Memorable day for six churches surrounding the Isle

Residents of the parishes of Beckingham, Walkeringham, Misterton, West Stockwith, Clayworth and Gringley on the Hill are invited to the event to mark the inauguration of the new benefice, comprising these parishes, and licensing of the Vicar, Rev David Henson.

The service will be led by the Ven David Picken, Archdeacon of Newark, on Monday June 29 in All Saints’ Parish Church, Misterton,

at 7.30pm followed by refreshments.

Rev Henson (pictured) extends a warm welcome not just to the Parochial Church Councils of the six churches but to representatives of the communities they serve, including local government, businesses, schools, uniformed and youth groups, and community and cultural groups.

He said: “This service will mark a memorable occasion in the life of each of the six churches in the new Benefice, which came into being on June 1.

“It has been my pleasure to serve the four churches of Misterton, West Stockwith, Beckingham, and Walkeringham since 2002. Now, following a reorganisation in the north of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, the parishes of Clayworth and Gringley have joined us and they are welcomed into the family of churches. I have been working informally with them since last September. Now this is on a formal footing and, together, we will face the challenges of relevance to our local communities and maintenance of our historic churches.

“I welcome all parishioners and representatives of community groups and organisations to this special service.”

Anyone wishing to attend should call the Misterton PCC Secretary on 01427 891376, or e-mail [email protected] to reserve a seat.