St Mary’s Hall, 12 Windermere Road, was constructed in 1901 as a School/Chapel to St Cyprian’s Church for £1,655 and was the original St Mary’s Church. A “listed building” (i.e. of historical and architectural significance), it is described in the listing as “a Victorian Church (now a church hall) with porch and side pavilions; originally in polychromous Free Style but now plastered and painted; some notable details including cast iron, palisade fencing; townscape and historic.”

The organisers are asking for stories about St Mary’s Hall from congregations old and new. (See Letters to the Editor)

Among the fund-raising events leading up to the celebration of the Centenary on October 14 at 14h30 is a Candlelight Theatre featuring Caroline Smart and John Simpson. This takes place on August 4 at 18h00 at St Mary’s Hall, cnr of St Mary’s Avenue and Windermere Road. Contact Mrs Nancy Church at (031) 207-3687 for further details.