News and Events
The success of the Bishop of Derby's Harvest appeal, Trees for Life, Burundi, means that extra help can be given to the people of the Diocese of Bujumbura after suffering more climate-change devastation.
Last year, the appeal set out to raise £5,000 for a tree planting project in the world's poorest country, where the roots will help stabilise the land to reduce erosion and prevent lives, livelihoods, buildings and livestock being washed away by worsening seasonal rains.
Once again, the people of the Diocese of Derby showed extraordinary generosity and the final total raised is £12,428.
The Diocese of Derby pledged to get the project under way on two of the hillsides around Bujumbura, Gisovu, and Nyamaboko, but because more was raised than originally expected, the work can be extended to the Buhina and Kabumba hillside communities.
Recent floods and mudslides in the area have made the work all the more urgent.
Announcing the final total, Bishop Libby said: "Thank you for the generosity that enabled this money to be shared with our friends in Bujumbura for such vital work.
"Thank you even more for the care-filled prayers that continued to be offered for our sisters and brothers in Christ there.
"We do pray that as work continues to protect and sustain the physical environment from ongoing damage caused by erosion and mudslides by planting trees on vulnerable hillsides, congregation and communities would also know the continuing presence of the risen Christ, and put down deep roots into His love to grow resilient and fruitful for His Kingdom."
The Revd Bernard Rwambigo, who is managing the project for the Diocese of Bujumbura, has recently sent Bishop Malcolm an update, detailing the current situation and how the work is expected to progress.
People in Bujumbura watch their land being washed away
The Revd Bernard Rwambigo writes:
‘The province of Bujumbura is one of the 18 provinces that make up the Republic of Burundi.
It comprises nine communes, including Kanyosha.Bujumbura province, commonly known as rural Bujumbura, is also one of the provinces crossed by the Congo-Nile ridge.
The province's most mountainous communes are Isare, Kanyosha, Kabezi and Mubimbi.
Among these more mountainous Communes, Commune Kanyosha lies on the edge of the city of Bujumbura, where houses abound, continuously under threat from the consequences of erosion from the Commune's non-afforested hills.
Bujumbura's housing at the foot of these four hills is at the same risk.
From July 2016 to March 2022, a project funded by Norwegian Church Aid in the Communes of Mutimbuzi, Kanyosha, Kabezi, Isare, Mugongomanga and Kabezi, one of whose activities was the reforestation of bare areas was not able to cover all their hills, including those in Commune Kanyosha.
The hills in the commune of Kanyosha that are high risk are Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills.
The effects of climate change on the these hills continue to be felt: according to the administrator of this commune. Following torrential rain and strong winds, more than 10 dwellings, a church and a school were destroyed, and many fields were damaged; domestic animals were swept away by lightning and others by landslides, to name but a few. See photos of recent flooding and mudslides.
Yet the hill's inhabitants have not been able to take economic action to achieve resilience to the effects of climate change. The Diocese of Bujumbura is committed to protecting the environment and combating climate change, and is standing by these communities to help them address these issues.
As a result of the bare soil caused by the lack of reforestation, natural erosion is in full swing and continues to carry away everything that can be transported by water: small living creatures made up of animals and plants, resulting in genetic erosion where even native trees no longer grow. As a result of this natural erosion, food production is no longer improving.
The consequences of lack of reforestation:
- Erosion manifests itself in the loss of fertility of arable and non-arable soil, which makes it impossible for farmers to sustain their livelihoods.
- Climate change: climate change is causing temperatures to rise, increasing respiratory illnesses and the disappearance of some animals and plants.
- Both of the above contribute to persistent and worsening poverty and ill health.
The overall objective of this extended project is “To contribute to the reduction of the bare soil of the Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills, Commune Kanyosha, Province of Bujumbura".
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Specific objective no. 1: Reduce soil erosion by 20% on the Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills in high-risk areas.
Specific objective no. 2: Initiate 16 climate resilience economic groupings.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Expected outcome 1.1: By September 2024, 40% of the 280 women and 40 young people beneficiaries in the Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills will have traced contour lines on their landholdings.
Expected Outcome I.2: By December 2024, 20% of the open spaces on the Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills will be planted with trees.
