Items filtered by date: December 2015

The Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG) successfully launched their recognisable symbols project; all housed in one website – www.accessiblechurch.net.

The symbols enable churches to make a positive difference by openly displaying the accessibility available to support worshippers with all kinds of disabilities and neurodiversity.

As a result of this project, Helen James, Disability Project Manager for the Church of England confirmed that the symbols will be made available for all parishes throughout all dioceses to use and implement.

They will feature in a free national webinar on Tuesday, 4 November 2025.

As the diocesan lead on the project, Bishop Malcolm Macnaughton said “‘All people, including those with all kinds of disabilities and neurodiversity’s, are made in God’s image, and called to be disciples of Jesus, reflecting God’s glory by the way we live. Church communities want to be welcoming and inclusive to everyone, but we struggle to make everything equally accessible for all needs. These symbols make this easier by making it clear to everyone what is possible in a particular church building and what is not. My prayer is that churches will find that communicating clearly helps people with a range of needs feel at home in church, and able to play their part. ‘

Carl Veal, Chair of DIAG, said “The Disability Inclusion Action Group comprises clergy and lay people with a range of disabilities, from across the Diocese of Derby.  Their aim is to see disability inclusion taken seriously in our churches and across the Diocese. Their work is focused around three key themes - Attitude, Access, and Agency.”

>> Book your free webinar place

>> View and download the symbols

>> Contact the DIAG team

Journeying together: a summary of Diocesan Synod, 18 October 2025

Diocesan finances and our Net Zero Carbon strategy were the focus of conversation at the Derby Diocesan Synod, as it met for its 147th session on Saturday, 18 October in St John’s Church, Walton.

This was a really active meeting and our thanks to everyone who attended and provided their input.

If you want to know more, read the summary of the meeting here.

St Peter's Church in Hartshorne is delighted to announce that we have been awarded a generous grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support essential repairs to our historic building and develop a hub for our local history. The restoration work is scheduled to begin next spring and will focus on preserving the church’s architectural integrity for future generations. 

As part of the project, there will be opportunities for the local community to get involved. This includes educational activities and engagement sessions with our local schools and the village community, offering a chance to learn about heritage conservation and the church’s rich history. 

Debbie Patrick, Churchwarden of St Peters Church. “We are very excited to get this project going; giving us the opportunity to do much needed repairs to our village church, which has stood on the hill in Hartshorne since the 15th century and has played a significant role in the life of our village for many generations; seeing the villagers through good times and bad, feasts and famines, peace time and wars. The restoration works, undertaken by ASBC of Melbourne - www.asbc.ltd - will be the beginning of ongoing work to ensure that our church remains a vital part of our community for many years to come; not to mention the fantastic opportunity this project gives us to explore and display the history for visitors and locals alike for years to come”. 

We are grateful for the support of the The National Lottery Heritage Fund and look forward to working closely with the community throughout this exciting project. 

We are seeking a compassionate and Jesus-centred leader, who will lead this growing and flourishing church in our faith journey and take us to the next stage of all that God is calling us to.

We are seeking a godly, engaging and collaborative leader who:

Church Urban Fund is a national charity working with local leaders, churches and other faith groups all over England. Our local partners are committed to serving and strengthening the community where they live.

Click on their logo to go to their introduction page.

The breadth of funding streams potentially available for your project

Note: Many of these funders flow in and out of funding so it will be necessary to check directly to see if they are currently open to applications.

 Youth Work Project

• National Lottery Funding – Flexible, supports salaries, equipment, and community-led youth projects.
• The Childs Charitable Trust– Supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel, including youth work.
• John James Charitable Trust – Supports Christian education and youth ministry.
• The Cinnamon Network – Offers micro-grants for churches starting youth-focused projects.
• Laing Family Trusts – Support Christian youth initiatives, including capital improvements.
• Joseph Rank Trust – Supports youth-focused Christian projects and church property improvements.
• Garfield Weston Foundation - Garfield Weston Foundation funding youth work.

Community Outreach Project

• National Lottery Funding– Strong fit for community-led outreach, especially in disadvantaged areas.
• Benefact Trust – Supports projects with community impact and Christian ethos.
• MB Reckitt Trust – Funds Christian social action and community cohesion.
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust – Supports innovative social projects that promote human flourishing.
• The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry with community impact.

 Mental Health Support Project

• National Lottery Funding– Supports mental health initiatives, especially in underserved communities.
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust – Funds pioneering social and medical projects.
• Benefact Trust – Supports projects tackling social issues, including mental health.
• Joseph Rank Trust – May support if framed within practical and spiritual needs.
• MB Reckitt Trust – Supports Christian social thought and action, including mental health.
• The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry, including pastoral care.

