“Over 100 Angels have been painstakingly re-created from some of the world’s best-loved artists….”

Two of us have reflected on our memories of this stunning exhibition. Throughout, there was a great sense of enthusiasm that grew as the exhibition took shape. Our over-riding memory is of how much of a team we became and how it drew in so many friends & neighbours in the village.

The late Lionel Baxter (Byre House, Main St) saw the ‘Angels’ exhibited in a Lincolnshire church and brought it to Woodnewton Parochial Church Council’s attention. Depicting 2000 years of Angels in art, he saw that with careful management andcommitment we could mount the exhibition in our church. The artwork, some 3D, was beautiful and appropriate; the potential to raise some constantly needed funds through any donations a major factor.

The PCC committee, with the Artist, Roger Heaton’s advice and support, set-to with detailed planning. All necessary practicalities were covered with care. The vital publicity, in every form open to us, was made thorough use of:  articles were written and published; posters and leaflets designed and printed by the hundreds. The local and regional areas were systematically blanketed with them by organisers and friends. Nearer the opening date the Press came, massively increasing coverage. Guide books were printed compiling the angel detail with information on St Mary’s.

Lionel designed ‘stained glass’ mobiles and three of us spent many humour-filled hours in his workshop producing hundreds of acrylic diamond shapes all cut, sprayed, drilled and threaded (with invisible thread…) by hand.

Rotas were filled by willing friends and neighbours ready to give their time welcoming visitors. The pub offered meals to fit in with Exhibition opening times. Bishop Cundy accepted an invitation to open the Exhibition.

Excitement mounted as the exhibition was put up. Many neighbours, church-goers or not, supported with practical help. The late David Joyce (Main St) climbed high up the ladder to attach the artworks under Roger Heaton’s direction. The ‘stained glass’ mobiles were strung in-front of the window glass, enhancing the backdrop to the angels.

The Angel artworks and church looked stunning and we were ready to welcome visitors. St Mary’s was full as the Bishop opened the Exhibition.

All cheerfully welcomed at the door, visitors came in their droves (though less at the second opening period). Mostly they were individuals or couples though there were groups and coachloads too who came from nearby counties and further afield.  Some were visitors from abroad who made us part of their UK trip. People sometimes re-visited at least once. Some sat quietly listening to the music while absorbing the atmosphere. The Visitors Book shows the range of impressions: many finding the peace and serenity of the Exhibition moving and the angels in the church setting spiritually uplifting.

Overall, we felt we had done justice to the beautiful artworks and all gained from the tremendous teamwork we had shared.

Jennie Wood 2021