Expected outcome 2.1: By July 2024, at least 16 savings and credit groups, including 14 for women and 2 for young people, will be operational.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project aims to solve the problem faced by the inhabitants of the Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills in Commune Kanyosha, Province Bujumbura. The problem concerns the bare soil of the four hills.
This problem will be solved by contouring all cultivable and non-cultivable areas. Awareness-raising campaigns for members of the local administration and the population will be carried out on the importance of contour marking, contour protection and tree planting.
The beneficiaries will be the heads of households and young people up to the age of 45. These beneficiaries and young people will be given nurseries. Beneficiaries will operate in groups of 20 people each. 16 groups will be formed, including 2 youth groups and 14 adult groups (women mothers of households). The number of direct beneficiaries will therefore be 280 women and 40 young people, making a total of 320 beneficiaries representing 320 households. According to Burundi Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (ISTEEBU), a household consists of 8 family members. The number of indirect beneficiaries is therefore 320x7= 2,240 people.
Other indirect beneficiaries are the population of the four hills and those living below the four hills in the intervention zone.
In these groups, a savings and credit approach will be introduced, so that beneficiaries can set up a fund to help them purchase nursery raising equipment to sustain the project after it ends. The savings and credit approach will use the Self Help Group (SHG) process.
A project team will be set up, consisting of a focal point living in the same locality of Gisovu, Nyamaboko, Buhina and Kabumba hills, two agricultural monitors who are already in the field on salary, an agronomist already on the payroll of the Diocese and the Coordinator, also on the payroll of the Diocese. The accountant will be from the Diocese.
A database will be developed at the start of the project. Data collection sheets to monitor the indicators will be drawn up and made available to the monitors and the focal point. These sheets will be collected on a monthly basis, and the narrative and financial reports to be sent to the donor (Diocese of Derby) will be drawn up on a quarterly basis and whenever necessary.’
(A slightly abridged version of the extended Project Proposal prepared by the Revd Bernard Rwambigo, Diocese of Bujumbura. April 2024)
Please keep this extraordinarily important and valuable work in your prayers.
+Malcolm
Bishop of Repton
Recently, many Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers) came together with Bishop Libby at St Barnabas Centre in Danesmoor for a quiet day.
LLM(R)s play an important role in the public ministry of the Church by teaching the faith, enabling mission in the everyday, and leading in church and society.
They are key leaders in our churches, and work collaboratively with clergy colleagues across the diocese.
On Saturday, 3 May 2025, 12 LLM(R) candidates will be admitted to the Office of Reader 2.30pm in Derby Cathedral, after which they will take up their new ministry.
We’ll be sharing details on the LLM(R) candidates in the coming weeks.
The Bishop of Derby's office has announced that a Thanksgiving Service for the Revd Ian Mountford will be held on Thursday, 9th January at 12.45 pm at St Alkmund’s Derby (DE22 1GU).
A private family funeral service will take place earlier that day.
Refreshments will be provided in the church hall. Any donations will go to the Nightingale Macmillan Unit – Royal Derby Hospital.
Revd Ian Mountford died on 7th December, 2019.
Derby Cathedral will host a public interfaith vigil for Ukraine on Sunday, 3rd April.
Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, and Quaker representatives are scheduled to speak at the vigil which starts at 3pm, and everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to light a candle, reflect in silence and sign the Book of Solidarity.
The vigil has been organised with the support of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Derby branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain,, and co-ordinated by Derby's Multi-Faith Centre.
Peter Robinson, the Dean of Derby said: "What people in Ukraine have experienced is beyond comprehension.
"This vigil is a way for people of all faiths and none to show their support for all those affected by this crisis. It is an opportunity for everyone to offer their prayers to God that all those affected should find comfort, that there will be an immediate end to bloodshed and a speedy and peaceful resolution.
"The fact that this demonstration of support is coming from different faith traditions is, I think, especially powerful and an opportunity for faiths to both pray and work together for the common good."
According to research carried out by the International Organisation for Migration between 9 and 16 March, the United Nations refugee agency estimates ten million people have now fled their homes in Ukraine because of the Russian invasion. As well as the 3.6 million who have left for neighbouring countries, another estimated 6.5 million people are thought to be displaced inside the war-torn country itself.
Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby Cathedral comments: "What people in Ukraine have experienced is beyond comprehension. This vigil is a way for people of all faiths and none to show their support for all those affected by this crisis. It is an opportunity for everyone to offer their prayers to God that all those affected should find comfort, that there will be an immediate end to bloodshed and a speedy and peaceful resolution. The fact that this demonstration of support is coming from different faith traditions is, I think, especially powerful and an opportunity for faiths to both pray and work together for the common good".
Around ten faiths will be represented at the vigil, a hugely significant moment for both cathedral and city.
Dr Vivekanand Sharma, Temple Priest at Hindu Temple Geeta Bhawan in Derby, said: “The suffering and pain of the Ukrainian people is felt by the Hindu Community and we sincerely pray that a lasting solution to the current crisis is found very soon and life returns to as normal as could be under the circumstances. On behalf of the Hindu Temple and Membership, we pray for peace and tolerance in Ukraine”.
Chief Imam, Mufti Hafiz Fazal Ahmed Qadri from Derby Jamia Mosque, said: "We believe there's power in prayer. We're not going to change the course of events, but we can certainly express our pain and our commiseration with the people of Ukraine.
"We stand united with all those affected by war and conflict in Ukraine, Kashmir, Afghanistan and many other places around the world."
A series of reflections for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day.
Palm Sunday
What do we look for in a leader amidst the violence, anguish and confusion of our world today?
Physical strength, smooth talking, intelligence or the common touch?
Or would we welcome anyone who might make things a little better?
Perhaps this is how it was for the crowds of Jewish pilgrims who travelled the difficult desert road up from Jericho to Jerusalem, shortly before Passover so many years ago.
From the top of the Mount of Olives, they would have gained their first glimpse of the ‘City of Peace’.
Thankfulness and awe would have welled up from deep in their hearts as they began to sing the great pilgrim psalms of praise and victory.
Then suddenly a man appeared amongst them on the road.
Some said he was a wise teacher from Galilee in the north, a miracle-worker and healer; some said he was the Messiah, a long-awaited liberator who would drive out the Romans and make Israel great again.
Others claimed he was a peace-maker, riding a young donkey in fulfilment of ancient prophecies.
Some said he was Jesus, the one who saves.
Crowds hacked palm branches from the trees, waving and crying out in welcome.
Some spread their cloaks on the road for him to ride over. Excitement mounted. What was going to happen?
Hopes were soon dashed. This was no glorious liberation or victory.
Apparently the man was just another trouble-maker with no respect for Law or Temple.
A quick arrest and trial; another miserable cross on Golgotha…
End of story - or was it?
Who was this Jesus? Many today are still asking the same question, drawn by his compelling journey to the cross - and beyond.
Perhaps here is a leader we can follow?
April McIntyre
Derby Cathedral Café Writers’ Group
St. Michael’s Church, Breaston
Maundy Thursday
As Christians, on Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus ‘new commandment’ to love one another as he has loved us, and we commemorate the institution of the Lord's supper.
Additionally in some churches on Maundy Thursday, in memory of Christ’s action at the Last Supper, foot washing takes place.
I’ve been reflecting on John’s recounting of Peter’s reaction to Jesus approaching him to wash his feet, what it says about him, and the example he presents to us.
Because I sometimes wonder if Peter gets a bad press – often he’s thought of as someone who speaks hastily, without really thinking about what he is saying.
But I often reflect that even in those moments of speaking hastily he reveals a heart that, though it may not always have understood, revered and deeply loved Jesus.
And the same is true in this instance.
Foot washing was the job of the lowliest person in the room.
So naturally for Peter the idea of Jesus undertaking this role would be unthinkable - Jesus was his Lord, not his servant. So he argues.
But when Jesus replies that the alternative is for Peter to have no share with him, Peter immediately wants to be completely washed by Jesus - not just his feet.
His love and strength of desire for relationship with Christ shine through his reply.
Though he perhaps didn’t realise it at the time, Peter desired what was accomplished on the cross. A complete washing away of his sin.
Foot washing is an intimate action.
It is possible to feel quite vulnerable when someone washes your feet.
And I wonder what my reaction would be if Christ had approached me as he approached Peter that day.