Funders that May Support Equipment (with the right framing):

• Benefact Trust – Typically funds capital projects, so if the equipment is part of a building upgrade or a tangible, lasting asset, it may be eligible.
• Biffa Award– Focuses on building improvements, but may include fixtures and fittings (e.g. kitchen equipment, heating systems).
• National Lottery Funding– Very flexible and can fund equipment, especially if it supports community benefit.
• Joseph Rank Trust– May support equipment if it’s part of a broader Christian community or educational project.
• Laing Family Trusts– Could support equipment if it’s essential to a Christian youth or community initiative.
• The Cinnamon Network – Their £2,000 micro-grants could be used for small-scale equipment needs tied to a recommended project.

 Possibly Suitable for Salaries or Staff Costs

• The Childs Charitable Trust – Supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel; may fund staff if aligned with mission.
• The Cinnamon Network – Offers micro-grants (£2,000) for churches starting recommended projects, which could include staffing.
• John James Charitable Trust – Supports individuals in ministry training and Christian education; may support youth workers if aligned.
• Slavanka Trust – Supports Christian ministry and education, possibly including staffing.
• The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry broadly; may include staffing.
• Benefact Trust - This is another fairly funders which can support salaries for community-based projects.

Building Renovation Project

• Biffa Award – Excellent for community building renovations; must meet location criteria and provide 10% match funding.
• Benefact Trust – Funds capital projects with Christian ethos and community impact.
• Joseph Rank Trust – Supports church property improvements for community use.
• Laing Family Trusts – Fund capital improvements for Christian organisations.
• John James Charitable Trust – May support building improvements for Christian youth work.

 Funders Likely to Offer 100% Funding

• National Lottery Funding flexible and equity-based; can fund full project costs including salaries, equipment, and delivery.
• The Childs Charitable Trust No mention of match funding; supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel.
• The Cinnamon Network offers fixed micro-grants (£2,000); no match funding required.
• John James Charitable Trust supports individuals and organisations; no match funding mentioned.
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust focuses on innovative projects; no match funding requirement stated.
• Slavanka Trust supports Christian ministry and education; no match funding mentioned.
• Saltley trust funds Christian learning and education; no match funding requirement noted.
• The Bishop Radford Trust supports Christian ministry; no indication of match funding needed.
• MB Reckitt Trust Funds Christian social thought and action; no match funding required.

Funders That Require or Prefer Match Funding

• · Biffa Award requires a 10% third-party contribution. This is a strict condition for eligibility.
• · Benefact Trust typically funds only a small percentage of the total project cost to support more causes. Match funding is expected.
• · Joseph Rank Trust While not explicitly stated, they often fund part of a project and expect applicants to have other sources of funding.
• · Laing Family Trusts may not fund 100% of a project; co-funding is often expected, especially for capital projects

Madelaine Goddard retired from Derby city deanery after over ten years as their lay chair. At the most recent meeting of the Deanery Synod (October 2025) Madelaine offered a typically grace—filled retirement speech.

Rev’d Sarah Watson, Area Dean of Derby city, thanked Madeline for her support and wisdom and presented her with flowers and a crowd-funded gift as a token of the deanery’s great appreciation.

Archdeacon Matthew Trick, Archdeacon of Derby and South Derbyshire, commented, “Madelaine Goddard has been a faithful servant of Christ, guiding Derby City deanery from the two city deaneries merging into the present deanery, and successive Area and Asst Deans. She has held the deanery as Lay Chair with care and prayerfulness, offering helpful wisdom and insight into discussions across diocesan life. We are truly grateful for Madelaine's long and faithful service”.  

Photo: Revd Mina Mumms presents Madelaine Goddard with a bouquet of flowers. 

Derby Cathedral welcomed people from all over the diocese on Sunday 5 October for the second Bishop's Badge service.

This special service celebrates ministry and service in the church and the community. The Bishop of Derby’s Badges presented recognise the distinguished service and dedication of many individuals contributing in Jesus’ name to the mission of the church. The service was led by the Right Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby. The Reflection was given by the Right Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton. Music for the service is sung by the Cathedral Voluntary Choir. 

Awards for Missional Innovation

Jane Baker, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Keith Brown, St Peter, Hope

Steve Burton, St Edmund, Allestree

Mandy Cairns, Gresley 

Sue Leese, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Michael Lilley, Stanton in Peak

David Stuart, St Francis, Mackworth

Sue Stubbs, Gresley 

Lucy Thompson, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Helen Walker-Foss, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Edlaston, Ednaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Sonia Wright, St Bartholomew, Whittington and St Barnabas, New Whittington

Awards for Missional Service

Susan Abbott, Bolsover Parish Church

David Baker, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Cheryl Baxter, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Paul Baxter, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Tony Betteridge, Emmanuel, Swadlincote

