Church Services and Events

September - December 2019

WorshipEventsCommunityAutumn Lecture SeriesAdvent and Christmas

www.smitf.org

Late autumn and Christmas are when St Martin-in-the-Fields really comes into its own. The BBC Radio 4 St Martin-in-the-Fields Christmas Appeal is launched on 1 December, and there are a number of occasions when the community reflects on its century-long engagement with issues of homelessness, notably, on 14 November, the Annual Service of Commemoration for Those who have Died Homeless.

St Martin’s today is committed to several dimensions of inclusion, and one annual feature is our annual St Lukestide conference, this year on 12 October, this time on Thinking Differently about God: Neurodiversity and Church.

Our Autumn Lectures this year follow the theme of The Quality of Mercy. We have some outstanding speakers, distinguished visitors and fascinating themes.

November is the time of the annual Patronal Festival, which as always falls at Remembrancetide.

And in no time it’s Christmas, a focal moment in the Christian year, a season of worship, celebration and fun.

Join us in our life of reflection and discovery, faith and friendship, compassion and creativity. You are most welcome.

Revd Dr Sam Wells Vicar, St Martin-in-the-Fields

Welcome to St Martin’s

Christmas is a focal moment in the Christian year, a season of worship, celebration and fun.

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“Weekly WorshipSunday10.00am Parish Eucharist 1.30pm Joint Service in Mandarin and Cantonese 5.00pm Choral Evensong 7.00pm Sacred Space (1st Sunday of the month) (DSC on 3 November)

Monday8.30am Morning Prayer 1.15pm Holy Communion (DSC) 4.30pm Choral Evensong

Tuesday8.30am Morning Prayer 1.15pm Holy Communion (DSC) 6.00pm Evening Prayer (DSC)

Wednesday8.30am Morning Prayer 1.00pm Choral Eucharist 6.30pm Bread for the World

Thursday8.30am Morning Prayer Sung: 12 Sept – 28 Nov Said: 4 Sept, 5, 12 and 19 Dec 1.00pm Great Sacred Music 6.00pm Evening Prayer (DSC)

Friday 8.30am Morning Prayer 1.15pm Holy Communion (DSC) 6.00pm Evening Prayer (DSC)

Saturday9.00am Morning Prayer

Due to Christmas and Advent services, there is no Choral Evensong, Bread for the World or Evening Prayer in December.

Regular Services

Wednesdays, 6.30pm Bread for the World A weekly informal Eucharist on Wednesdays, with reflection, worship and the beautiful music of the Choral Scholars of St Martin-in-the-Fields, followed by supper and small groups for listening and reflection. All are welcome to join us for this inclusive and creative service.

Thursdays 12 September - 28 November, 8.30am Sung Morning Prayer In a first for St Martin’s, Revd Sally Hitchiner leads Morning Prayer according to Common Worship, with music from St Martin’s Voices interspersed with readings and prayers.

Thursdays, 1.00pm Great Sacred Music Revd Dr Sam Wells explores through word and song, the great classical music of our religious heritage with St Martin’s Voices. See our concerts brochure for details.

Sundays 1 Sept, 6 Oct, 3 Nov, 1 Dec 7.00pm Sacred Space

On the first Sunday of the month we invite you to Sacred Space, a time of silence, reflection, music and prayer to draw close to God and experience stillness and peace at the heart of this city. With the prayers of the Taizé community.

Autumn Lecture Series

Regular Events, Groups and Courses

Sundays 1, 29 September, 27 October, 17 November, 8 December 12noon - 1.00pm Theology Group Austen Williams Room

Each time a different member of our community takes the chair and raises questions about truth, faith and justice. Sam Wells, Vicar of St Martin’s and Visiting Professor of Christian Ethics at King’s College London, responds, explaining the theological reasoning of his answers, before the whole group engages with the questions themselves.

Sundays 24 November, 1, 15 and 22 December, 12noon - 1.00pm Inspired to Follow: Art and the Bible Story Austen Williams Room Exploring Advent’s Characters

As part of our Advent preparations, this new programme of hour-long gatherings over four Sundays explores key characters and encounters in the story of Christ’s Advent. Like earlier Inspired to Follow sessions, these use fine art paintings from the National Gallery, along with Biblical story, theological reflection and conversation with others, as a way to explore big questions that we all wrestle with.

