St Saviour’s: Brontës, Bonnets, Church Mice and 1950s Memories at Birstall church’s Heritage Open Day event

St Saviour’s Church will be opening its doors on Saturday, September 12, from 11am to 3pm, as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days, inviting local people and visitors to discover the history of the church and its community in a fun and informal way.

This year’s event promises something for visitors of all ages, with the opportunity to explore the historic church, discover stories from its past and enjoy a taste of 1950s village life.

Visitors can follow a special Heritage Trail featuring the church’s own collection of characterful little church mice, discover more about the people and traditions that have shaped St Saviour’s, and take part in a range of family activities.

The church will also be brought to life by its very own 1950s Church Warden and Girl Guides Patrol Leader, who may be found busy about their duties in the church throughout the day.

Visitors may even have the opportunity to hear a story or two as they encounter these characters from St Saviour’s past, while people are encouraged to come dressed in their favourite 1950s outfit, with a prize for the best-dressed visitor.

And there is a special challenge for younger visitors as children are invited to make their own Coronation Crown at home and proudly wear it to St Saviour’s on the day, with a prize for the best crown. There will also be a stained-glass design activity for children to enjoy.

The church will also feature a special Coronation Tea Room, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks and delicious homemade cakes throughout the day.

The 2026 Heritage Open Day will also celebrate the area’s connection with the Brontë sisters, alongside the National Year of Reading 2026.

Heritage Open Day Co-ordinator Susan Harms will be overseeing a special display featuring all seven Brontë novels and will be available during the event to help visitors with enquiries and explore the local Brontë connection.

Susan has been responsible for co-ordinating St Saviour’s Heritage Open Day since 2010, making this her sixteenth year at the helm of the event.

This year she is joined by Curate Rev’d Vicky Angell, as the church develops its heritage work and seeks to welcome a new generation of visitors into the life and story of St Saviour’s.

Susan said: “The Heritage Open Day has always been about sharing the history of St Saviour’s with our local community and making sure that these stories are not forgotten.

“Every year there is something new to discover, and we are delighted to be able to celebrate our Brontë connection and the National Year of Reading 2026 this year.”

Rev’d Vicky Angell added: “Heritage is not simply about old buildings and dates. It is about people - the people who worshipped here, raised their families here, celebrated here, mourned here and made this church part of their lives. We want visitors to come through the door and discover those stories for themselves.”

She added: “We are particularly excited to welcome families this year. The Heritage Trail, the little church mice, the activities and the 1950s theme are all ways of making history something you can experience rather than simply read about.”

National Year of Reading 2026 is a major national campaign encouraging people of all ages to rediscover the enjoyment of reading and to connect reading with the things they already love.

The Brontë display at St Saviour’s offers visitors an opportunity to celebrate that national theme through a very local story - discovering more about the literary heritage of the area and the remarkable sisters whose work continues to be read around the world.