Celebrating 35 Years since the Last Mass

The Monastery is proud to present a nostalgic community day to remember the last mass, the leaving of the friars, and the subsequent closure of St Francis Church & Friary, 35 years ago. Whilst paying our greatest respects to the history of the Monastery, we’ll also celebrate its rescue & restoration, and reflect upon just how far we’ve come since then.

Come along & hear the fascinating Monastery story first-hand, watch an original cine film of the last mass in 1989, then join us for lunch and/or refreshments, feast your ears on Stephen Mann’s wonderful organ recital and meet the Monastery team; executives, staff and volunteers.

This event will be particularly poignant for anyone who cares about the Monastery or used to attend St Francis church or school. Expect a really lovely day of sharing and reminiscing with old friends and new, whilst discovering all the exciting ways you can get involved with today’s modern-day Monastery.

10-4pm on Tuesday 26th November 2024

Last Mass

10.30am or 12pm or 3pm

Watch a copy of the original cine film of the Last Mass from 1989, in our beautiful visitor room. There are three viewings to choose from and each viewing sits a maximum of 40 people, so it’s essential to book your time slot in advance.

Free, please reserve your slot & seat here.

Memory Lane

All day. Free.

Share memories and see displays, photos and videos of the last 35 years.

Special Organ Recital

From 1pm

From 1pm, we’ll move into the Great Nave for lunch, followed by a welcome and introductory remarks, before a special organ recital at 2pm, by the last Monastery organist, Stephen Mann, accompanied by the St Francis Players and finishing off with tea, coffee and biscuits.

Tickets £5 (including refreshments) please click here to book.

Or

Tickets £10 (including a hot-pot lunch & refreshments) please click here to book.

All proceeds go towards the remaining £20,000 the Monastery Trust needs to raise to replace and configure over 1000 original, Victorian pipes into the organ loft. Thank you so much for your support.

Enquiries to events@themonastery.co.uk

Directions to the Monastery here.