It's Non-Stop........

No sooner has last weekend faded into history, and we are now all looking forward to the fantastic celebration of the birth of Christ over the next weekend.

On Thursday, decorators are meeting in the church to put the final touches to the Sanctuary, which has been left bare throughout Advent. The Christingles are in the process of being assembled, and all this amongst the mad rush of last minute shopping for food and presents.

Here is our weekend line up: ALL at NOCTON !!!!!

Christmas Eve  -  Christingle Service at 4pm  (Led by Chris Hewitt)
Christmas Eve  -  Midnight Mass at 11.30pm (Led by Canon Tim Thompson)
Christmas Day  - Eucharist at 9.30am  (Led by Rev. Les Whitfield)
Boxing Day  -  Family Carol Service at 11am   (Led by Rev. Les Whitfield)

Please try and join us for at least one act of celebration over the Christmas period.

What a busy day in Nocton

A freezing start to the day of around -7c, did not put a chill on villagers Christmas spirits, as different organisations put on events for the community.

The Christmas Tree Festival in the church commenced its last day, we had a steady flow of visitors, but the weather has put many people off which has been quite disappointing. However the mulled wine, freshly baked sausage rolls and mince pies lightened things up. The Dunston Band played again brilliantly. Thanks to Roy and all the members who came along.

Afterwards Santa paid another visit to the village this time at the Nocton Social Club. Lots of of children received their first present of this Christmas today, others were heard 'Ordering' their IPod Shuffles directly from Santa. 

At 5.30 the Village Carol Singers started their annual rounds covering for the first time in the last few years the whole of Nocton Park. Many thanks to all those who took part singing or collecting, and thanks to the great many people who opened their doors to us and gave us a donation  -  Hopefully not just to go away!!!

We raised a fabulous £125, twice the amount raised last year....Thanks to all of you. We will split it equally between the Church Roof Restoration project and our long term sponsored charity MIND.

Afterwards we all retired to the Village Hall for warm drinks and food put on by the Village Hall Management Committee, organised by Philip and Joan, Pete and Lorna. And a Big Big thankyou for donating the takings of the evening to the carol singing pot.

The Cottage Christmas Show.....Fantastic!!!

Those of you who made it to the village hall last night were entertained to a fantastic trip through the musicals, from the Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma, Grease, Chicago and much, much more. There was a really good audience turnout and the majority of the staff took part. Its great to see people are still able to laugh at themselves. Life doesn't have to be too serious all the time.

The Wizard of Oz

Poor David !!!!!!!

Well done to all of you, let's have some more next year please.

The Bishop of Lincoln - The Rt. Rev. Dr John Saxbee Christmas Message.

Christmas: Hoping against Hype

It surprises me that TV Soaps have to invent a Christmas story-line to bolster their ratings year by year. After all, the Christmas story itself has all the ingredients they need. An unexpected pregnancy with paternity issues at stake. The birth of a baby in less than ideal circumstances with visitors bearing exotic gifts from near and far. The friendly pub landlord is not backed up by community leaders who would rather see this dysfunctional family off their manor as soon as possible. Enough there to keep a Soap in story-lines without needing to invent new hyped-up versions.

Indeed, in many ways, Christmas spells hype in our current culture. But, of course, Christmas actually spells Hope. Hope can be in short supply when jobs are threatened, homes are at risk of re-possession and some of the poorest people in our society become ever poorer.

Yet the birth of Jesus counters a culture of hopelessness. It is about a new life being born into the world and that is itself a sign of hope. But when that new life is nothing less than the very life of God born anew in the world, then that changes everything into positive possibility - nothing can be quite the same again. Living takes on a new meaning as we seek to live in accordance with our Lord's example, whilst in the light of His death and resurrection, death can never again have the last word.

In life and in death there is renewed hope because of the birth of that babe in Bethlehem. No need for new story-lines when Christmas already tells the greatest story ever told.

This comes with my warmest good wishes to you all, and prayers for God's Blessing as you prepare to celebrate this great festival of hope and light and joy.

Water flowing at church in Southern Graveyard

A number of people have reported water flowing from a pipe on the southern side of the church over the last few days. Thanks for being observant and please continue to let us have any unusual observations you come across. However, the water flow is due to an automatic level controlled pump we have in our sub surface boiler room. After heavy rain or snow melt we get severe ground water ingress for many days after the cause has stopped. The pump switches on to keep the room from flooding.
Once again thanks for the info though and please keep it coming.

