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Ten pupils from Church of England Schools from all over the diocese have received their Bishop's Badge in recognition of their commitment to Christian values in their schools and communities.

The badges were presented by Bishop Malcom in a service at Derby Cathedral and were nominated by their head teacher for their generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love.

Pupils from St James CE Junior School led readings and prayers.

Nominating Jack, his head teacher said: "Jack took it upon himself to raise money for charity by completing a 5 km inflatable course. He requested that all donations go to the Sick Children's Trust Charity which is a charity close to his family’s heart, and has asked questions to find out how he and others can help children who are sick. Jack also shows great compassion in and out of school and was recently nominated to become an anti-bullying ambassador.

"He is very aware of the thoughts and feelings of others and values difference greatly."

Another head teacher said: "George works hard to encompass his love of nature and history to serve the Lord. He shares his knowledge generously to support the school and local community. 

"George has helped to transform the lives of others by actively working with the younger children in school to be a role model independently taking on the role of pastoral support to make sure all children in school are safe, well and have a voice.

"He has taken on the role of head boy this year however, at no point has he ever put himself first he continues to put others including the adults in school first."

bishops badge schools 2023 presentation main 16x9 2000

 

Other citations from head teachers included:

As Hebrews 13:16 states, ‘Generosity is a simple act’ – however, in Amber’s case, it is a way of life. Amber leads worship with dedication and empathy. She is a great friend to others and offers support to not only her peers, but to staff and visitors too. Her caring and supportive nature is ever-present and this is typified in the way she conducts herself around younger children in the school.

Cara goes above and beyond to show love and support to her peers; always noticing if someone is struggling or left out and offering friendship; showing what it means to build community by supporting and welcoming everyone. Her unquestioning support for others during tough times, even when she herself has been experiencing difficult situations, is transforming to those who she stands alongside and a model for others to follow.

Frankie shows kindness, always helping the younger children. She happily gives up her own social time to help others. Frankie lives out our school values of P.E.A.C.E – and this nomination demonstrates how she meets the C for compassion. 

Despite the challenges that he has faced over the last year, Freddie has remained able to put the needs of others first. He is a fabulous role model and has earned almost all available prefect badges. He has generously shared his treatment journey with the whole school, embodying courage and inspiring his peers through his complete dedication to all that he does. As a school community, we are stronger for knowing and working with him.

Manahil shines God’s love onto everyone she meets. She encourages and supports her friends and champions them when they have done well in class or out on the playground. She reaches out when she sees someone in need and truly embodies our school’s Christian values of love, friendship, compassion and respect.

Martha is a driving force behind writing the school’s Friday worship, which she does without being prompted. Her prayers are heartfelt, beautifully sensitive and reflects meaningful links to school worship themes. Martha is generous – she gives her own time for others, despite facing many significant personal challenges. Martha cares deeply about her family, her school and broader community.

Spending time in Mia’s company enriches everyone. She does not change things by being argumentative or forceful but by modeling unfailing love. She is one of our school chaplains and works to ensure all children and adults feel welcomed and part of our collective worship. I aspire to be as positive and loving as Mia!

Rudi epitomizes courage – to not be able to do the same but, without complaint, to delight in what can be done. We are all learning every day from his positive attitude and determination to learn. He is a role model to everyone at our school in always doing the best you can in all the ways you can.
The History of Bishop's Badge

In 1927, the Diocese of Derby was founded and Bishop Edmund Courtenay Pearce, the first Bishop of Derby, arranged for a medal to be struck to celebrate this new beginning.

Copies of the medal were presented to prominent members of the diocese and to all those being confirmed in that year.

In recent years, the seventh Bishop of Derby, the Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, arranged for a replica of this medal to be minted and mounted in the form of a badge.

As the eighth Bishop of Derby, Bishop Libby continues this tradition.

Each year these badges are awarded based upon recommendations made to the bishop, as a gesture from the diocese to acknowledge outstanding service to God's church.

bishops badge schools 2023 presentation 02 16x9 2000
Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:11

The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, has announced that the next Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales will be The Revd Canon Nicky Fenton.

Nicky has served as the Acting Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales for the past four months.

As archdeacon, she will have responsibility for the western region of the diocese, from Hadfield and Glossop in the north to Sudbury and Egginton in the south, in Peak, Carsington, and Dove and Derwent Deaneries.

