Items filtered by date: August 2025
Fire crews have been fighting a serious fire at Mackworth All Saints church.
The alarm was raised just after 4.30pm on Thursday (3 December).
Six fire engines were sent to the scene including two ladder platforms.
Firefighters were able to protect the tower to a large extent, but were unable to save the nave roof.
Mackworth All Saints, dating from the 12th century, lies to the north of the A52 road at the bottom of Church Lane.
Speaking from the scene, the vicar, Revd Jacqueline Stober, said: "It's a terrible scene and we don't yet know the full extent of the damage.
"I got a call from a churchwarden to say there was a fire and as I drove to the church I could see smoke and a glow on the horizon so I knew is was bad.
"This is horrible for all the congregation and for those who have looked after this church for many years - some have put their heart and soul into it."
The Right Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, said: “With the congregations and community of Mackworth, I am shocked and deeply saddened by the fire at this beautiful building.
“This church has stood as a witness in this place to the Good News of Christ for centuries, and in the midst of our grief for this loss we remember that Jesus, who has been worshipped in that church for so long, is still with us even in the midst of this disaster.
“We are grateful for the courage of those who fought the fire and my thoughts and prayers are with them and all those affected.”
The present building was largely built in the 14th and 15th centuries, with additions in the 19th century and Derbyshire alabaster featuring prominently in the interior decoration.
The beauty of its setting has made it popular for weddings.
The Revd Penny Goodchild, Assistant Curate (OLM) of Pinxton 2011-2015 (Derby), Assistant Curate (known as Associate Priest - OLM) of Pinxton 2015-2020, who retired in March 2020, died on Friday,18 December 2020. Funeral details will follow in due course
The Revd Nicky Fenton, Priest-in-Charge of Hazelwood, Holbrook and Milford, with occasional work as the Bishop’s Ordained Chaplain and on educational matters, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed by the Church Commissioners to be Chaplain to the Bishop of Derby and Residentiary Canon of Derby Cathedral in the same diocese. Mrs Fenton hopes to take up her appointment in March. Mrs Fenton will continue as Acting Retirement Chaplain and the Bishop’s Advisor in Spirituality as part of her new role.
The Revd Colin Cooper, Team Rector in the North Wingfield Team, has announced his retirement. Mr Cooper’s last day in post will be Sunday, 28 February 2021, with his retirement taking effect from Monday, 1 March 2021. Mr Cooper will be moving away from the diocese.
The Revd Sarah Watson will be licensed as Interim Assistant Curate (to be known as Enabling Minister) of Chaddesden St Philip with Derby St Mark, of Spondon, the parish of Derby St Andrew and St Osmund, the Derwent Oak Bishop’s Mission Order and the Journey Community Bishop’s Mission Order, Diocese of Derby, on Monday, 4 January 2021 at 4pm by the Bishop of Derby.
The following appointments have been made and will be taken up with immediate effect alongside their present roles.
Acting Director of Ordinands
The Revd Carollyn McDonald
Please email about ordinand matters using carollyn.mcdonald@derby.anglican.org
Assistant Director of Ordinands
Mr Steve Hayler
Please email about ordinand matters using steve.hayler@derby.anglican.org
The Revd Jacqueline Stober
Please email about ordinand matters using jacqueline.stober@derby.anglican.org
The Revd Sarah Watson, Assistant Curate of the Derwent Oak BMO (including St Philip’s Church Plant) and of Spondon, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Interim Assistant Curate (to be known as Enabling Minister) of Chaddesden St Philip with Derby St Mark, of Spondon, the parish of Derby St Andrew and St Osmund, the Derwent Oak Bishop’s Mission Order and the Journey Community Bishop’s Mission Order in the same diocese. Mrs Watson hopes to take up her new appointment in January.
The Revd Alun Rowlands, Assistant Curate (SSM - known as Associate Priest) in the benefice of Mickleover, has announced his retirement. Mr Rowlands’ last day in post will be Thursday, 4 February, with his retirement taking effect from Friday, 5 February, 2021. His contact details will not change.
For Advent, the people of Killamarsh have been invited to decorate windows and light up the North East Derbyshire village.
And in conjunction with the Killamarsh Christmas Community Project 2020 themed on Light, Love and Hope, Revd Helen Guest contacted local nursing homes, nurseries and schools offering Christmas resources.
The response has been extremely positive and plans are being made to distribute the gifts in early December.
The idea of the gifts has offered Light, Love and Hope.
St Giles’s Church will be offering Bethlehem Carol Sheets and CDs to the residents and staff of the two nursing homes, copies of My Mini Bible Sticker Book Christmas to 123 children who attend nursery and the 603 school children will receive ‘Meet the Cast’ booklets.
The CofE Comfort and Joy booklets will be distributed to the local community on behalf of St Giles.
Killamarsh Methodists are also supporting by handcrafting beautiful Christmas stars with a gift tag of Matthew 2:2: "We have seen his star in the east and have come to worship Him. May you find Christ’s peace, joy and fellowship this Christmas."