Saturday 21 September, 10.00am - 3.00pm Open House London

St Martin’s takes part in this city-wide celebration of the buildings, places and neighbourhoods where we live and work. Bellringing demonstrations take place throughout the day. See www.smitf.org for more details.

Wednesday 27 November Just This Day

A day to share in stillness and silence at the heart of the city, including reflection with inspiring speakers and meditation led by Silence in the City, a Christian Contemplative group from 9.30am-12.00noon with periods of silence on the hour. The day begins with Morning Prayer at 8.30am and there is a Sung Choral Communion at 1.00pm. We welcome those from all faiths and none who seek a unifying stillness in the midst of busy lives. www.justthisday.world with www.silenceinthecity.org.uk

Throughout the year The Nazareth Community

contemplative silence; sacrament; scripture; compassionate service; sharing; creative rest; and staying faithful to this way of life. We call this community “an experiment in being with.”

Times of contemplative silence take place each week and we gather on Wednesday nights at 6.30pm for Bread for the World. Each month the community meets on a Saturday morning to share and pray together. If you are interested in joining or want to find out more please contact Revd Richard Carter who is the leader of the community and Associate Vicar for Mission at St Martin’s: nazareth@smitf.org

Thinking Differently About God: Neurodiversity, Faith and Church

Saturday 12 October, 10.30am - 4.30pm Thinking Differently About God: Neurodiversity, Faith & Church St Martin’s Hall A weekend of events marks our 8th annual conference on Disability and Church, a partnership between St Martin-in-the-Fields and Inclusive Church. Neurodiversity perceives there are naturally different types of brain which think and process information in particular ways. ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourette's are each a combination of particular needs and gifts. We'll be exploring our understanding of God and experience of discovery, discrimination and discernment.

Speakers include Dan Barnes Davies, Sue Hartley, Ann Memmott and Sam Wells

Through plenary talks and in small groups, with a silent space and a marketplace, we share experience and ideas to resource each other and the Church. Organised by and for neurodivergent people, supporters and people with an interest in the issues and ideas.

Cost: £20/£10 (concessions)

www.inclusive-church.org.uk/disability to register, or complete the form in church.Contact: disability@smitf.org

Sunday 13 October, 10.00 - 11.15am Thinking Differently About God: Eucharist St Martin-in-the-Fields Church We reflect on the weekend's themes in our Sunday Eucharist using liturgy written by members of St Martin's Disability Advisory Group. BSL interpreted. All are welcome.

Sunday 13 October, 2.00 - 4.30pm St Martin's Hall An afternoon programme using insights from the creative arts to explore the weekend's themes - including performances, panel discussions and workshops. Further details to follow. All are welcome.

Tickets are free, with a retiring collection

To register, email: disability@smitf.org

The Nazareth Community is a gathered community at, but not exclusive to, St Martin-in-the-Fields. We follow seven life giving disciplines which can be integrated into your life and context:

Club Wednesday A chance to share worship, food and fellowship. All are welcome on the first Wedneday of every month at 1.00pm for Choral Eucherist followed by lunch, a talk and discussion.

Monday 7 October, 7.00 - 8.30pm The Quality of Mercy in Story Michael Morpurgo with a response from Sam Wells

Michael Morpurgo has written over 130 books, including The Butterfly Lion, Kensuke’s Kingdom, and War Horse, adapted for stage by the National Theatre and as a film directed by Steven Spielberg.

Sam Wells is Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, and a widely known preacher, pastor, writer, broadcaster, and theologian. He has published 33 books – his most recent is Walk Humbly.

Tuesday 15 October, 7.00 - 8.30pm The Quality of Mercy in Music Lucy Winkett, Bob Chilcott and St Martin’s Voices

Prior to her ordination, Lucy Winkett was a professional soprano. Since 2010, she has been Rector of St James’s, Piccadilly, and broadcasts regularly on religion, gender and contemporary culture.