She will champion for rural and market town mission and ministry across the whole diocese.

>> Meet Nicky Fenton

On making the appointment, Bishop Libby said: “Nicky already knows and loves our diocese. She has made a significant impact as Acting Archdeacon of Peak and Dales and is deeply committed to rural and market town mission and ministry and confidently advocates that they thrive for the sake of the Kingdom of God as good news for all.

"Nicky’s experience of leading churches across a range of contexts, including in multi-parish village benefice, is complemented by her rich history of effective partnership working to bring about sustainable change for common good.

"Nicky’s professional background in education brings a commitment to schools, the flourishing of children and their families.

"The appointment panel, led by Mark Titterton, Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance, was impressed by Nicky’s passion and creativity and her demonstration of resourcing effective transformation.

"I am delighted that we will be continuing work together with Nicky in our diocese.

"Please pray for her and her family as they navigate the transitions of the coming months.”

Canon Nicky said: “I am delighted and thrilled to accept the invitation to be Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales. I have loved being acting archdeacon and feel deeply honoured and privileged to be able to continue the work.

“It has been an exciting adventure and I have thoroughly enjoyed forming relationships and partnerships with people across the archdeaconry.

“My prayer is that knowing we are loved by God, and supported by each other, we can give ourselves wholeheartedly to serving God in the communities and worshipping contexts we are part of; and consistently and persistently move forward in generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love.”

Diocesan Secretary Will Hagger said: “This is wonderful news for the Diocese of Derby. Nicky has excelled in the role of acting archdeacon.

"I am confident that with her knowledge of the diocese, she will be a great support for our dedicated clergy and church officers across the archdeaconry.”

Nicky will continue to serve as acting archdeacon ahead of her installation as Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales later in the year.

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:11

Eight new priests and six new deacons have been ordained by the Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Rt revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton. The special Petertide services took place in Derby Cathedral.

Ordination services are a time to celebrate and welcome new deacons (those to be given the title Reverend) and priests (deacons who have been training under an incumbent for a year) into the diocese.

With support of family and friends, the new deacons and priests were presented to Bishop Libby and made their declarations.

Welcoming those in the cathedral, Bishop Libby said: "Ordination is a significant moment for those who are called by God to these roles, and it is the start of the next phase of their journey.

"It is also significant for all of us who are here and we must uphold and encourage them in their ministry and pray for them."

 

The new deacons are:

Josephine Chamings, to serve in the Benefice of Brampton St Thomas and Brampton St Mark,

Peter Dale, to serve in the Benefice of Mackworth St Francis,

Emma Mallord, to serve in the Benefice of Littleover St Peter and Blagreaves,

Clare Owen, to serve in the Benefice of Mickleover and the Parish of Radbourne,

Lisa Price, to serve in the White Peak Group and Yougreave, Middleton, Stanton-in-Peak and Birchover,

Nicholas Radford-Powell, to serve in the Benefice of Buxton with Burbage and King Sterndale.

>> See photos from the service of the Ordination of Deacons.

 

The new priests are:

Fiona Barber, to serve in the Benefice of Sinfin Moor,

Elliot George, to serve in the Benefice of Dronfield with Holmesfield,

Josephine Harbidge, to servein the Benefice of Walton St John,

Sam Mackie, to serve in the Benefice of Swadlincote and Hartshorne, the Benefice of Newhall and the Benefice of Gresley,

Fay Price, to serve in the Benefice of Derby St Alkmund and St Werburgh,

Rhiannon Singleton, to serve in the Benefice of Dinting Vale, and the Glossopdale Mission Community,

Lisa Taylor, to serve in the Benefice of Hulland, Atlow, Kniveton, Bradley and Hognaston,

Cathie Watson, to serve in the St Werburgh Derby Mission Initiative.

>> See photos from the service of the Ordination of Priests.

  

You can find out more about the new deacons below.

