Items filtered by date: August 2025
Be part of our Diocesan Christmas Carol video
There’s nothing quite like singing carols together at Christmas.
Sadly, this year, we can’t hold our usual carol services – so we’re going to try to make a special version of O Come, All Ye Faithful to get us all singing as a diocese, in the spirit of hope and togetherness … and we’d love you to take part, by videoing yourself(selves) singing this most well-known of carols!
How to take part [PDF] | Download the audio track [mp3] | Download the words [PDF]
Fri, 4 December 2020
The fire that gutted All Saints' Church in Mackworth last night fire has resulted in severe damage to the building's interior.
Speaking to the BBC, Clive Stanbrook, area manager for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said: "The roof has now completely fallen in on itself and the internal damage is extensive."
He added that the spire and the external walls are intact and fire crews had continued to ensure there was no further damage to the building late into the evening.
The fire was discovered just after 4.30pm on Thursday.
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.
An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.
Revd Jacqueline Stober, vicar of All Saints, said the fire had been deeply distressing for the churchwardens, congregation and the communities that had done so much for the church, but she was confident that worship would continue at the site in some form: "People have worshipped in this place for a thousand years and, somehow, worship will continue here for the next thousand years."
She also posted on Facebook: "As we stood on Lower Lane watching the roof burn, I was so struck by how much love there is out in the community for All Saints.
"I have had messages of condolence from across the country from people who have sent messages of prayer and support to us at this terrible time.
"The fire can’t touch our memories of Sunday school and youth group; the place we first heard that we were loved by God beyond measure; weddings; baptisms; funerals, summer fairs and Christmas tree festivals.
"All those life events brought to church to take place under the loving gaze of our Heavenly Father and in the company of those we love."
The Right Reverend Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, praised the fire crews for their efforts and asked for prayers for all those affected by the fire.
She is expected to visit Mackworth at the weekend and to participate in a special service being planned near the site for Sunday morning.
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.