The Cottage Christmas Show .......TONIGHT!!!!!

The annual 'Cottage Residential Home Christmas Spectacular' is being staged at Nocton Village Hall tonight Sat Dec 18th from 7.30pm. The staff are providing the entertainment and a buffet is included. Tickets are £5 on the door.

Christmas Tree Festival Last Day Tomorrow ...Sun 19th Dec

Please come along and support us.
The Dunston Silver Sounds Brass Band are again playing from 1.30 - 3.30pm
Open 11 - 3.30pm remember Santa is at the Social Club from 4-5pm

Thanks to Jill Shepherd our organist for playing fabulously and continuously from 12 till 2 today.

 and the Bellringing band who rang a quarter peal between 2 and 3pm.

Village Carol Singing and Drinks .....Sun 19th Dec 5.30pm

We are Carol Singing again this year around the village - hopefully not in the blizzard conditions we  had last year. Meet at the Village Hall Sunday 19th Dec at 5.30 sing till 6.30 then back to the Village Hall for Coffee, Tea, Hot Toddies, Mince pies and Sausage Rolls. The Village Hall is for everyone not just the singers, if you're unlucky we might even sing you a carol or two!!!

Ticket refunds for Choral Society Concert.

If you bought tickets for the cancelled concert please drop me a line as I am not sure who bought them and we will refund ASAP.

Christmas Tree Festival and.......Santa!!

Dont forget that the church Christmas Tree festival is on again this weekend.

Saturday 18th 11 - 3.30pm
With our organist Jill playing from 12 -2pm
and possibly our ringers will be ringing a centenary bell peel.
or
Sunday 19th 11 - 3.30pm
Dunston Silver Sounds Brass Band 1.30 - 3.00pm
Come along and sing a few carols.

...and if you've got the children or grandchildren with you,
Santa will be at the Nocton Social Club from 4 -5pm on Sunday afternoon

Choral Society Concert 18th Dec.... CANCELLED.

Owing to current weather conditions, thick compacted ice on the church path and the prediction of more cold weather on the way, we have decided for safety reasons to cancel the Lincoln Choral Society concert planned for the evening of Sat 18th Dec. We apologise for any inconvienience and will refund all tickets purchased.
The Christmas Tree Festival during the days of the 18th and 19th Dec will carry on as planned.

Nocton School Christmas Plays now at the School

The Christmas plays by the school scheduled for 1.30 and 6pm on Tuesday 14th Dec, have now been moved from the church to the school . This is due to the theft of our heating oil and the severe compacted ice on the approach to the church.

Oil Theft........Christmas spirit??

Just to warn people the church had its oil stolen last night......they are at it again around here so please keep a look out and watch your own tanks !!!

Christmas Tree Festival Opened Today

The Church looks fantastic, the Dunston band were superb and the aroma of warm mulled wined filled the air. A number of brave souls came along even though the icy roads are really treacherous. Lets hope it melts away allowing the church to be more accessible over the next few days.

Please come and see what we have to offer and have a look at the great effort put in by the organisations who have taken part.

Nocton Cricket Clubs Tree

Click here for a selection of other tree photos.

Sunday 12th Dec, 11-3.30pm
"Decorate a Tree Day"
Bring your children along to make some decorations and decorate our 'Lonely little Christmas Tree' somebody must love him!!

Beware the Thaw !!!!

After the very cold conditions we are in a slight thaw period. just waiting for those frozen pipes to burst as myself and some other local residents have already experienced.
Make sure you know where your stop cock is and check it will turn and is not jammed open.

Chritmas Tree Festival ....2 Days to go.

Its been all hands to the pump as trees have been put up and volunteer organisations have been decorating them. Even though its not finished yet the church looks superb. We start at 11 am on Saturday 11th and the Dunston Silver Sounds Brass band will be performing from 1.30pm. Come along and enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

Parish Council Meeting Tonight.

The December meeting of the Parish Council is tonight (Tuesday 7th) at 7pm in the Village Hall starting with public questions.

Never to big to meet Santa.

I was shopping yesterday with my daughter Georgie as Branston Community Academy and Bishop Grosseteste College were both closed, hence we were both free. There was Santa in Debenhams with not a soul to talk to so we decided to chat with him. Even at 18 and 47 Santa still has a strong pull. I asked him how long he had been doing the job.........Millennia he replied. Didn't I feel stupid, I knew that already!!!

No more snow for a while, but its going to get very cold !!!

Here's the next 5 days very local forecast from Waddington Met Office.