Ordinands 2023 - Clare Owen

Ordinands 2023 - Clare Owen

Former teacher Clare is a self-confessed history geek and also keen to explore faith in families and schools. See More
Ordinands 2023: Peter Dale

Ordinands 2023: Peter Dale

Peter felt called to be a church leader when he was just a teenager. He will serve at St Francis, Mackworth. See More
Ordinands 2023: Emma Mallord

Ordinands 2023: Emma Mallord

Emma, who will serve in Littleover and Blagreaves, is passionate about church planting and new ways of being church. See More
Ordinands 2023: Josie Chamings

Ordinands 2023: Josie Chamings

Josie is passionate about diversity in the church and will serve her curacy in Chesterfield. See More
Ordinands 2023: Nicholas Radford-Powell

Ordinands 2023: Nicholas Radford-Powell

Meet Nicholas, who will serve his curacy in the Buxton area, following his ordination on 2 July. See More
Ordinands 2023: Lisa Price

Ordinands 2023: Lisa Price

Lisa will serve in the Benefice of the White Peak Group and the benefice of Youlgreave, Middleton, Stanton in Peak and Birchover. See More
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Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:04

Bishop Libby has ordained six new deacons at a special service at Derby Cathedral.

>> See the pictures here

Last modified on Sunday, 02 July 2023 15:48

Bishop Libby has ordained eight new priests at a special service at Derby Cathedral.

 >> See the pictures from the service

Last modified on Saturday, 01 July 2023 21:33

We love all the creative and different ways churches are engaging with their parishes and beyond.

Our vision is The Kingdom of God, Good News for All and it's great to see how so many churches in the Diocese of Derby are sharing stories of their success in achieving transformed lives through growing church and building community.

Here are a few that have caught our eye recently:

 

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:10

The Church of England’s National Giving Team made 50 contactless giving devices available to parishes in the Diocese of Derby for free and this week they have been distributed ready for immediate use.

The National Giving Team recognises the many new challenges which influence our ability to sustain Gods work in our parish churches.

As we evolve into a cashless society, parishes need to consider the various methods available to allow generosity.

Steve Johnson, Living Generously Advisor for the Diocese of Derby said “This is an amazing opportunity to enable church visitors to support the ministry in our parishes, whether they are members of the congregation, attending a special event, or just taking some quiet time in your church, a contactless giving device allows their generosity to become a reality. God calls everyone to be generous. Generosity through contactless donations enables transformed lives, a growing church, and the building of community. The Kingdom of God – Good News for all”

Quotes from the Diocese of Derby Digital Contactless Donation Device Rollout 2023

Representatives from St Helen’s Etwall said "I just wanted to thank Steve for a very well-prepared session, you've done a great job here! We were impressed by the device, ease of use and functionality…The great news is that it can be left in church, plugged in permanently".

Representatives from All Saints Youlgreave said "A huge, huge thank you for organising today. I was so excited to pick up the device and it is so easy to manage. I cannot believe all the campaign pages and screens were set up for each church! Just in time for well dressings too which is just amazing! This is such a wonderful way for small churches in parishes to help themselves grow financially and with the sharp decline in cash in recent years, such a wonderful and timely grant to support parish churches like our beautiful church here in Youlgreave. I know it will do wonders for our fundraising and the sustainability of the church in the future.

For more information on contactless giving and living generously, please contact Steve Johnson, Living Generously Advisor at steve.johnson@derby.anglican.org or 01332 278151.

 

Device

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:09

Anne Sherwood, church warden at St Philip’s Chaddesden has received the “Community Hero Award” at the Derby Volunteer Awards on Thursday, 1 June 2023.

She received the award for her tireless work each week as the church warden and chief caterer at St Philip’s, and community shop volunteer at the Aspire Community Alliance at St Marks Derby.

Anne is a key part of the church community. You can find her providing meals and caring for the those who visit the community café on Thursdays, serving breakfasts on one Saturday each month, supporting school events, running toddler and craft groups and assisting other groups who use the space and need a hand, such as Derby County Community Trust and Derby Adult Learning Service.

She pours her heart and soul into the community and without her so much would cease to function.

Anne said, “I am so pleased to accept the award and share it with my colleagues in Aspire (St Mark’s) and at St Philip's. Five hundred years ago, St Teresa of Avila wrote, ‘Christ has no body on earth but yours.’ and so challenged Christians to demonstrate God’s love through personal service to others. Volunteering provides opportunities to pay back a lifetime of blessings, but it is certainly not one-sided. It’s a social experience working alongside others and supporting each other to achieve results. Volunteering can be FUN. – Try it!”.

