October 2025 saw the first ever Chingford Mount Black History Month programme. There were a range of events, workshops, pop-up markets, park events, exhibitions, walks, talks and plenty more. The programme was delivered in partnership with community leaders and local organisations, and included St Edmund’s own local Black History Month celebrations.

On the Saturday of the last weekend in October, St Edmund’s Halls were opened free to all to explore, celebrate and raise awareness of black heritage and culture. There was an opportunity to enjoy an Afternoon Tea with Kuchela, patties, ackee and puff puff, as well as browsing stalls selling craft, clothing and jewellery. Poet and storyteller Jane Grell enthralled those present with her poems and stories of Anansi, and with music from the Jenny La Touche choir.

The following day, the celebration continued in our morning service. Our guest preacher, The Revd Hilda Gilbert reminded us of the person and character of Nelson Mandela, highlighting his work in reconciliation and seeking peace and understanding. At the end of the service, we planted rose mint in the churchyard remembered Doris Albrecht, St Edmund’s first black Lay Minister of Communion, who died in April this year.

© 2025 St Edmund, Chingford

As we celebrated our Dedication Festival – the 86th Anniversary of the Consecration of our Church – today, Ruth focused our attention on the surprising fact that the first person recorded as ‘filled with the Spirit of God’ was not a priest nor a prophet but rather (as recounted in the Book of Exodus) an obscure craftsman Bezalel who constructs the Tabernacle. What we do today is built on the accomplishments of those from the past. Today, we commemorated two good friends who served St Edmund’s over a long period – Ken Smith (former Churchwarden, PCC Secretary & PCC Treasurer, and Halls Manager) and George Fletcher (former Churchwarden and PCC Secretary) who both died on the same day in September 2021. A new glass Roundel remembering Ken, and two Acolyte candlesticks remembering both Ken and George were dedicated. Both men had played an important role in the history and development of St Edmund’s, and it was good to also welcome our previous Vicars Christopher Owens and Lesley Goldsmith to celebrate Ken and George with us.

© 2025 St Edmund, Chingford

A new stained glass window in memory of former church treasurer and Sunday School teacher, Pat Fry, was dedicated on 8 December. Designed by artist Andrew Taylor, the window brings together ancient Christian motifs symbolic of resurrection, which also are also representative of Pat’s family.

The scene depicts a peacock lifting its head as it rises from sleep; while a cockerel crows, proclaiming the new day; and larks’ bird-song welcomes God’s gift of new beginnings and the ongoing cycle of life and renewal, as seen throughout the window in the transformative life cycle of butterflies.

© 2024 St Edmund, Chingford

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At our Black History Month celebration last year, in a moving and memorable section entitled ‘Pioneers,’ elder members of St Edmund’s who had migrated to the UK retold their experiences. The word Resilience came through, as when faced with adversity they did not give up.

So on the last weekend of October this year, ‘resilience’ became the focus, as people were encouraged to consider what this word meant to them. The Saturday had an art focus, with artists, schools and the local community creating a word wall and their own drawings. Then on the Sunday, the community art was displayed around the whole church (bedecked with handmade flags of the nations and regions of the congregation’s members). Phillis Njuguna (one of our diocese’s Racial Justice advocates) joined to share her insights on diversity, inclusion and resilience.

© 2024 St Edmund, Chingford

St Edmund’s was full, as people from across the church and communities of Chingford and Waltham Forest gathered on 1 July to welcome our new Vicar. Having been collated as Vicar and receiving the Cure of Souls of St Edmund’s Parish from the Bishop of Chelmsford, Ruth Holmes was then inducted into the legal possession of the church building and benefice by the Archdeacon of West Ham [above]. As well as being supported by her family and friends, those from her previous parish in Ely also travelled to celebrate with Ruth in this new chapter in her ongoing ministry. Here in South Chingford, we are excited in seeing where God will lead us going forward in serving our community here and in proclaiming the good news of God’s love for all.

© 2024 St Edmund, Chingford