may be removed or blocked off for health and safety reasons. Please do not sit or move chairs that are out of use. Following the recent government announcement making face coverings compulsory in shops and supermarkets from 24 July, it may be advisable to wear a face-covering in the Abbey however we await new guidance from the Church of England.
We have been able to increase the number of seats available for the 9.30am Parish Eucharist service to 60. Each row can now accommodate either 2 or 3 people. Booking remains essential while numbers are restricted. To book please contact Churchwarden, Janet Wallace, by Friday evening: email jduncan896@gmail.com or phone on 02380 869723. If you are reserving more than one place please make it clear whether these are for members of the same household who will be able to sit together or on behalf of a friend. To assist in the government’s Trace and Track process we will need to keep a record of everyone who attends. If it isn’t possible to accommodate you at a service, you will be given priority for the following week.
A reminder, please do not visit the Abbey if you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms. We hope you understand this measure is to keep you and other visitors, staff and volunteers safe.