The stars will be given to the staff and residents of the nursing homes, nurseries, schools, and the St Giles community.
As part of the project, candles will be distributed across the village with enough for every key worker, as a thank you for being ‘lights of Killamarsh’ and continuing to shine through this pandemic.
Prayer
Stir up, O Lord the wills of your faithful people;
That we, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of your good works
May by you be plenteously rewarded;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Archdeacon Carol’s Stir-Up Christmas Cake recipe:
Download the recipe [PDF]
Ingredients:
500g Boiled Mixed Fruit (represents Giving / Talents / gifts)
250g Butter / Margarine (represents Caring / sharing)
400g Sugar (represents Joy and Happiness)
Mixed spice / nutmeg (represents Holiness / treasures)
Cherries (represents Kindness)
3 Eggs (represents Hope / New Birth)
500g Flour (represents Love / Friendship)
Milk (represents Faith / Strength)
Method:
Boil up the mixed fruit in a saucepan for 5 mins.
Use a colander to remove the water and add the fruit to a large mixing bowl.
Add the butter cut up into small cubes, stir until melted.
Add sugar and stir.
Add 2 teaspoons of spices and cherries.
Add 3 eggs seperately and stir in well.
Add flour gradually and keep stirring until a consistent mixture.
Add milk to mix and stir.
Bake in a lined, square 8-inch cake tin for 1 hour 30 min, at 150 - 180 C / gas mark 2 - 3 depending on type of oven.
When cool, cover and place in a sealed tin to mature.
Ice with marzipan and white icing, decorate as preferred.
Canon Linda Wainscot, formerly Director of Education for the Diocese of Coventry, will take up the position as Interim Diocesan Director of Education for two days a week during the Spring term 2021.
Also, Dr Alison Brown will continue to support headteachers and schools, offering one and two days a week as required, ensuring their Christian Distinctiveness within the diocese.
Both roles will be on a consultancy basis, starting in January 2021.
Linda wainscot writes:
Having had a long career in education, I retired in August 2020 from my most recent role as Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) for the Diocese of Coventry (a post I held for almost 20 years).
Prior to this, I was a teacher and senior leader in maintained and independent schools and an FE College as well as being involved in teacher training.
In addition to worshipping in Rugby, I am privileged to be an Honorary Canon of Coventry Cathedral.
As DDE I was responsible for leading a team that provided statutory and non-statutory services for Church of England Schools, established Multi-Academy Trusts, successfully bid to open St Gabriel’s CofE Academy and, as a member of the Bishop’s Core Staff Team, played a wider role across the parishes, cathedral and chaplaincies, ensuring that the place of CofE Schools remained at the heart of strategic planning.
For two years I was the chair of the Anglican Association of Directors of Education.
At the heart of my philosophy for education is my passion that every young person and adult connected with Church of England schools might experience the love of God in a tangible and life-giving way.
I am honoured to have been asked to support the Diocese of Derby, the DBE and its family of schools and academies for the Spring Term and look forward to 'meeting' and working with you.
Clearly, in this difficult season of COVID19, our interactions will largely be limited to ZOOM etc. However, I am confident that will not prevent meaningful and positive working relationships.
Sarah Warburton, a parishioner at St Michael’s Church in Breaston, was one of around 40 people from the across the Diocese of Derby to be recognised for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic and awarded a Bishop’s Badge. A special service was live-streamed on Zoom from Derby Cathedral where Bishop Libby officially gave recognition and presented the awards.
Sarah was recognised for her work in leading and coordinating the Covid-19 street leaders in Breaston, providing support for the vulnerable and setting up and leading a food collection service for local food charities.
Sarah said she felt incredibly lucky to be awarded the Bishop's Badge: “It certainly feels like I received the Bishop’s Badge on behalf of a fabulous team of volunteers, without whom we definitely wouldn’t have been able to do everything that we have done in Breaston. I collected it on behalf of a group of people especially those who helped make the scheme possible, including Richard Warburton, my Husband, Paul Stuttle, Jo Whitehead and Revd Chris Smedley – vicar at St Michaels Breaston.”
When it looked like a lockdown was likely, St Michael’s Church had a meeting with the Parish Council, the Breaston community forum, the Good Neighbour Scheme and the Methodist Church about how they could respond in the village to help the community. Flyers were sent to each house offering help with shopping, post and prescription collections. Such was the hugely positive response that shortly after 130 volunteers had registered.
The group’s ambitious goal of having a leader on every street in the village was achieved within a week and when things quietened down, the network organised a food collection for the Canaan Trust and the Long Eaton and Sawley Foodbank.
Sarah said: “There were just so many incredible stories coming out of what was happening in the village. One lady was shopping for 10 elderly neighbours and that was at the time that the restrictions were in place.”
Sarah really hopes that the community spirit will continue: “We have been at St Michael’s Church for three years and during that time we have seen so many volunteers from the church being active in the community. At the time of the pandemic, many of those were forced to isolate, so it’s been a really good time for the younger generation to step up and get involved to do their part.”