From the Newsletter - Profile of a Nocton Resident: Scott Studd

Scott is a young man who has lived in the village of Nocton for the last 8 years with his family, dad Glen, mum Dawn & older sister Tanya. He is 18 years old and has a moderate learning difficulty/autism. Scott has attended Queens Park School since the age of 4.

Over the last few years Scott, along with 6 of his classmates, has been working towards his Duke of Edinburgh awards.  These awards fall into 3 categories, Bronze, Silver & Gold. Having successfully completed his Bronze & Silver Awards Scott was keen to participate in the Gold Award, a considerable challenge to anyone that attempts it.  

As part of his Gold Award Scott had to volunteer to help in the community.  To achieve this he spent several hours each week at Hartsholme Park with the park keepers clearing the woodland areas and helping to keep the public areas safe and tidy. Scott doesn’t enjoy working out of doors,  hating the rain! but he persevered and had excellent reports from his co-workers.

Scott was also required to complete a physical challenge; this has to be planned and trained for by the team.  Scott and his team, along with their leaders, climbed Scafell Pike.  En route the team carry out navigation exercises and safety procedures.  This was a long, arduous climb taking in total 9 and ½ hours.  It is to the credit of all the participants that no-one turned back.  Fortunately for Scott it was dry that day!

For the Gold Award a residential section also needs to be completed. This is carried out with students from other schools and colleges who are generally not known to each other. The students spend 5 days and 4 nights away from home taking part in activities which are team building, increasing confidence and self esteem. Scott thought it was  fun and a real chance to do something different!

Not without a sigh of relief, Scott finished all the required components of his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award earlier this year.  On Nov 2nd 2010, Scott and his mum, dressed in their finery, attended St James Palace in London where he met and talked to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, founder of the programme.  The surroundings and atmosphere were quite overwhelming but Scott took them, and the presentation, firmly in his stride.  It was a wonderful, if tiring, day and an experience that Scott can justly be proud of. 

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award is a challenge for anyone, but as Scott has special needs it was inevitable that the challenge would increase.  Scott deserves credit for his achievements, (Mum’s very proud!!) and his willingness to help those of his team that were less able than himself.  Well done Scottie! 

Scott with his Gold Certificate

Village Hall Craft Fayre

Saturday afternoon saw a very good turnout for the Village Hall Annual Christmas Craft Fayre. Some great stalls supporting many different village groups. There was even a suprise visitor......

Guess who ? .........

(Thanks to Sue Morris who noticed I had put the wrong day when I originally posted this.)

Forthcoming Meetings.

Wednesday 1st Dec, Nocton PCC meeting at Ruth Eagles House 7.30pm
Wednesday 1st Dec, Nocton Village Hall Management Committee 7.30pm
Tuesday 7th Dec, Parish Council Meeting, Public Questions at 7pm

A Request......

We need to find 8 stands for real Christmas trees for the Festival. If you have one that would support a 5' tree and won't be using it this Christmas we would be most grateful if you could lend it to us. We will obviously return it afterwards.

In addition I need to source 8 pieces of fairly thick ply or similar, of dimensions 32" x 32" (or say 32" X 28-36")if you have something in your garage you could donate please contact me ASAP.

Any help on either of these would be really appreciated. Thank you.

Thanks to 'Glew and Smith' our Sponsors.

Glew and Smith the Lincoln based firm of Architect and Surveyors have very generously offered to sponsor our Christmas Tree Festival by providing funding to purchase all the Christmas Trees and the Lights. We are extremely grateful for this very generous donation and send our thanks to David and Chris.

Tenderers last day.

All the tenders for the works on the church have to be sumbitted by tomorrow and our final costed submission to English heritage has to be with them by the 7th Dec. So its all hands to the pumps at the moment as David Glew and Matthew Stephens, our architects assemble the huge swathe of documentation we have to submit. I am meeting them Thursday evening so we can check it all through and sign it off. In the meantime as the figures are coming together I am drafting two further funding applications which had to wait until the final figures had been realised.

Tools for Self Reliance

In next months magazine there will be an article asking for your donation of old hand tools and haberdashery equipment. It is part of an appeal by the charity 'Tools for Self Reliance' (TFSR) who help support tradesmen in Africa. I am posting a You Tube video here by TFSR to give you a flavour of their organisation.

Christmas Tree Festival - Update

Our local bellringing band have also offered to decorate a themed tree. Thanks Guys.

