There be giants … and you can have afternoon tea with them

AVILLAGE church is holding a summer of afternoon teas with some very special guests.

St Mary’s parish in Aldworth runs several fundraising events throughout the year to help with the upkeep of the 12th century church.

But probably the most popular are the afternoon tea and coffee sessions in the company of the famous Aldworth Giants.

These nine effigies of the de la Beche family who came from Flanders after the Battle of Hastings, lie in stately stone splendour within St Mary’s.

Parishioner Gill Wilding who organises the summer teas said the Aldworth Giants had become a major tourist attraction.

“Many people know about them and love coming back to see them again, but others are taken aback when they see the Aldworth Giants for the first time,” she explained.

“They are unique in representing so many members of an ancient family and even more special that they are all in one small parish church.

“We don’t have a hall, so the teas are held in the church in the company of the Aldworth Giants which is a great talking point, better than a museum.”

The de la Beche family were granted a licence by William Duke of Normandy to build a castle at Aldworth which was followed by a second at Mortimer. One of the most impressive of the Giants is Sir Philip who lies on his side in a small niche, dressed in embossed leather armour and a mantle to show he was a valet to King Edward II. St Mary’s is also home to a number of other members of the great and the good to be found at the parish. One of England’s greatest poets, Alfred Tennyson held the title of Lord Tennyson of Aldworth, while in the churchyard there is a memorial to Robert Laurence Binyon, author of the poem, For The Fallen which is recited at Remembrance Sunday services every November.

Anyone needing to walk off their afternoon tea and cake can join a glorious short walk from St Mary’s onto the Ridgeway, an 87-mile trackway described as Britain’s oldest road.

Added Gill: “The afternoon teas start on Wednesday, July 5, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, and at the same time on every Wednesday in July,

I am convinced that together we can reclaim the joy of talking to each other about positive things.

Who’s with me?

Sarah Browning is a Kindness Cheerleader, Communicator and Strategist. For more details, log on to: www. timeforkindness. co.uk

How much cheese?

Including some cheese in your diet has health benefits, but it’s worth being mindful about the amount we consume.

A 30g portion of cheese provides around 7% of your daily calories. The trouble is we can very easily eat much more than this in one sitting.

It’s a good idea to weigh your portions to make sure you don’t consume too much, particularly if you are consuming full fat varieties or are trying to lose weight.

Try not to consume more than three 30g portions each day.

Low fat and fat free cheeses

Choosing low fat and fat free cheese options is a great way to reduce our saturated fat consumption while still enjoying the flavour and benefiting from the protein and calcium cheese has to offer.

The Aldworth Giants in St Mary’s Church in Aldworth

Picture: Oldfarm/ Wikipedia

Opt for fat free cottage cheese and reduced fat soft cheeses and hard cheeses like cheddar.

Quark is a great option as its high in protein and much lower in fat than other soft cheeses. Watch out for the salt n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/ health-tips

Some cheeses such as halloumi and feta can be very high in salt. It’s fine to consume these in moderation but try to find lower salt versions if possible, some supermarkets sell them.

Try to limit your consumption of these saltier cheeses to maybe one or two times a week.

August and September.

“For just £3, visitors can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea and cake in the company of the Aldworth Giants in a beautiful and ancient church. We hold a number of other fundraising events during the year which are posted on the church website.

“We look forward to welcoming people from near and far to visit St Mary’s and our beautiful village.” n For more information, log on to: www.aldworthvillage.org/index.php/ st-marys-church/

JAMES HASTINGS

Quiz Challenge

1. The towns of Ashby-de-laZouch and Hinckley are located in which English county?

2. Orange pekoe is a type of what foodstuff?

3. What does the word vintage mean in terms of wine?

4. Finish the title of this Charlie Mackesy children’s book: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the... what?

5. In August 2022, British singer Rita Ora married which New Zealand actor?