We were recently delighted and privileged to welcome Sallie Vallins to our Church.  Sallie has some very special connections to St Michael's and we have established contact with her through our  project that is tracing the stories of the thirty three men, whose names are on our First world war Roll of Honour. 

Sallie is the granddaughter of the first vicar of St Michael's - Revd L. McNeill Shelford - and of our first Churchwarden - Charles Coombs.  This is because Sallie is the daughter of Revd Shelford's daughter, Flora, who married Mr Coombs' son, Ralph.  Her parents' wedding was in 1922 - shortly after the war.  There is a wonderful report of the occasion in the Parish Magazine which describes the wedding as 'the social event of the season' and tells us that the wedding cake was cut by the best man's bayonet!  The Bishop of Kensington officiated and the Choir sang an anthem - Blessed Be the God and Father by S.S. Wesley. 

Sadly two of  Sallie's father's brothers, Frank and Leslie Coombs, died in the war and they are listed on the Roll of Honour.

'My Darling Boy’ 

Was performed as part of St. Michael’s Church’s ‘Heroes of Chiswick’ opening event. Many people joined us between 2pm – 5pm on June 14th 2014. The exhibition opened at 2pm, and the play was performed from 4pm at St. Michael’s Church, Elmwood Rd, W4 3DY

Heroes of Chiswick – Exhibition Day Video


The Heroes of Chiswick exhibition is currently at St. Michael’s Church, Chiswick, W4 3DY

Here’s a video about the exhibition. Thanks to all who have taken part in the project to date, and enabled us to better remember the 33 named on the memorial, and the effect of WW1 on the local area.

Heroes of Chiswick Exhibition to remain open

The Heroes of Chiswick Exhibition will remain at St Michael’s Church, Elmwood Road until Sunday 9th November 2014. The Church will be open daily from 9.00 am until 5.30 pm.