CHURCH goers in Wapley are preparing for the biggest event in their lifetime as they mark 600 years since the Battle of Agincourt.

The congregation at St Peter’s Church, which houses the tomb of Sir John Codrington, Standard bearer for King Henry V at Agincourt, is marking the anniversary with a special day of events.

On Sunday, October 25, exactly 600 years since the famous battle in 1415, the church will open to the public for a range of re-enactments as well as medieval entertainment.

There will be knights and men at arms in full costume, a medieval encampment, displays and demonstrations of falconry, archery, and medieval food and medicine. Visitors will also be able to enjoy storytelling, medieval music, bell ringing, a stained glass making demonstration, bee keeping and mead making. Refreshments will be available.

The event is being organised by a committee of local residents including four members of Dodington Parish Council.

Cllr Paul Hulbert said: "We've been researching and planning this for a few months now, but the arrival of this magnificent tomb cloth is making it seem real now.

“We look forward to welcoming local residents of all ages on the day."

In preparation for the event, a new cloth for Sir John’s tomb has been handed to the church. Made by members of the Richard III Society, the tomb cloth consists of more than 1,500,000 stitches and features Henry V’s shields and the Royal shields of England and France. In the centre are the arms of Sir John Codrington at the time of the battle, and below are the two later versions he was granted.

Bob Pritchard, of the Richard III Society, researched and embroidered the heraldic shields and freelance seamstress Margaret Dutton of Rugeley designed the tomb cloth itself, stitching the embroidered parts on to the material and adorning the outer edges with gold braid.

Descendant Lady Shirley Codrington, who lives locally, has inspected the tomb cloth which will be officially presented on October 25.

The anniversary event will run from 10am to 4pm, followed by an evening service with the Bishop of Bristol from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

For more details visit wapleyagincourt.wordpress.com