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Welcome to the News Archive of 2025
Bel Canto Singers Concert - December 2025
Many thanks to all who supported the concert on Monday night. It proved once again to be a very successful and enjoyable evening. We raised approximately £700 for St. Nicholas church funds.
Special thanks to all those who helped to serve the mulled wine, mince pies and shortbread and also to the ladies on the ticket sales.
The singers are happy to come again next year and perform for us. So watch this space!
Bishop of Coventry Alcester Deanery Introduction & Visitation Day
Alcester Deanery welcomed Bishop Sophie on Tuesday 25th November as part of her tour of the Diocese and getting to meet people. Bishop Sophie was accompanied by Jacqueline Ladds, the Diocesan Secretary, Rev Katie Cross the Area Dean, and Rev Daniel Corlett, the Rural Mission Hub Minister on a whirlwind tour of part of the Deanery.
The group visited Coughton Primary school for an ‘I Sing Pop’ workshop, met parishioners at the Wolverton Warm hub, visited Wolverton Church and had a short tour of Dorothy and David Mann’s farm where +Sophie met some lovely cows.
They travelled on to Snitterfield where they were introduced to knitters and crocheters who had contributed to the poppy cascade and joined them for a celebration lunch.
During the afternoon +Sophie met folk from the Henley area at their memory café and helped to make decorations for their Christmas tree. The group briefly touched base with heads of schools from the Arden Forest MAT, hearing about the challenges and joys of rural schools.
Tea was with the Deanery Chapter clergy, then the 'greater chapter' and Churchwardens had the opportunity to ask questions before the day concluded with a bumper attendance at Deanery Synod where those gathered heard some of Bishop Sophie’s story.
It was a truly special day, punctuated by cake and conversation - thank you to all you were involved in some way to this event.
Mother's Union - Sept
Alcester Mothers Union returned after a short summer break. The venue this month was at Malt mill Lane where the speaker talked about Leprosy, something we all tend to think has gone, not so!
We were informed how they got this disease and how they coped with it it.
Afterwards it was the fantastic Bring & share Lunch. I couldn't help but go for Pauline Vinings quiche and Angela Watson's raspberry meringue. A good meeting!
We look forward to our next meeting where the speaker will be Rev Julian Davey on Thursday October 9th.
Lights, Camera, Action!
We have been approached by a television production company interested in using Church House as a filming location for a new TV series. Filming is expected to take place intermittently between mid-Sept and Nov.
We are currently in discussion with all regular Church House users, and alternative arrangements are being explored where necessary. We will share further updates as soon as details are confirmed.
Minster Service - 13th July
Reverend Julian's Retirement
Sunday 13th we had an additional Minster Service in honour of Reverend Julian's retirement and long standing service. We were joined by Archdeacon Tim Cockell (sermon).
Julian gave a wonderful farewell speech and shared some great memories.
Alcester Deanery Festival Celebrates Faith, Fellowship, and Future Vision
Henley-in-Arden | 5th July 2025
Under blue skies and the warmth of summer sunshine, members of the Alcester Deanery gathered in Henley for a joyful and inspiring Festival Day on Saturday, 5th July 2025.
The day began with uplifting worship and a keynote message from renowned Christian composer and speaker Roger Jones, whose words set a hopeful and energising tone. Attendees were then invited to take part in a range of workshops led by deanery leaders, focusing on key areas such as ministry among older people, children and families, rural mission, and nurturing faith.
Participants enjoyed time to connect with one another and explore vibrant displays from each benefice, sharing stories of parish life and ministry in action. A real sense of unity and shared purpose blossomed as new relationships formed across the deanery.
In the afternoon, the festival welcomed members of the Diocesan team who facilitated focused gatherings for churchwardens, treasurers, lay and commissioned ministers, and intercessors—offering valuable time for mutual support, networking, and encouragement. The Area Dean, Revd Katie Cross, hosted a lively Q&A session on the life and mission of the deanery, drawing engaging questions and insights from attendees.
The day concluded with an open Deanery Synod meeting, giving those unfamiliar with the synod’s work a firsthand look at its role in the Church’s mission. The event closed with a rousing rendition of Be Thou My Vision, sending participants out with renewed faith and fellowship.
Arden Foodbank Newsletter - July 2025
Click the image left to open the July 2025 Newsletter from Arden Foodbank and to hear all about what's been happening.
Fun at Haselor Church Fete!
Saturday 21st June
On Sunday 18 May, members of our Al There were a few spots of rain from time to time at our annual Church Fete held at Haselor school, but nowhere near enough to dampen anyone’s spirits! We all had a wonderful time playing games, trying our luck on the tombola and raffle, buying plants for the garden and cakes to take home (except for those we couldn’t wait to eat!)!
