Ancient St John’s church in Medway’s riverside Halling will be keeping its patronal festival with an open evening.

Wednesday 24 June is St John’s Day when the church is opening from 6-9pm offering free refreshments and a chance to have go at bellringing.

The village has long been on the Pilgrims’ Way as it maintained one of the ferries for crossing the River Medway.

Now the main crossing is Peters Bridge at the south end of Halling. This means that whilst once pilgrims might have split up to cross at Cuxton or Snodland now they head for the bridge.

Halling church, dating from the Norman period, has just restored its 13th-century chancel arch paintings featuring the Crown of Thorns, the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper.

The churchyard’s wall with lancet windows was the west end of the dining hall belonging to the Bishop of Rochester’s palace.

The church is not at present open daily but it is open weekends 10am-12 noon: Saturday during choir practice and Sunday when the service (Holy Communion/Eucharist) is at 11am.

A pilgrim stamp is available by the hymn books on the back pew. When the church is closed a stamp can be obtained at The Five Bells opposite or in the early morning at Jo’s Cafe coffee stall outside at the pub.