Fantastic turnout at St Oswald’s Church for Winwick Heritage Day

THE early autumn sunshine welcomed hundreds of visitors to the first day of a heritage weekend at St Oswald’s Church in Winwick, today Saturday, September 9 with a repeat showing on Sunday.

Opened by the Bishop of Warrington, the Venerable Beverley Mason, the event began with the unveiling of a fabulous artwork painted by the children of Winwick CE Primary St school in celebration of it’s close connection with the ancient church.

A fantastic display of Titanic memorabilia marking the church’s links with the Captain of the famous Red Star liner was on show and members of the Titanic Society are on hand all weekend to answers questions and show off their incredible collections.

Elsewhere in and around the grounds, children are invited to complete a treasure hunt style quiz searching for the many historical dates and artefacts that have built up over the ages ever since the church was documented in the doomsday book.

A wonderful display of artwork by 1st Winwick Brownies (Girlguiding Croft District) is on show and visitors have been given rare access to the Gerard Chapel with its own museum, the Legh Chapel with its many interesting features including unique brass rubbings and the beautiful chancel which was designed by Augustus Pugin, who also designed the interior of the Palace of Westminster.

To top everything off there is an exhibit of religious artefacts collected by James Balme, History Columnist for Cheshire Life Magazine.

The Heritage Weekend is on from 12-4pm on Sunday.
If you get chance to go, it’s well worth a visit! Parking can be found on the church hall car park.