Revd Sarah Watson, Area Dean for Derby City Deanery and Enabling Minister for St Philip’s Chaddesden, said “I am absolutely delighted that Anne has won this award. She really is an unsung hero who gives so much to this community as an outworking of her faith in Jesus. In her acceptance speech she spoke of the teams she works with; this is a real example of the Body of Christ in action, all playing their part in seeing lives transformed and touched by the Kingdom of God”.

The event took place during Volunteers Week 2023 and was presented by Community Action Derby and Derby Volunteer Centre in partnership with Derby Homes.

 

>> Learn more about Community Action Derby

>> Learn more about St Philip’s Chaddesden

 

 Photos taken by S.H Photos and used by permission of Community Action Derby. 

Volunteer Awards Trophy

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:18

Bishop Malcolm has crowned King Charles in a special service in Derbyshire.

Charles (his real name) aged 7, was crowned King at Melbourne Infant School.

The Coronation was watched by scores of pupils and teachers at the school, who cheered as the new King greeted them wearing his ancient crown and robe and carrying his ceremonial sceptre.

Following the ceremony, the Year 2 pupil said: "It was very exciting.

"The best bit was when the crown was put on my head.

"As King, I will visit every class during the day and take part in their lessons."

Bishop Malcolm said: "It was a privilege to be asked to be part of this historic occasion and to meet so many of the pupils at Melbourne Infant School.

"Apparently, there is another coronation happening tomorrow in London, so the pupils will hopefully now have a good idea of what it's all about!"

King Charles and Bishop Malcolm were assisted by Revd Steve Short, Vicar of Melbourne, and by the school's headteacher, Mrs Gibbs, who said: "This is a historic event in the lives of our children and something that they will not have seen before!

"We felt it was important to mark the event in a special way.

"All week in school we have been doing coronation crafts, lessons and workshops and today’s coronation ceremony will top off our celebrations!

"All the children were so excited for the coronation – especially our King Charles himself!"

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:20

Derbyshire has its very own version of the Bayeux Tapestry to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Residents in the parish of Brailsford and Ednaston worked together to create the impressive embroidery, which measures 10.85 metres.

The project was organised by Brailsford and Ednaston Churches Together.

Planning committee member Lucy Thompson had the idea of creating the commemorative embroidery, drawing on the history of All Saints Church in Brailsford and village resident Laura Burrill, a community arts practitioner, was commissioned to design the embroidery and facilitate workshops throughout March.

Working together with residents, Laura created a design depicting an imagined scenario of the coronation day, with villagers parading from community buildings to the King and his royal party.

The section depicting the Coronation is flanked by hundreds of small squares embroidered with motifs inspired by the things villagers love about the place they live.

The connection between Brailsford and Ednaston goes back to the Domesday Book where Brailsford was awarded ‘a priest and half a church’ and Ednaston ‘half a church’ resulting in All Saints Church, situated between the two villages.

The Brailsford Bayeux was unveiled at a special service in All Saints Church on Saturday, 29 April attended by Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, the Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby and Revd Andy Fyall, Nottingham and Derby Methodist District Chair.

The tapestry will be on display over the Coronation weekend.

After the Coronation celebrations, it is hoped that the tapestry will be on display in various places locally throughout the year.  

Some interesting facts about the Brailsford Bayeux:

  • 406 small squares (4x the original goal) were completed by individuals and groups in the community. Each square shares memories, love, and gratitude.
  • A team of 26 worked the main panel in just seven weeks.
  • 292 members of the community were involved, the youngest being 2 and the eldest 94.
  • The tapestry went from idea to finished result in less than 16 weeks.

Brailsford Bayeux 2 16x9 1

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:05

The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, has admitted ten new readers in a special service held at Derby Cathedral.

Seven were admitted and licensed as readers and three were admitted as readers with permission to officiate.

Speaking to them at the service, Bishop Libby Said: "I am pleased and privileged to admit you as readers in the Diocese of Derby.

"Readers are a really important part of ministry as together we seek to help more people in the diocese to know Jesus.

"May the Lord give you wisdom, courage, strength and love to do his will."