I hope that it would resemble the strength of honour and love that Peter showed: ‘Lord, not my feet only…’
Charlotte Wallington
Curate
Benefice of Hathersage, Bamford with Derwent, and Grindleford
Good Friday
What do we do when our prayers have gone unanswered, our hopes have been left hanging and our dreams are dry and withering?
Jesus’ disciples had to face this very challenge on the day that they saw their saviour hanging on a cross dying.
He was supposed to save them.
He was supposed to set them free.
He was supposed to fulfill the promise long waited for.
They had given up everything to follow him because they believed that he was the one.
He had healed, spoken and loved like no man they had ever seen.
And hadn’t they seen him stand alongside Elijah and Moses? Robed in white as though heaven was touching earth?
How could they have fallen so far in such a short space of time?
How could things have gone so wrong?
The thing is… they couldn’t have known the hope that was embedded in the cross.
They couldn’t have known the healing that this one action would release.
They had no clue that this moment of incredible loss would lead to freedom for all creation.
They just needed to look beyond their moment to see that God had a larger salvation than they could have possibly imagined.
They needed to see past their own lives to see that their land, their people weren’t the only ones that needed to be set free.
They needed to extend their vision to see that promises are always fulfilled… in God’s time.
But it is hard, and we are tired.
When our prayers go unanswered, we can become so transfixed in this moment that we forget to remember that God is eternal. We can hang all our hopes on such fragile things, forgetting that God holds the whole universe in his hands, and we can trust him to hold our lives there too.
And, when our dreams die, as they sometimes do. We forget to ask God to give us new dreams. Dreams bigger than this moment, bigger than our own land our own ‘world’. Dreams that will go beyond our time and reach into eternity.
Good Friday is good because it isn’t the end.
Let us hold on to the hope that wherever we are in this moment, it isn’t the end but the beginning.
Debbie Patrick
Reader - Swadlincote and Hartshorne
Gresley and Newhall
Easter Day
The experience of the past two years of Covid, and now of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, causing terrible suffering there and repercussions for people across the globe, have changed the atmosphere of our lives and of our time.
It is harder for people to be optimistic.
People are tired, anxious, and fearful.
On the positive side, there is much kindness and sympathy for those at the sharp end.
Offers of hospitality to refugees, donations given and sent – all this follows hard on the heels of the dedication of so many key workers, so much appreciated in the thick of the pandemic.
If we are to win through in these times, it will be because of love.
In 1930 Russian communist leader Nikolai Ivanovich Bukharin, one of the most feared and powerful men of his time, travelled from Moscow to Kyiv to promote the atheist teaching of his party.
Speaking to a large crowd he heaped as many insults as he could upon the Church and the Christian faith.
He appealed to the people of Kyiv to reject Christ, and embrace atheism.
At the end of the meeting the local parish priest stood and calmly dismissed the crowd with the usual Orthodox easter greeting - Christ is Risen!
The crowd thundered back in response – ‘He is risen indeed – Alleluia!’
Russian Orthodox have looked to Kyiv as the origin of their faith, since in 988AD Vladimir the Great, whose sculpture stands outside the Kremlin, was baptised there, leading to the majority of the Russian and Slavic peoples turning to Christ.
Jesus wept for Jerusalem.
I am sure he has wept for Kyiv.
At this new turning point, perhaps, in world history, we must look to Jesus who by the cross faced down the powers of darkness, violence and evil, suffering apparent defeat, before rising to victory, ‘disarming the principalities and powers’. (Colossians 2.15)
How did he do this?
By faithfulness to God, by humble service, by costly self sacrifice, by love.
Our thoughts this Easter must be with those traumatised by violence and evil, and our faith, hope, and love turned into prayer and action that can change the world.
Remember, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us.
Love wins.
Malcolm Macnaughton
Bishop of Repton
The Avenue Church of England Primary School Application Approved!
Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) is delighted to announce that the Department for Education has approved an application to establish a new Church of England primary school at The Avenue development site, near to Wingerworth.
The new school will be developed as part of the Government’s Free School programme.
It will create much needed nursery and primary school places for families as the number of residential dwellings on The Avenue site increases alongside other developments in the local area.
The proposed Church of England primary school and nursery will be inclusive and open to pupils from families of all backgrounds and faiths (including no faith) where every child will be welcomed, respected and nurtured.
