Music at ST MARY'S Perivale |
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Sunday 23 January 3.00 pmThe History of St Mary's PerivaleAn illustrated lecture by Hugh MatherPerivale was a small, isolated hamlet until around 1930 when Western Avenue and the Hoover factory were built, and the population grew within a decade from fewer than 100 to almost 10,000. The name probably derives from Greenford ‘Parva' or Little Greenford. The age of the church now known as 'St Mary's Perivale' is unknown but it definitely dates back to the 13th century, and possibly even earlier, although most visible features are from 1450 onwards. The dedication to St Mary-the-Virgin had been forgotten until rediscovered in 1951. Prior to 1868 the church had Georgian features, with box pews, but in a major restoration it acquired a chancel arch and Victorian pews. In 1965 repairs were urgently undertaken to prevent collapse of the chancel due to subsidence, and the church was extensively modernised, with the removal of pews and installation of a new chancel roof, rood and east window. In 1972 the church was closed to regular worship, and since then has become a flourishing classical music venue, run by the Friends of St Mary's Perivale. This illustrated lecture will cover the many fascinating aspects of the church's long history.Hugh Mather studied the piano and organ from an early age, gaining the FRCO and the ARCM piano performers diplomas. He then pursued a medical career and was Consultant Physician at Ealing Hospital from 1982 to 2006, before retiring to pursue his musical interests. He continued his piano studies with James Gibb for many years, and gave countless concerts at St Mary's Perivale, St Barnabas and elsewhere, as concerto soloist, recitalist, accompanist and chamber musician. More recently he has concentrated on organizing concerts. He has been Chairman of the Friends of St Mary's Perivale since 2005, and has organised over 1100 concerts there, as well as a further 600 at St Barnabas Church. PLEASE DONATE to support our musicians and maintain our beautiful church
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