>> See the photos from the Celebration of Reader Ministry with the Admission & Licensing of Readers

Those admitted are:

David Beale, to serve in Parish of Longstone

Caroline Carr, to serve in the Benefices of Swadlincote and Hartshorne, Gresley and Newhall

Sara Eames, to serve in the Benefice of Alvaston

Alison Henshaw, to serve in the Benefice of Chellaston

Terry Nash, to serve in the Parish of Allenton and Shelton Lock

Margaret Roberts, to serve in the Benefice of Glossop

Garry Sherwood, to serve in the Benefice of Stanton by Dale with Dale Abbey and Risley

Christine Walker, to serve in the Benefice of Matlock Bank and Tansley

Andrew Walley, to serve in the Benefice of Etwall with Egginton

Judi Witcomb, to serve in the Benefice of Mickleover and Radbourne.

Please pray for them all and for the communities where they will serve.

Readers in the Church of England are licensed lay ministers whose ministry can include a range of responsibilities including preaching, teaching and leading worship.

There are more than 8,500 readers actively involved in ministry in the Church of England today.

congregation at  the licensing of readers 2023

The new readers are welcomed by family, friends and colleagues

Last modified on Wednesday, 04 October 2023 16:32

The Dean of Derby, the Bishop of Derby and His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire invite you to a Special Commemorative Service for the Coronation on Sunday, 7 May 2023.

The service, at Derby Cathedral, will start at 17:15 and those attending are asked to be in their seats by 17:00.

All are welcome to attend.

The Very Reverend Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, said: "The coronation is a significant moment in the life of both the Church of England and the nation, and it is right that we should celebrate it with prayer, thanks and worship.

"This service will also help the communities of Derby and Derbyyshire prepare for The Big Help Out, which takes place the following day."

derby cathedral coronation service invitation

Last modified on Tuesday, 09 May 2023 10:07

Three long-serving and dedicated members of the diocesan community have received Maundy money at this year's presentation, held at York Minster.

Canon Jack Cooper and Val Grahl were nominated for the honour by Bishop Libby.

It was the such service since the King's accession to the throne

Canon Jack, from Hathersage, is a PCC member, serves on Peak Deanery Synod, Diocesan Synod and Bishop's Council.

Val Grahl is a lay member of Chapter at Derby Cathedral, has served as co-chair of the Community Committee and is currently Interim Chair of the Cathedral Council.

They were joined at the service by Joan Plant, from Eyam, who was nominated by Buckingham Palace.

Joan has been churchwarden at Eyam St Lawrence and has an extensive knowledge of the history of the village and its association with the plague of 1665/6.

 

Special memories

Describing the occasion, Val Grahl said: "It was a very, very special day.

"King Charles presented me with the two purses, one red and one white, and held my hand and said how pleased he was to be able to give them to me.

"I simply replied, 'thank you, Your Majesty' as there was no time for a conversation, but it left me with a feeling of awe and sheer privilege to have received it from the King."

In the white purse were seven sets of silver 1p, 2p, 3p and 4p coins and an additional 4p coin - totalling 74p and signifying the King's age.

The red purse contained a silver 50 pence piece with the King's head and a depiction of the Windrush Generation, and a silver £5 coin embossed with the King's head and the number 75 to signify his next birthday.

There were about 2000 people in York Minster and they were treated to some 'wonderful organ music' before the service began, including works from Handel, Mendelssohn, Bairstow and Franck. 

"The service itself began with a fanfare," said Val. "And then 2000 people singing Praise to the Holiest sent a shiver down my spine!

"The organisation was superb - so smooth - and there were people on hand to help with everything.

"I will never forget the special feeling of being in the Minster with the King and all those people."

In total, 74 men and 74 women received Maundy money, one for each year of the King's age.

Maundy Thursday is a symbolic ceremony, dating back to AD600, where the monarch gives out specially-minted coins.

The recipients are traditionally older members of society, who are recognised for their contribution to their church and community.

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:06

Christ Church, Hulland has been awarded a silver Eco Church award. Below are a few of the main initiatives undertaken in the five areas of church life that helped them achieve the award. 

Worship

  • Worship leaders followed the Green Lectionary during Creationtide. 
  • Messy Church Goes Wild had an outdoors nature scavenger hunt and an indoor session reflecting on creation.
  • In Great Big Green Week, we presented ‘What is Eco Church?’ to our Mothers’ Union branch, followed by an eco- quiz.