Bob Chilcott has enjoyed a lifelong association with choral music, as chorister, choral scholar and King’s Singer. He became a full-time composer in 1997.

St Martin’s Voices is our flagship professional choral ensemble. It performs world-class concerts and special services at St Martin-in-the-Fields and beyond.

Sunday 3 November, 7.00 - 8.30pm The Quality of Mercy in Drama Simon Russell Beale, Juliet Stevenson and Richard Carter

Simon Russell Beale has performed numerous times at the National Theatre, and won Olivier awards for his roles in Uncle Vanya at the Donmar Warehouse and Candide at the National Theatre.

Juliet Stevenson has worked extensively for the RSC and the National Theatre, winning an Olivier award for her performance as Paulina in Death and the Maiden in 1991.

Richard Carter is Associate Vicar for Mission at St Martin-in-the-Fields. He has used drama extensively in ministry, teaching, and conflict resolution, described in his book In Search of the Lost.

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Our autumn lecture series explores the quality of mercy. The series brings together brilliant and renowned writers, artists, and speakers to address an issue essential to our times. How can our preachers, prophets, writers, actors and poets help us see the world through other’s eyes? The spoken, written and embodied word often has the power to bring about catharsis and transformation. Image, narrative, and metaphor hold the secrets of deeper truths. Can a society discover an empathy, compassion and depth of understanding that crosses divides and prejudices and widens perspectives? Can mercy ‘season’ justice? Are mercy and accountability compatible? Shakespeare’s Portia suggests mercy becomes a blessing both to the one who gives and the one who receives. Jesus said ‘Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy.’ (Matt 5:7) In this exciting autumn lecture series, we will be exploring what that means for us.

Tickets are free and available from stmartininthefields.eventbrite.com

Wednesday 11 September, 7.00 - 8.30pm The Quality of Mercy in Preaching Brian McLaren, Anna Carter Florence, Pádraig Ó Tuama

Brian D. McLaren is an activist and public theologian. He is author of the award-winning A New Kind of Christianity and a passionate advocate for a Christianity that is just and good.

Anna Carter Florence is the Peter Marshall Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary, Georgia, and one of America’s most gifted preachers.

Pádraig Ó Tuama is a poet and theologian from Ireland with interests in conflict, story and religion. From 2014-19 he was leader of the Corrymeela Community.

Monday 30 September, 7.00 - 8.30pm The Quality of Mercy in Social Justice Winne Varghese, Bishop James Jones

Winnie Varghese is a priest on the Strategic Clergy team at Trinity Church Wall Street. She blogs for Patheos; is author of Church Meets World and editor of What We Shall Become.

Bishop James Jones was Bishop of Liverpool (1998-2013) and Hull (1994-98). Having chaired the Hillsborough Independent Panel, he was adviser to the Home Secretary on Hillsborough (2013-18).

The Quality of MercySt Martin-in-the-Fields Autumn Lecture Series 2019

Christ before the High Priest, 1617 Gerrit van Honthorst, National Gallery

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Monday 18 November, 7.00 - 8.30pm The Quality of Mercy in Poetry Malcolm Guite and Mark Oakley

Poet-priest Malcolm Guite is Chaplain of Girton College, Cambridge. He has published poetry, theology, and literary criticism, and writes Poet’s Corner, in the Church Times.

Mark Oakley is Dean of St John’s College, Cambridge, and former Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral. His book The Splash of Words: Believing in Poetry was recently shortlisted for the Michael Ramsey Prize.

All speakers confirmed at time of going to press.

Sunday 29 September, 10.00am Harvest Thanksgiving Eucharist St Martin’s is an international church through its membership, visitors, broadcasting and connections. One aspect of this is the building of relationships with a number of international projects and partners. In this service we tell stories of our partners to celebrate and pray for their work and ministry. In this time of uncertainty around the world, we hope that these stories - a harvest of the love and generosity shown by our Global neighbours - will reveal the light of Christ.

Sunday 6 October, 3.00pm Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival

An annual service that celebrates the contribution of the Pearlies to our civic life. It involves a procession of gifts with Pearlies in full regalia.