Christmas Tree Festival - 11/12/18/19 Dec 2010

Looks like its going to be a very festive couple of weekends.
To date we will have trees decorated by:

All Saints, Nocton
St Andrews, Potterhanworth
Nocton WI
Nocton Social Club
Nocton School Gardening Club
Nocton Art Group
Branston Community College
Nocton Cricket Club
The Cottage Residential Home

Thanks to all of those groups who have come forward so far. There are still a couple of spaces so if you are interested please let me know ASAP. If anyone would like to decorate one with the theme of the RAF and Nocton Hall Hospital I think it would complete the picture.

Remembrance Sunday

We had an excellent turn out for our Remembrance Sunday service at All Saints. In addition to the Eucharist we had the formal act of remembrance, 2 minutes silence and then all the congregation were invited to lay a poppy on the High Altar. Rev Les Whitfield presided and Canon Tim Thompson preached the sermon. Afterward Chris Hewitt and Liz Murray took a Remembrance home communion service at the Cottage Residential Home where nearly 20 residents and 8 guests joined us.

Tenderers Visiting the Church

The 4 construction and 2 conservation firms tendering for the restoration works are now in the process of visiting the church to finalise there tenders prior to the submission day of Wednesday 24th Nov. Unfortunately one of the firms tendering for the conservation works has pulled out so we will only receive the 2 in respect of the artwork restoration.

Now the Echo runs with the War Memorial Story!

The Lincolnshire Echo have today picked up on the story of the War Memorial from the Sunday Star.

Click here to see article.

Village Photographic Competition

Remember to get your entries in to Pete Askew or Philip Franklin before 23rd November.
This years subject: Activities in Nocton.
Pictures cost £1 each to enter and should be no bigger than A4,
For futher details check out our November newsletter. Click Here

Nocton Social Club AGM

Social Club AGM Thursday 11th Nov at 8pm in the Club. All members welcome to attend.

Diocese Response to the Sunday Star Article of 7th Nov 2010

Find attached a link to download the response from Lincoln Diocese in respect of the 'Poppy Wars' article.

Click here to download article

Sunday Star and the War Memorial

An article appeared in yesterdays Sunday Star attacking the Lincoln Diocese and its decision not to allow us to install the WW2 memorial in the church. This article has not been sanctioned by the PCC of All Saints and the journalist had been asked previously not to write such an article. We respect the decision made by the DAC and the Diocesan Chancellor at that time. If the situation changes in the future we would welcome that, but at this time we accept the memorial can only be displayed in the church on a temporary basis.

Tenders for Roof Repairs and Conservation Works.

Things are moving quite rapidly on the repair front at the moment. A number of businesses have expressed interest in undertaking the reroofing work, of which 4 have been selected to tender in full for the works. In respect of the internal decorative conservation works 3 companies have been selected to tender for this work. After a visit from the heritage rep from Sandtoft tiles we now have a quote for the replacement tiles on the North faces of the Nave and Chancel roofs. They will be hand made tiles, to a mix specifically formulated to be the best match with the current tiles. Around 12,000 tiles are needed. Garfield Weston have also acknowledged my further grant application - so we wait in anticipation for the outcome of that.

Christmas Tree Festival - 11/12/18/19 Dec 2010

All Saints Church, Nocton is holding a ‘Christmas Tree Festival’ over the weekends of the 11/12^th and 18/19^th December 2010.

We are looking for organisations in our local communities, to sponsor a tree and to decorate it in a theme that represents their activities, giving visitors a flavour of Christmas and of the variety of organisations in our locale.

Trees and lighting will be provided, so your task is to setup and decorate the tree probably during the days of Thursday 9^th and Friday 10^th of December.

The event will be advertised widely in the local press and on the radio, giving all participants a way of promoting themselves. We would therefore like participating organisations to prepare some sort of display to go with their tree to give information about themselves. This may consist of photographs and/ or some printed materials.

We are looking for around twelve organisations to sponsor a tree.

All profits from the event are going to be split, with half going to our church roof restoration and the other half being donated to the Dunston Silver Sounds Brass Band, to support their work and the opportunities they give to young players. The Dunston Band will be performing on Saturday 11^th 1.30-3pm, and Sunday 19^th 1.30-3pm, bringing a real Christmas feel to the festival.

The church will be organising refreshments: coffees, teas, mince pies, plum loaf, mulled wine etc, which will be on sale throughout the day.

We hope you would be interested in taking part in the event, which we feel is a superb community event for the forthcoming  Christmas season.