The Church building 

  • We calculated the carbon footprint of our church in 2022 and agreed to attempt yearly improvements in energy efficiency. 
  • We continued with a recycling collection point for medication blister packs in the porch. 

The Churchyard

  • We had a ‘Churches Count on Nature’ event in June –see photo. Interested members of the church & community surveyed the churchyard on 2 occasions. We identified 110 species of plants and animals. Our records were sent to the National Biodiversity database.
  • We installed a 3rd bird box and 2 bird feeders.
  • We continued to manage the Conservation Area for nature as well as people.

Lifestyle

  • Our church email and weekly Pews News regularly included items relating to caring for God’s earth and eco-tips towards a sustainable lifestyle.
  • We had a Jigsaw Swap Sunday to facilitate re-use of puzzles.

Community and global engagement 

  • Letters, endorsed by the PCC, were written to our MP and County Councillor asking them to address nature loss and climate change as a priority in their recommendations and decision making. 
  • We continued to be a Fairtrade church.
  • We twinned our toilet with one in Malawi through the Tear Fund scheme.
  • We encouraged another church in our Benefice to get started with Eco Church

Penny Northall, Eco-church lead and PCC member said: “I would like to thank our Rector, Rev. Phil Michell, other worship leaders and the PCC for being so supportive in this eco-church endeavour. We are now working towards a gold award.”

Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 16:24

Joan Plant, from Eyam, has been revealed as one of the recipients of Maundy money at York Minister on 6 April.

And she said she "cried for a full half-hour" when, in February, she received her letter from Buckingham Palace inviting her to receive it.

She said: "My husband had gone down to make breakfast when the postman came.

"He brought the letter upstairs and said 'I think you'd better open this!'

"When I saw it had the Royal stamp on it I just looked at it for a few minutes, wondering what it was all about - and also thinking that the postman would be wondering what I'm doing!

"It was a big surprise and I just felt so humbled.

"I'm just a small person in a small village and I feel really honoured to be able to receive [the Maundy money].

"I'm not receiving it just for me, but taking the whole village with me, in my mind."

Joan has lived in Eyam - often known as the Plague Village - all her life.

She has been churchwarden and has an extensive knowledge of the history of the village and its association with the plague of 1665/6.

>> Parish spotlight: Eyam St Lawrence

>> Eyam recreated in fruit cake

The Revd Mike Gilbert, Rector of Eyam, expressed his delight for Joan. 

He said: "I can't think of a better person to get it - she is pretty much 'Mrs Eyam'!

"Joan has been a long and faithful servant, not only to the church but also to the village and she is known, loved and respected by everyone here."

The King and Queen Consort will distribute the Maundy money at York Minster in the first such service since the death of Queen Elizabeth.

There will be 74 recipients, one for each year of the King's age.

Maundy Thursday is a symbolic ceremony, dating back to AD600, where the monarch gives out specially-minted coins.

The recipients are traditionally elderly people, who are recognised for their contribution to their church and community.

Last modified on Wednesday, 05 April 2023 13:54

St Philip's Church in Chaddesden, Derby, has seen a growth in both community and congregation, thanks to its year-old café and support groups.

The church has positioned itself as a community facility and partnered with Derby County Community Trust and others to provide not only affordable meals, but also mental health groups for men, a dads' network, debt counselling and much more.

The Revd Sarah Watson, Enabling Minister for St Philip's, said: "What I kept hearing was 'weve got no pub, we've got no café, we've got no community space'. 

"So I looked at this space and thought, well, why not?"

Following a period of planning and finding funding, the venture eventually got off the ground - initially on two days a week.

Now the church building is also a thriving community hub.

Revd Sarah said: "Many places have mum's groups available, but we have men's groups, a men's mental health group so to have a space for dads to come to is great.

"Having said that, a menopause group is also on the cards.

"We have craft groups, a fibromyalgia group and a debt clinic. The café is used by walking groups and a bowling group too.

"So I've told the community that we have an amazing space, and asked how can we facilitate this being a space that is here for the whole parish?"

Engaging with the community has also seen congregation numbers increase.

Some of those visiting now also go to Sunday services, and the Christmas Carol service saw more than 70 people go along - more than treble the previous year.

>> Find out more about St Philip's Chaddesden.

Last modified on Thursday, 28 September 2023 15:55
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