Wednesday 9 October, 6.30pm Bread for the World with Licensing of Revd Catherine Duce as Assistant Vicar for Partnership Development

Eucharist with Licensing led by the Bishop of Islington, Rt Revd Ric Thorpe.

Sunday 13 October Thinking Differently about God Eucharist 10.00am

In association with the Disability Conference, this Eucharist uses liturgy written by members of St Martin’s Disability Advisory Group. BSL interpreted. See page 4 for details.

Sunday 20 October Eucharist with Healing 10.00am

Our annual parish Eucharist with a special focus on prayer for healing. The service is taken by Revd Dr Sam Wells, with a sermon from Revd Sally Hitchiner. All are welcome, including those who are not regularly members of our community but would like prayer and anointing for healing.

Sunday 3 November, 10.00am, 5.00pm and 7.00pm A Commemoration of All Saints and All Souls In our 10.00am Parish Eucharist we celebrate and give thanks for the saints who have witnessed to the Christian faith through the centuries and the saints we have known in our own lives. The preacher is Revd Sally Hitchiner. The Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields sings Requiem by Victoria at our evening All Souls Choral Eucharist at 5.00pm, and the preacher will be Revd Richard Carter. Followed by Sacred Space at 7.00pm.

Sunday 10 November, 10.00am Remembrance Sunday Eucharist We recall the 101st anniversary of the armistice in silence, preaching and prayer.

Thursday 14 November, 11.00am Annual Service of Commemoration for Those who have Died Homeless Wherever I am, You are There

You are invited to join us for this moving service in which we remember those who have been homeless and who have died in the last year, organised by St Martin-in-the-Fields, The Connection at St Martin’s and Housing Justice. Music by Streetwise Opera and Choir with No Name. Preacher Revd Lucy Winkett. All are welcome.

Special Autumn Services

Due to the Autumn Lecture series, there will be no service of Bread for the World on Wednesday 11 September.

From Monday 4 November-Wednesday 6 November, there will be no Eucharists, as the clergy team will be at a Diocesan event. Morning Prayer will still be held. In place of Lunchtime Eucharists, there will be a service of Midday Prayers. On Wednesday 6 November, Bread for the World will be a service of non-Eucharistic reflection.

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Sunday 10 November, 5.00pm St Martin’s Patronal Festival During our service, six members of the St Martin’s Community reflect on the question ‘What does the story of St Martin and the cloak mean to me?’, followed by a meal and pub quiz. All are welcome.

Tuesday 5 November, 7.30pm Handel Israel in Egypt by Candlelight Hear Handel’s miraculous Israel in Egypt performed by the Choral Scholars of St Martin-in-the-Fields and St Martin’s Voices, with Brandenburg Sinfonia, conducted by Andrew Earis. Tickets: £29 £25 £18 £13 £9

Autumn FestivalJoin us for our annual Sound of St Martin’s Autumn Festival, a series of concerts across Remembrancetide featuring our resident choral ensembles.

Thursday 7 November, 7.30pm Handel and Mozart by Candlelight Enjoy the magic of Mozart Three Divertimenti, alongside two of Handel’s celebrated organ concerti, performed by Brandenburg Sinfonia and Ben Giddens. Tickets: £29 £25 £18 £13 £9

Friday 8 November, 7.30pm Vivaldi and Bach by Candlelight Enjoy Vivaldi Sinfonia in G, Bach Movements from Orchestral Suite No 1 in C, Vivaldi Nulla in mundo pax sincera and Bach Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, performed by Brandenburg Sinfonia with soprano Katharine Dain, conducted by Andrew Earis. Tickets: £29 £25 £18 £13 £9

Saturday 9 November, 7.30pm Mozart Mass in C minor by Candlelight Hear the seminal Haydn Te Deum in C and inspiring Mozart Mass in C minor, performed by St Martin’s Chorus with Brandenburg Sinfonia, conducted by Andrew Earis. Tickets: £30 £27 £20 £15 £9

Tickets are available in person from the box office, by phoning 020 7766 1100 or online from www.smitf.org

Worship at St Martin’s for Advent and Christmas

Wednesday 27 November 6.30pm Shelter Carol Service Officiant: Revd Richard Carter Tickets on the door if available

Sunday 1 December: Advent Sunday 7.55am The BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal with St Martin-in-the-Fields On behalf of those who are homeless

10.00am Eucharist The first Advent Candle is lit. Preacher: Revd Dr Sam Wells

1.30pm Joint Service in Mandarin and Cantonese

5.00pm Advent Carol Service In words and music we explore our Advent theme. With the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Preacher Revd Sally Hitchiner. Doors open 4.15pm. No tickets required but the church is often full and you are advised to arrive in plenty of time to be certain of a seat.