As time is short I would appreciate it if you could let me know before Friday 12^th of November as to whether you would be willing to take part. For any further information please phone or email me.

Latest Newsletter

The November 2010 newsletter is now available to download.

Click here to download PDF version.

Forthcoming Meetings.

Tuesday 2nd Nov, 7pm - Nocton Parish Council
Wednesday 3rd Nov, 7.30pm - Nocton Village Hall Management Committee
Thursday 11th Nov, 7.30pm  -  Nocton Social Club AGM

Group Eucharist Tomorrow.

On Sunday there will be our rotating (5th Sunday) group Eucharist Service. This time it is at St Andrews, Potterhanworth and starts at 9.30am. Rev Les Whitfield will preside as the three parishes of Potterhanworth , Branston and Nocton come together in worship.

Halloween Fancy Dress Disco Tonight!!!

Nocton Social Club are putting on a Halloween Fancy Dress disco tonight in the Socal Club/Village Hall. Starts around 7.30pm. Tickets: Adults £3, Children £1.50. Come along and enjoy yourself.

The New War Memorial.

The Archdeaon has contacted us today,querying a report that he has received about us installing the WW2 memorial in the church. This is not the case as we were refused permission to do so. However it has been temporarily in the church stood on an artists easel since the heritage weekend. At that time it was on display along with many other items. It was subsequently left there as we have nowhere to store it and artsNK are not inclined to complete it, not withstanding it costing £3000 to date!

Re-Roofing Scheduled 1st Jul - 30th Nov 2011

David and I, have pencilled in the period from 1st July to 30th Nov 2011 for the structural works to take place. This has been identified as the least interfering period in respect of Bat activity and breeding. This is the key consideration in timing but it gives us plenty of time to get the tile match correct.

While this may or may not involve internal scaffolding it certainly will involve the exterior of the building being scaffolded for much of that time. How this will effect the use of the church over the period is not clear at this time.

Summer Weddings may be an issue and we will need to discuss each and every case carefully.

Roof Tiles on the Church.

Sandtoft Tiles from Hull have been on site at the Church this morning with our architect, David Glew, taking samples of the various types of tiles to look how they can best colour match them. The proposal is for new tiles to furnish the North Chancel and North Nave Side and the Southern aspects to be refitted with the best of the reclaimed tiles. There are a few different sizes and colour variants which will have to be matched to the approval of English Heritage. These will be bespoke tiles for our church.

The original style of tiles can no longer be manufacturered as the firing process would now contravene every health, safety and environment rule going. So it is a best match exercise.

Good News on Funding!!!

With the funding cuts across all areas of public expenditure announced yesterday, I had been a quite worried about the survival of the the 'Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme" which refunds VAT for major Church repair projects. However the Dept of Culture, Media and Sport has today announced that it has decided to retain the scheme and refund at the new 20% rate, however it has narrowed the scope of the eligible works. We will in effect lose around £4,000 (phew!) it could have been £30,000.

We are back on track

Click here for more details

Cancelled Service

Owing to illness, there will be no evening prayer tonight at Nocton.

Funding Cuts

In the current cycle of funding cuts we are no more immune than anyone else. There is a real possibility that the VAT refund scheme which enables listed places of worship to claim back the VAT charged on major repair works, may be scaled back or even abolished. To this end we are starting to have a look at a reduced repair option. The priority will be the chancel roof and its artworks, then the level of renovation of the Nave will very much depend on how the finances look in the new year. A complete abolition of the refund scheme could cost us in excess of £30,000 if the full works go ahead. But we like all, must tighten our belts and make our spending more effective.

Sunday Eucharist at Potterhanworth

Its the 3rd Sunday in the month so Rev Les Whitfield will preside at our service of Holy Communion. Starts at 9.30am, tea and coffee afterwards.

Church Bat Survey

As part of the roof repairs, we had to undertake a 'Protected Species Survey'. This was principally to investigate the types and habits of the bats that use the church. We have just received the final report. The result is that we have identified that the Nave is used as a maternity roost and during the breeding season we can't work on this area. A program of works will now have to be prepared to allow for this 'stop' period on the Nave. There is no similar condition applied to the Chancel. We can only work on the Nave after May 14th.

Big Cats in Nocton !!??

A train driver, driving the Sleaford to Leicester service was just leaving Metheringham and rounding a corner going uphill at Nocton when he saw a large sleek 'Black Cat' in a field along the side of the line. The driver Anthony Rushby said it was the size of a Labrador.

Click here to see the full Echo article

Have you seen one?