The newly formed school choir entertained us with a delightful medley of songs. They were followed by ‘Shout’ with their Beatles tribute as we sat and ate our burgers, and drank our Pimms, prosecco and pints! A great way to spend the afternoon!
Before the prize giving at the end of the fete, Kevin, our long serving village postman was given a retirement present along with a book full of messages from residents thanking him for his service, help and friendship over the last 38 years. Kevin had in fact been a postman for 40 years in all, and apparently thought that the job was only going to be temporary!
The fete was a huge success once again and our heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved in organising and running the event – and, of course, to everyone who came to support it!
When all the takings were counted it was clear that we had raised over £3,000 towards the cost of the stonework repairs at the church. A brilliant result!
With the Plant Sale and the Fete now behind us, it’s time for a well earned rest! Until next year!!
Confirmation's at St Matthew's
On Sunday 18 May, members of our Alcester Minster benefice gathered at St Matthew’s Church in Salford Priors for a special deanery confirmation service. It was a joyful and spirit-filled occasion as Roger Rogers-Steele and Daniel Williams were confirmed by the Rt Revd Jonathan Meyrick, alongside twelve other candidates from across our deanery.
The service marked an important step in the faith journeys of all who were confirmed, and it was a privilege to share in this moment of commitment and celebration. The afternoon concluded under sunny skies with a warm time of fellowship over tea and cake - an uplifting end to a memorable day.
Please continue to keep all the newly confirmed in your prayers as they grow in faith and service.
Haselor & Walcote Plant Sale
It was wonderful to see so many people involved with the Haselor & Walcote Plant Sale last month (May 2025). It was successful in so many ways and, as many of you will have heard by now, it raised the incredible sum of £6325! Thank you to all those who helped and bought plants. We hope your plants are settling well in their new homes.
News from the Diocese - June 2025
Issue 10 of the Diocesan Digest newsletter.
[Stock Image]
Church Office Open times
Our administrator, Ellie, works at 9am-12.30pm Mon - Fri.
Bank Holidays the office will be closed.
On times the office is closed for annual leave a notice will be put on the front of the website to say 'office closed' and emails sent to the administrator will advise of this.
However there are times that unplanned leave may occur, we appreciate your patience at times like this, your query will be actioned upon return in priority order. Anything urgent and you can't get hold of the administrator we ask that you contact the clergy or member of staff at your local church
There is an office phone that can take voicemails - 01789 509278
Email - administrator@alcesterminster.org
May Half Term
26th May - 30th May - our office is closed, email as per above and these will be actioned accordingly in priority order.
2nd June - Office closed
Arden Foodbank Newsletter - April 2025
Click the image left to open the new Newsletter from Arden Foodbank and to hear all about what's been happening.
Every Friday we send out a weekly newsletter of the news and upcoming events, services, prayers for the week, vacancies, meetings. It's a compact but inclusive mailing of the goings-on in and around the Minster. Should you wish to receive this weekly mailing then please email the administrator@alcesterminster.org to request.
News from the Diocese - Feb 2025
Issue 6 of the Diocesan Digest newsletter.
Future –proofing Funding of Church Maintenance
St Nicholas church is a vital part of Alcester’s heritage and town life. It is a wonderful building situated prominently at the top of the High Street. The fine tower dates from the 13th century with the clock uniquely placed on the corner so it can be seen down the street and the beautiful Georgian nave houses a number of important artifacts and sculptures such as the nationally important Benefaction Board dating from 1632, the old clock mechanism from 1682 and the Queen Anne library cupboard.
The building itself has been listed as Grade II star by English Heritage and, as such, is the responsibility of the whole community, not just the church congregation. A year ago, a new organisation, the Friends of St Nicholas Church, was formed to secure funding for the maintenance of the church into the long term future.
This is to be achieved by establishing a fund of £300,000 which would then provide sufficient investment income to fund most repairs to the church going forward. A good start was made in the first year with £24,000 being raised but we are now appealing more widely to supporters of the town’s heritage including the church to help us reach our target.
Please consider joining the Friends. There are various options for joining as detailed in the leaflet which can either be found in the church or just email me on dmoulson@hotmail.com or call on 07530 900237 and I will send you one.
Thank you, David Moulson (chair)
Book of Common Prayer at Haselor
Haselor Church are continuing to use the Book of Common Prayer for their Morning Prayer services in 2025.
9am on the 1st Sunday of each month.
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