The school will offer a family-friendly approach with breakfast club and after-school provision offering a wide range of enrichment activities, operating as a community hub and supporting community cohesion.
DDAT is a multi-academy trust of 28 schools situated across Derby and Derbyshire and has a successful track-record of working with schools (including in the Chesterfield area) to improve provision.
In September 2018, DDAT successfully opened the first Church of England secondary school within the Diocese of Derby when Derby Cathedral School opened its doors to its first cohort of students.
DDAT has the experience of both rapidly improving schools and supporting established high-performing schools. DDAT is excited to create this new provision and will ensure the new primary school at the Avenue is a success from day 1.
Chief Executive Officer of DDAT, Mark Mallender, said: “I am thrilled that the Department for Education has approved our application for a new primary school and nursery serving the Wingerworth and Clay Cross areas of Chesterfield.
"We now have the opportunity to work with parents and the community to develop a highly effective school that will ensure our pupils make exceptional progress and leave fully prepared for their secondary education.
"The DDAT team are ready and excited to begin detailed work on developing this school and will ensure that plans are shared with the community as part of future consultations.”
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Young People, Councillor Alex Dale, said: “We’ve worked with Derby Diocesan Academy Trust on planning for this school and I’m sure that they will do an excellent job in getting it built and ready for the students who will attend.
“It’s great to see the government supporting the council in investing in first-class educational facilities to help give children and young people in Derbyshire the best possible start in life.”
The Trust will start planning its pre-opening programme, including consultations and events in the local area, leading up to the opening of the school.
The Trust will share its programme as soon as it is developed and agreed with its strategic partners including the Department for Education and Derbyshire County Council.
Family Fit is a series of videos specially made for the Diocese of Derby as part of the Bishop's Harvest Appeal 2020 and the commitment to supporting mental wellbeing in Derbyshire.
This series of five 20-minute, fun-themed family workouts, led by Kay Skinner, a Church of England sports minister, includes Magnificent Mondays, Talented Tuesdays, Wild Wednesdays, Thankful Thursdays, Fabulous Fridays.
They will premier each morning during the October half term break at 9 a.m. - so make sure you join in!
There is no special equipment needed - just make sure you have ample space for your family to move around while you follow Kay's classes.
This is a great way to get your family active, keep fit, do something together and, most importantly, help to look after your physical and mental wellbeing.
So please share this page with your family, friends, colleagues and schoolmates and let's all get Family Fit!
St Augustine's Church, in the parish of Walbrook Epiphany, has presented three Derby schools with a range of Christian books.
Revd Karen Bradley, vicar of Holy Trinity, Shirebrook, has praised a group of Year 11 students’ handiwork after they built and installed a brand-new noticeboard outside the church door to keep her parishioners in the know.
She said that the noticeboard, which was made and installed by students at Shirebrook Academy, is a “thing of beauty”.
The students took on the task as part of their practical foundation studies, assisted by design technology teachers Simon Dosanjh and Simon Langrick, who guided them through the process from building the noticeboard out of wood and then sanding and staining it to give it the finished look.
They then visited the church to fix it into position.
Karen Bradley said: “We had a noticeboard installed previously, but it had certainly passed its sell-by date and a bit of an eyesore, but the new noticeboard is a thing of beauty and hopefully it will be used more than the previous one was.
“I want to thank the students for all their hard work, it was such a wonderful thing for them to do for us, a real blessing, and it’s brilliant to see the students discovering how the things they learn at school apply to the community.”
Student Thomas, 15, said: “I really enjoyed doing something different for the community and helping people out, but it was also cold installing the noticeboard and getting it level was a challenge.”
Claire Armstrong, head of design technology at Shirebrook Academy, said: “It was really nice as a department to do something practical and contribute to the community.
"We’re in the midst of really uncertain times, because social distancing rules means we can’t do as much practical work as usual, but this project was able to go ahead and allowed us to give something back to the parish after they generously donated some bibles to the school’s Philosophy and Ethics department.”
This year sees the 10th anniversary of Thy Kingdom Come, a prayer movement launched by the archbishops of Canterbury and York 10 years ago.
Since its launch, Christians in 172 countries now participate and more than 85 denominations are involved.
Thy Kingdom Come is truly global in its reach!