Adrian Blanksby, St John the Evangelist, Newbold with Dunston

David Brierley, St Matthew, Darley Abbey

Jane Burton, St Edmund, Allestree

David Chinn, Brimington 

Ann Cleaver, St John, Walton

Anne Cogley, St Edmund, Allestree

Jennifer Crump, St Giles, Killamarsh

Sue Duffill, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Roger Easton, St Mark’s Church, Winshill

Sheila Exley, All Saints, Ockbrook 

Francine Franklin, St John the Evangelist, Hazelwood

Joan Garrett, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby

Sue Goodhall, St Lawrence, Great Barlow

John Gratton, The Parish of St Matthew

Jerry Haynes, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Katrina Hayward, Saint George the Martyr, New Mills

Doreen Hickman, Sinfin Moor Benefice

Richard Hughes, The Parish of St Matthew

Michael Joyce, St Mary and St Lawrence, Bolsover

Patricia Kellogg, St John the Evangelist, Hazelwood

Janet Leigh, Christ Church, Belper

Joyce Lewis, Kirk Hallam

Janet Love, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby

Margie Martindale, St Michael, Sutton-on-the-Hill

Ann Morton, St Matthew, Renishaw

Kevin Needham, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Lesley Needham, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Lisa Ollerenshaw, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Vicki Owen, St Barnabas, New Whittington

Andrew Pollett, Christ Church, Belper

Frances Prockter, St Luke the Beloved Physician, Derby

Barbara Rawson, St Luke the Beloved Physician, Derby

John Richardson, Saint George the Martyr, New Mills

Beth Robson-Smith, St Thomas and St Mark, Brampton

Andrew Rosser, St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton

Lindsey Schroeter, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Samantha Sharland, Emmanuel, Swadlincote

Helen Shaw, St Lawrence, Great Barlow

Michael Shepherd, St Anne, Derby

Judith Slater, Sawley 

John Smart, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby

Frank Stevens, St Anne's, Derby

Muriel Stirland, Brimington 

Simon Thompson, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Carl Veal, St Peter, Chellaston

Allan Voice, St John the Baptist, Ault Hucknall

Chris Willis, St Edmund, Allestree

Sonia Wright, St Bartholomew, Whittington and St Barnabas, New Whittington

Photos from this service are available here 

In September, Bishop Malcolm visited Sinfin Moor church for a special tree planting service to help celebrate the installation of solar panels and their commitment to a sustainable future. 

The church paid for the panels with help from the Church of England's 'Give to Go Green' initiative. What began as a spark of vision in Lent 2022 has now blossomed into a vibrant eco-journey, with the whole congregation and wider community coming together to make it happen.

Revd Gael Browne, Assistant Curate at Sinfin Moor Church shares their experience:

Our story began in Lent 2022, when, as a church, we explored the book "Embracing Justice" by Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley. One session on climate justice particularly challenged us, and a retired member of clergy in our congregation, the Revd Eileen Bangay, felt deeply that she had heard from God regarding our call to creation care as a church.

With Melanie (steward) and Joshua (Church Warden) forming a small team alongside Revd Eileen, we took our first step by registering with A Rocha UK’s Eco Church scheme in early 2023.

Momentum quickly built, and by that summer, community groups such as the Guides and Rangers were joining us in eco-focused activities. In June 2023, we were delighted to receive the Silver Eco Church Award, as well as the Bronze retrospectively.

Spurred on by this momentum, our vision continued to grow. By August 2023, we began researching the possibility of installing solar panels. As we are an LEP (Local Ecumenical Partnership), we were able to approach our various denominational partners for support. In early 2025, we received confirmation of successful grant applications from the Methodist Church and the URC Church. This was a huge encouragement that our dream of using more sustainable energy could become a reality.

The real breakthrough came in May 2025, when we joined the Church of England’s 'Give to Go Green' scheme. With encouragement and visits from our Diocesan Parish Support Officers, we set out to raise £5,000 in just six weeks so that match-funding could be unlocked. Through coffee mornings, a beetle drive, a sponsored Bible reading, and a shared lunch, our congregation and community rallied together, and we reached our goal!

Wendy, a member of the congregation, says:

“I love the fact that Sinfin Moor Church has taken responsibility for installing Solar Panels to help reduce the greenhouse effect. It is a great witness to the surrounding community as to how much we care for Father God's creation.”

By August 2025, the solar panels and battery system were installed. In our very first week, we were already feeding energy back into the national grid; a visible sign of stewardship and sustainability in action. 

This has been a journey of faith, community, and determination. We wanted to respond to God’s distinct call to care for creation, and it has been amazing to see people inside and outside the church joining together to make this vision a reality.

As the psalmist reminds us: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Installing solar panels is just one way of living out our calling to steward God’s world faithfully.

With lower bills, greener energy, and a renewed witness to our community, we pray that our journey will encourage other churches across the Diocese to explore the Eco Church path and seize the opportunities offered by initiatives like 'Give to Go Green'.