“We’ve now got the network and hope to continue it. We have a food collection planned for Christmas and with the second wave we have been in contact with everyone again to see if they are available to help and have again received such a great response.”
This year, Bishop's Badges were awarded to nominees who have supported their churches and local communities during the pandemic. The recipients were nominated by clergy in the diocese.
Other recipients this year include Jim Morton of Ripley, who provided online worship opportunities through digital church, social media and zoom and also built an Alexa app to make worship available on smart speakers; Enid Glassey, Lewis Marriott and Pamela Marriott for outstanding volunteering work helping with the Cresswell Breakfast club feeding vulnerable families in our parish during Covid-19; Claire Henley for being a key team member and leader of the Food Hub work at St Alkmund's, Derby, organising care packages that have been delivered to members of the church and local communities; and a vast number of other volunteers who have provided pastoral care, online services and other support, including chaplaincy and hospital visits. and
The Bishop's Badge has historic links, based on a medal that the very first Bishop of Derby, Bishop Edmund Pearce, had struck to celebrate this new beginning.
Medals were presented to distinguished members of the Diocese and to all those being confirmed in that year.
Now, it is a replica of this medal that is mounted in the form of a badge and awarded by the diocesan bishop to acknowledge outstanding service.
Downing Street has announced that Her Majesty The Queen has approved the nomination of the Revd Canon Malcolm Macnaughton, presently Chief of Staff to the Archbishop of York, as the next Suffragan Bishop of Repton in the Diocese of Derby.
Malcolm was educated at Queens’ College Cambridge and trained for ministry at Ridley Hall. He served his title at St Andrew’s Haughton-le-Skerne, in the diocese of Durham, and was ordained Priest in 1982. Malcolm was appointed Priest-in-Charge at the Anglican Methodist Local Ecumenical Partnership of All Saints, Newton Hall in the diocese of Durham in 1985. In 1990, he became Team Vicar of St John’s Hoxton in the diocese of London, and served as Area Dean of Hackney from 1994 to 1999. In 2002, he was appointed Team Rector in the Hambleden Valley Group of Churches in the diocese of Oxford, and became Area Dean of High Wycombe in 2005. Malcolm took up his current role as Chief of Staff to the Archbishop of York in 2007.
Malcolm is married to Pam, an ordained pioneer minister and a leadership specialist with the Church Pastoral Aid Society.
The Bishop of Derby, the Right Reverend Libby Lane said: “Bishops are called to attend to the life of the church and to share in the building up of the Kingdom of God. Malcolm brings, out of his own deep commitment to sharing the love of Jesus, a rich and varied experience of ministry. We welcome his particular gifts in accompanying people hopefully through change, and his passion for reaching those on the margins, and younger generations, with the Good News of the Kingdom of God. We pray for Malcolm and Pam as they prepare to move - that the people and places of Derbyshire and Derby will be a blessing to them, as they will be a blessing to us.”
Canon Malcolm Macnaughton said: “I am much looking forward to working with Bishop Libby and colleagues in the Diocese of Derby, and am excited by the task ahead. The COVID crisis is tough for everyone, and we need to be focussed on bringing real hope to those most at risk, those living in poverty, and young people who have so much to offer, but whose opportunities for education, development, and employment, are so limited just now. It is great to see the Church in Derby and Derbyshire finding new ways, alongside the old, of being church and seeking the common good. What a privilege to be called by God to join you and to share the next stage of this journey! ”
The Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell said: “I am delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has appointed Malcolm as the next Suffragan Bishop of Repton. Malcolm’s work here at Bishopthorpe alongside Archbishop Sentamu, and latterly with me, has given him huge experience of the workings of the Church of England and this will be of enormous value in the Derby diocese. At heart, Malcolm is a pastor. His gentle demeanour, fine grasp of detail and tenacious faithfulness will make him an excellent bishop. And his heart’s desire is to make Christ known. He will be hugely missed here at Bishopthorpe and across the northern province. We offer our prayers and best wishes for this next chapter of ministry for Malcolm, his family, and the Diocese of Derby.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby said: “I’m grateful to God as we welcome Malcolm to this role at a challenging but exciting time for the Church and for Diocese of Derby. He has many years’ experience as a vicar, working in partnership across communities and helping people face the difficulties and sorrows of life – as well as celebrating its joys. For 13 years, alongside then Archbishop Sentamu, Malcolm worked tirelessly to serve him in spreading the story of hope that we have in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. This will be his message as Bishop of Repton – that whoever we are, we can have that hope, because of the love of God in Christ. Malcolm is committed to growing and deepening the Church, which reflects the diverse communities in which we minister. He has vast overseas experience and is a man of grace, warmth and humility. I warmly welcome him to his new ministry.”
Malcolm succeeds Bishop Jan McFarlane, now Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Lichfield.
Malcolm will be ordained and consecrated a bishop by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, in a service early next year.
Malcolm was introduced to the diocese at St Mark's Church, Derby