Thy Kingdom Comes focuses on the 10 days between Ascension Day and our celebration of Pentecost.
Think back to the story of the disciples after Easter, waiting patiently in Jerusalem, full of expectation and anticipation, for the gift of the Spirit which Jesus hadnpromised.
If they were honest, it was all a bit frightening as they didn’t quite know what the gift would involve.
They may not have realised what the impact of the Spirit would be – for them all it would be a costly gift involving the giving of their own lives in witness to the risen Jesus - yet they waited in
obedience to Jesus’ instructions.
This year the focus is on the words of the Lord’s Prayer, the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray and which we pray in every act of Anglican public worship.
The published materials say: ‘the prayer Jesus taught us transcends the ages, uniting people across different denominations, generations, and nations.
We believe that now, more than ever, we need to pray Thy Kingdom Come over our homes, communities, nations, and our world.’
The resources include reflections on the Lord’s Prayer from a range of different voices from across the world to help us experience something new in a prayer that many of us are familiar with.
Thy Kingdom Come has travelled a long way in 10 years.
Let’s engage with it this year and become part of the story with global Christians.
Let’s enter the hope and expectation that the first disciples experienced in those days before the first Pentecost in Jerusalem.
Let’s create an opportunity every day in the 10 days between the Ascension of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit, to notice where God is active in the world, in the church and in our own lives, and
to commit ourselves to cooperate with God’s work.
Why not visit thykingdomcom.global and see how you can get involved in your parish?
There are resources to help the Church pray and especially there is an encouragement to pray for individuals close to us.
We are encouraged to pray for five people each that we with them may know the gift of God’s Spirit in their daily lives.
On Friday, 30 May, from 7pm to 10pm, Derby Cathedral is holding a prayer vigil for Thy Kingdom Come to which all are invited.
Why not hold a vigil in your parish church and open your own parish community to the growing involvement in Thy Kingdom Come
The Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson
Dean of Derby
On 1 March 2025, Belper Town Football Club welcomed their new Chaplain Revd Rachel Burdett. Revd Rachel was joined by Bishop Libby who presented the man of the match.
It turns out that Bishop Libby and Revd Rachel were lucky mascots on the day as Belper Town FC won 2-0 v Garforth Town FC.
Photo L-R: Revd Rachel, Bishop Libby, Ian Woodward (BTFC Chairman) and Lee Attenborough (BTFC Manager)
Revd Rachel said: It was exciting to watch my first Nailers’ game, especially as they won! I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and adding my support to the team. It is an important part of life in Belper and it is an honour to be the new chaplain.
Ian said we welcome Revd Rachel as our new Chaplain. We look forward to working with her as she continues to build on the existing relationship with Christ Church Belper and we look forward to welcoming her to support “The Nailers!”.
Photo Credit to Tim Harrison (BTFC)
Church buildings are not currently required to close and there is currently no obligation for churches to re-open in the event of a royal death. It will remain at the discretion of individual PCCs.
Private prayer should not be discouraged for those who feel the need to do this in a church building, but social distancing MUST be maintained for as long as the government restrictions dictate.
Having received one or more doses of the vaccine does not exclude anyone from adhering to the rules.
People should not be allowed to gather in groups.
Any church that wishes to consider re-opening MUST submit a risk assessment and have it approved by their archdeacon prior to opening.
Churches that are already open for private prayer etc may experience an increase in numbers and in some cases it may be necessary for them to re-assess their arrangements to allow for the increase. This may necessitate additional marshalling in and around the building.
Condolence books
An online condolence book is now open for individuals and communities to record messages. Government guidance under the current Covid-19 precautions is that physical books should not be offered.
Flags
Flags should be flown at half-mast during the mourning period(the correct procedure is to lower flags completely and then raise them to half-mast).
Flower Tributes
Visitors should not be allowed to leave flowers inside church buildings as this maybe a route for infection. Flower tributes outside should also be discouraged.
Bells
Guidance on how and when bells should be tolled will come from the cabinet office in due course, and we will share this information to you as soon as we are ableon this page.
When it comes to getting married, not every bride can tie the knot in their first choice of church. One lucky bride who did is Kelly Hewitt.
Video courtesy of BBC East Midlands Today