7.00pm Sacred Space for Advent A reflective service using chants from the Taizé community focusing on the themes for Advent. Officiant: Revd Richard Carter

Tuesday 3 December 6.30pm Ronald McDonald House Charities Carol Service Tickets on the door if available

Wednesday 4 December 7.00pm A Christmas Gala Evening

A special performance of Vaughan Williams’ nativity ‘The First Nowell’ followed by an after party from 8.00-10.00pm in the Crypt. All money raised on this spectacular evening will help St Martin’s continue its work, through its building, ministry and supporting people away from homelessness. Tickets are available from www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/whatsonevent/the-first-nowell-a-christmas-gala-evening/

Thursday 5 December 6.00pm Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square From 5.30pm come and join the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields to sing carols around the tree, the gift to London from the Norwegian people.

Sunday 8 December: Advent 2

10.00am Eucharist The second Advent Candle is lit. Preacher: Revd Richard Carter

1.30pm Joint Service in Mandarin and Cantonese

5.30pm Blessing of the Crib in Trafalgar Square

A dramatisation of the Christmas nativity for today, with carols, action, music, prayer and a live donkey. Meet on the church steps at 5.20pm for a torch-lit procession to Trafalgar Square led by the Salvation Army Band with the Choir and Clergy of St Martin-in-the-Fields.

6.30pm Soul SanctuaryA carol service journeying from Advent to Christmas with music from Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir.

Monday 9 December

6.30pm Missing People Charity Carol ServiceA service to remember all those who are missing and their families at Christmas. Tickets available from www.missingpeople.org.uk and on the door if available.

Tuesday 10 December

7.00pm Livability Carol ServiceTickets available from Livability www.livability.org.uk and on the door if available.

Wednesday 11 December

7.00pm Transport for London Festival of Carols

Admission by souvenir programme available on the door.

Saturday 14 December 11.00am Annual Memorial Service For those bereaved through homicide Tickets on the door if available

Sunday 15 December: Advent 3

10.00am Eucharist The third Advent Candle is lit. Preacher: Revd Sally Hitchiner

1.30pm Joint Service in Mandarin and Cantonese

5.00pm Festival of Nine Lessons and CarolsThe story of the birth of Jesus is told in this traditional service of carols, readings and music. Led by Revd Dr Sam Wells and the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Doors open 4.15pm. No tickets required but the church is often full and you are advised to arrive in plenty of time to be certain of a seat.

Tuesday 17 December

6.30pm Community CarolsJoin us for this joyous celebration of the Christmas season, featuring well-known carols specially chosen by those who work around Trafalgar Square. The service is led by the Revd Dr Sam Wells with the Choral Scholars, Community Choir, Children’s Voices and Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Doors open 5.45pm. All are welcome. No tickets required but come early to be certain of a seat.

Sunday 22 December: Advent 4 10.00am Eucharist The fourth Advent candle is lit. Preacher: Revd Dr Sam Wells

Tuesday 24 December Christmas Eve 1.00pm Crib Family Service

Led by Revd Richard Carter. A lively service of readings, drama and carols particularly suitable for younger members of the family and including the Blessing of the Crib. Doors open at 12.30pm. No tickets required.

4.00pm Parish Carol ServiceA candlelit celebration of the Christmas story led by the Clergy of St Martin-in the-Fields with St Martin’s Voices. Preacher: Revd Dr Sam Wells

No tickets required but the church is often full and you are advised to arrive in plenty of time to be certain of a seat. Doors open at 3.15pm and at 5.45pm.

