FIVE outstanding Herefordians have agreed to give their services to the medieval church of St Thomas à Becket, Huntington for the 2015 series of events for the well-being of the church.

This follows the formation of the charity, 'Friends of St Thomas à Becket Church' which staged four sell-out events in 2014. Thanks also to subscriptions, gifts of money and food the charity raised over £4,000.

This year's musicians and speakers have made their mark nationally and internationally and the Trustees are very grateful to them for agreeing to speak to the Friends and other visitors. They include (not in chronological order):

Major General Arthur Denaro, whose military career is legendary, having served in the most dangerous parts of the world, as well as being Commandant of Sandhurst. He is a Deputy Lieutenant of Herefordshire and Extra Equerry to the Prince of Wales.

Dame Margaret Anstee, will speak about being one of the first British women diplomats appointed to the Foreign Office and was the last person to see Donald Maclean on the night before he defected to the Soviet Union in May 1951. She went on to serve for 40 years in the United Nations, ultimately becoming the first female Under Secretary-General of the UN.

Dr Joanna Raven lives in Huntington, when she is not travelling to the most remote parts of the world, often without protection, as she trains midwives under the most challenging circumstances. She will ask why women and babies are dying in these resource-poor countries and regions and will talk of the trials, tribulations and successes of the profession, both at home and abroad.

Bob Thompson from Kinnerton has spent many years travelling through Asia, Africa and South America, as he studies horse games and equine cultures throughout the world, before they are lost in history. He is writing a book recording these extraordinary customs that tribes continue to use with their horses. He will talk about the many dangerous experiences he has encountered, including one when he heard a discussion as to whether he should be executed.

Finally, we will have a world premiere during the Mid-Summer's Eve Concert. John Madden from Newchurch has been a composer since he was 14. He is a distinguished conductor and polymath. He is accompanying two young sopranos from Brilley, the Price sisters, who are making their names as fine singers. They will perform popular pieces of classical music in the church. The highlight will be a special piece for this concert, The Seasons Psalter, composed by John Madden and played for the very first time.

One of the Trustees, Jane Moyle, said, "We are delighted to have such an outstanding array of speakers this year. With wine and canapés served at each event and a full reception after the summer concert in the grounds of Huntington Court, we feel it is also a fine way for friendships to be made and for people to get used to coming to church, which they may otherwise not have done."

Full details can be found on www.huntingtonchurch.co.uk