Nocton School Quiz TONIGHT!!!

Nocton School Fundraising Quiz

Tonight 8pm in the Londesborough Arms, Metheringham.

Bishop Tim Rocks!!!

If you want to enjoy a fun evening of various types of music with food and wine thrown in, why not go to the event being staged at St Mary Le Wigford, Church, St Marys Street in Lincoln on 20th Nov. Bishop Tim, his Sons and their band will perform, as will Rev Jeff Heskins and his ukulele as George Formby, and contemporary piano music from Tim Williams, organist of St Wulframs, Grantham.
The event is in aid of the 'Beattitude Project', which supports the Nomad Trust, YMCA and Addaction.
Tickets are £12.50 and are available from the Rev Liz Jackson 07799 724908.

Click here to see the Echo article on the event

Its a really good cause.

New Parish Councillor

Following the resignation of Gerry Watchus, Ian Goldsworthy has now been elected, unopposed, to this vacancy.

Ian moved to the village three and a half years ago and lives in The Barn, Halls Yard, with his wife, Janet (who works in the post office) and Old English Sheepdog, Ben!

Ian worked in local government in London for 35 years before retiring to Lincolnshire and now works part-time at RAF Digby.  He is very interested in local issues and ideas which will benefit and improve the village.

Ians contact details will be available in the next Newsletter

Nocton Photographic Competition

You have probably got your flyers through the door today about this years Village Hall Photographic Competition. Get snapping and have a go !!!
Topic  - Village Activities
Must be taken in the last 5 years.
Must not have been entered before.
Photos of children must be accompanied by parental permission.
£1 entry no larger than A4
Submit entries by 20th November to:
Philip Franklin 3 Wellhead Lane or Pete Askew 31 Wellhead Lane

Approval!!

Preliminary approval has been given to our re-roofing plans (subject to some fine details). I have just given Glew & Smith authority to proceed on the tendering processing. As the contract is going to be in excess of £100k, and has a large contribution of public funding, the tendering process has to be independent and above board. We are obliged to use a facility site called mytender.com as are all public bodies. We will hopefully long list to ten then shortlist during November.

Diocesan Planners Meet to Review Our Roof Proposals.

Just finished assembling the roofing tile specifications for the church after a long conversation with our conservation tile roofing consultant - Richard Jordan, its now gone to our architect - David Glew. Looks like the tiles some 10,000 will have to be hand made to a special recipe if they are to be similar to what is already in place. All the drawings and specification are being reviewed by the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC - our planning authority) tomorrow, if they give us tentative approval we can can put the tendering process into action. Please remember us in your prayers. This is a key time for the process anything amiss now could cause chaos!!

Today is the Festival of St Wilfrid

Today in the Church of England is the festival day of St Wilfrid of Ripon. Born in 709 he was a Bishop and Missionary. He is also the Patron Saint of St Wilfrids Church, Metheringham.

Click here to learn more about him

Prayer for Today

Almighty God

who called our forebears to be the light of the Gospel

by the preaching of your servant Wilfrid

help us, who keep his life and labour in remembance,

to glorify your name, by following the example

of his zeal and perseverance;

through Jesus Christ your son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God , now and forever.

Amen.

Church Lead Thefts

Lead theft from churches has seen a huge increase and locally All Saints, Branston has suffered more than most. Thankfully they are now replacing the lead with steel. Read the article in todays Echo.

Click here for the full Echo article

Updated What's On

Check out the updated 'What's On' to see whats coming up across the village.

Photos of Vicars 1767-2007

I've just uploaded a folder of photos of all our vicars from 1776-2007. There may never be another!!!

Click here for photos

Sunday Eucharist

Its the 2nd Sunday in the month so Rev Les Whitfield will preside at our service of Holy Communion. Starts at 9.30am, tea and coffee afterwards.

Funding for roof repairs - an update.

To date we have been promised £96,000 from English Heritage, £10,000 from the National Churches Trust and a further £1,000 from the All Churches Trust, we have also raised over £5,000 this year from sponsorship and the concert season within the village. We are probably short of around £20,000 at current estimates, therefore in respect of this I have just submitted a further grant application to the Garfield Weston Foundation based in London. Lets pray we are successful with them as well.

A New Blog!

I decided to start this blog to keep a track of all the different activities that go on, in and around All Saints, as we work in, around and with our local community. We have a strong congregation and the church involves itself in many village activities. I'd love to get involved more with the community and get some kids back to church. Lets hope we are not creating a generation of lost souls.