11.00pm Midnight MassThe climax of our Advent preparation and Christmas worship as we light the Christmas candle and welcome the Christ child. Led by the Clergy of St Martin-in the-Fields. No tickets required. Preacher: Revd Sally Hitchiner

& 6.30pm

Wednesday 25 December, Christmas Day 10.30am Eucharist Service

Join us as we celebrate Christmas with our combined English and Chinese speaking congregations with St Martin’s Voices. Preacher: Revd Dr Sam Wells

Sunday 29 December

10.00am Eucharist

5.00pm Evening Prayer (DSC)

Sunday 5 January 2020

10.00am Eucharist

5.00pm Epiphany Carol Service with the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields Preacher: Revd Dr Sam Wells

During Advent there is no 5.00pm Choral Evensong on Sunday and no midweek Evening Prayer. Wednesday Choral Eucharist at 1.00pm continues. There is no Monday Choral Evensong or Wednesday Bread for the World.

Book Corner

This autumn sees the publication of three books from the St Martin’s stable. Richard Carter’s The City is My Monastery, describing the ethos of the Nazareth community, published in October. Sam Wells’ A Future Bigger than the Past, outlining the theology of HeartEdge, published in September and Sam Wells’ The Heart of it All, a way of grasping the whole sweep of the scriptural story, in a form suitable for Lent, published in November. All available at St Martin’s Shop.

or visit our online shop: shopatstmartins.co.uk

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to all people on earth. Luke 2.14

Eating, Shopping and Brass Rubbing at St Martin’s

London’s Hidden CaféSt Martin’s Café in the Crypt is London’s hidden café. Tucked away downstairs the Café in the Crypt features original Georgian architecture and is the perfect accompaniment to a visit to St Martin’s or one of the nearby theatres or galleries. The menu includes light breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

From 18 November – 5 January treat yourself to mince pies and mulled wine with Christmas dinner and all the trimmings on the menu from 2-24 December.

Visit our website www.smitf.org/cafe for menus and opening hours. Read what our customers think on TripAdvisor.

ShopDiscover religious gifts, thought-provoking books and Fair Trade and British-made collections. In addition to the Shop at St Martin’s, our Christmas Shop opens for the season on 5 October.

Visit www.smitf.org/shop for opening hours or to make a purchase from our online shop.

Brass RubbingUsing specialist paper, waxes, a choice of over 100 brasses and some help from the St Martin’s team you can create your own work of art.

Visit www.smitf.org/brassrubbing for opening hours.

All profits from the Café, Shop and Brass Rubbing support the work of St Martin’s.

BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal with St Martin-in-the-Fields

The 2018 BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal with St Martin-in-the-Fields raised a fantastic £3.48m, once again breaking the record set the previous year, to help people affected by homelessness across the UK. We have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of so many people.

The money from the Christmas Appeal funds a range of services that tackle the complex challenges of homelessness. The Connection at St Martin’s provides advice and support in the largest area of rough-sleeping in the country, The Vicar’s Relief Fund issues thousands of emergency crisis grants across the UK each year to secure accommodation and save people from eviction, and The Frontline Network brings workers together to improve the resources available to people facing homelessness and build better homelessness services.

As we look towards the 2019 Appeal, we can be confident that people from across the nation will once again rally together to provide hot meals and showers, life-changing grants and the power to build a better future for people experiencing and at risk from homelessness, all from the heart of St Martin-in-the-Fields.

To donateOnline: www.smitfc.org Phone: 0800 082 82 84 Post: FREEPOST St Martin’s Christmas Appeal

Your support is our futureSt Martin’s is a church like no other. We change lives every day through our building, ministry and support for people on the edge of society.

We’re determined to continue supporting musicians, asylum seekers, homeless people and communities of different faiths. We want to bring joy to those who come to our church, no matter what the reason.

As a charity, we rely on people like you. Thank you for considering supporting our work. It really does mean we can change lives for good.

To give, please visit www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/support-us St Martin-in-the-Fields Trust development@smitf.org Registered charity number 1110406

St Martin-in-the-Fields Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 4JH

Web www.smitf.org Phone 020 7766 1100 Facebook /stmartininthefields Twitter @smitf_london