FATHER KEITH HYDE-DUNN S.S.E. TO ADDRESS THE
ST ROCHE'S DAY OPEN AIR SERVICE ON THE TRUNDLE HILL, CHICHESTER, WEST SUSSEX, MONDAY 16 AUGUST

Father Keith Hyde-Dunn S.S.E. is to give the address at this year’s ecumenical open-air service on St Roche's Hill - better known as The Trundle - north of Chichester, West Sussex.

The annual service takes place on St Roche's Day, Monday 16 August at 6.30pm on the site of the former chapel of St Roche, patron saint of healing, which was built on top of the hill. The service is organised by the parish of East Dean, Singleton and West Dean with the support of the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, England’s leading museum of historic buildings, which is situated at the foot of the hill.

Participants assemble at Seven Points car park to the west of The Trundle from 6pm and ascend the hill for the service at 6.30pm. The clergy will process up the hill followed by pilgrims who have made the journey especially for the service. A brass quartet led by Kevin Webb will accompany the singing and after the blessing and dismissal there will be an opportunity for the laying on of hands as part of the ministry of healing. Revd Richard Woods, Vicar of East Dean, Singleton and West Dean and Revd Deacon Jo Gavigan, Rural Dean of Worthing will be in attendance.

The annual services on The Trundle began to mark the 700th anniversary of the birth of the French saint. Born in 1295 in Montpelier, he gained a legendary reputation as a protector from the plague in northern Italy. He was himself stricken with the disease at Piacenza and recovered in a cave with the aid of a dog who brought him bread. He returned home, but was unrecognised and imprisoned as an imposter, dying shortly afterwards. One of the most popular saints in France, Spain and Italy, he was regularly invoked by those suffering from the plague and notably in an outbreak in 1414 during the Council of Constance. His ministry was approved by the bishops at the Council and the order was given to mark the day of his birth. His relics were removed to the Church of San Rocco in Venice in 1485, where they rest to this day.

A small chapel dedicated to St Roche existed on the site of the former iron-age fort above Chichester until the mid 18th century and is illustrated in a local print. Pilgrims making their way to the Shrine of St Richard in Chichester Cathedral would pass by this chapel.

In 1994 the parish of Singleton and the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum began a new pilgrimage and open-air service. The St Roche Cross, symbol of Christian salvation, stands in the chancel of Singleton Church and is carried to St Roche’s Hill each year for the service.

For further information contact Karen Barrett (01243 811427) or the Revd. Richard Woods (01243 811213).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The award-winning Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits and is designated by the Government for the outstanding importance of its collections. Exhibits include a medieval farmstead; a working watermill producing wholemeal stoneground flour; exhibitions focusing on traditional building techniques and agriculture; historic gardens, farm livestock and a working Tudor kitchen. The Museum runs a well-established programme of courses in building conservation and rural crafts.  There is a café which uses the Museum’s own flour and a shop with gifts and books on countryside and buildings themes.  The modern Downland Gridshell houses the Museum’s building conservation centre and artefact collection. There is a daily tour at 1.30pm when the Museum is open, and an appointments system for visits to the collections for research purposes.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Reporters and photographers are welcome at the Museum. For further information call the Museum information line on 01243 811348 or contact Cathy Clark, Marketing Officer

Tel: 01243 811014.
Fax: 01243 811475
Email: marketing@wealddown.co.uk.

Full details about the Museum and its activities can be found at www.wealddown.co.uk 

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