UNITED BENEFICE OF

TUXFORD

All Saints Church, West Markham All Saints Church, Weston

St Matthews Church, Normanton St Wifrids Church, Low Marnham

St Nicholas’ Church, Tuxford

Welcome to the United Benefice of

Tuxford with Low Marnham, Normanton-on-Trent,

West Markham & Weston

These five parishes combine to form a United Benefice although each parish is entirely

different.

THE BENEFICE

Diocese Southwell and Nottingham

Deanery Newark and Southwell

Patrons The Bishop of Southwell & The Lord Chancellor (taken in turns) for

Tuxford, West Markham and Weston and The Bishop for Normanton-

on-Trent and Marnham

Parishes Church Parish Population Church Electoral Roll

St Nicholas Tuxford 2850 30

All Saints West Markham 18 ….

All Saints Weston …… ….

Normanton-on-Trent …… ….

Low Marnham …… ….

All five parishes are in North Nottinghamshire and are rural but are close to Retford,

Newark, Worksop, Lincoln and Doncaster. They are also just a few minutes’ drive

away from Clumber Park, the Thoresby Estate and Rufford Park, all of which offer

various annual events and good walking with plenty of bird life.

Policies in the Benefice

Baptisms

The churches practise the policy of open baptism for all ages and encourage parents in

the community to bring their children forward for baptism.

Remarriage of Divorcees

The Vicar (Priest in Charge) will consider each case individually but will follow

Diocesan guidelines.

Benefice Mission to Local Area

Tuxford Area Foodbank

The Benefice works in partnership with other churches including The Tuxford

Methodist Church Group and The Rivers Group of Churches to provide a Foodbank

facility. This serves the people of the local area under the auspices of The Trussell

Trust. The incumbent has been a Trustee of this Foodbank since inception, together

with the other Christian ministers working in the local area.

THE VICARAGE

This large, five‐bedroomed 1930’s property, was refurbished within the last 5 years,

with an extensive refit including new double glazed windows, new kitchen, boiler,

and heating system. The heating system has been updated again with a heat

exchange system. The loft was re-insulated at the same time. The property presently

comprises a lounge, dining room, study, kitchen, utility room, boiler room,

downstairs wc, five bedrooms, family bathroom and separate wc. The mature garden

is of reasonable size as part of the original back garden has been sold off for

development. It is expected that a new dwelling will be built on this plot, the garage

being demolished to allow access.

TUXFORD BENEFICE

OUR NEW PRIEST IN CHARGE WILL BE:

A person of prayer with a lively faith who will teach and

energise with the use of scripture and sacrament.

One whose evangelistic skills for Jesus will attract

newcomers to join in regular worship.

One who is keen to encourage, promote and support a

variety of musical activity in the Benefice.

One who will be prepared to be visible in the community,

giving pastoral care to all and will further develop the use of

outreach .

One who is both Priest and Pastor.

One who encourages lay ministry, recognising spiritual gifts

in others and possesses leadership, motivation and good

communication skills.

One who leads by common consent and has a good sense of

humour.

One who is prepared and able to celebrate the diversity of the

five churches in the Benefice and whilst maintaining the style

of worship found in each one, empowering the church

communities to draw closer together in the transforming

mission of God.

One who builds, maintains and strengthens links with all

schools within the benefice. Of significance is the role of

informal Chaplain to the Tuxford Academy and the possible

role of Governor. Also of significance are the links to be

strengthened at St Matthew’s C of E Primary School in

Normanton. Ministry to nursing homes and youth

organisations will also be a necessary element.

TUXFORD

Tuxford is a small, vibrant town close to both the A1 and A57, with excellent

communications by road, rail and air. There are railway stations at Retford, Newark

and Doncaster, all of which lie on the East Coast Main Line. Both Nottingham and

Sheffield can also be reached by train. The new Robin Hood Airport is also within

easy reach. Regular bus services are available from Tuxford to Retford, Worksop,

Newark, Lincoln and Nottingham. Also, it has two small industrial estates with a

variety of light industries.

Schools and Colleges

The Church has always had very strong links with both the Academy and the

Primary Schools. It is expected that the new post holder will have a strong interest

in developing links with young people in the Tuxford family of schools and be keen

to relate to secondary age pupils so that contact is further developed and the most is

made of the opportunities available.

Tuxford Primary School & Early Years Centre ‐ school roll 160 - serves Tuxford and

the surrounding area and is made up of a variety of buildings, the first one being

erected in 1878. There is an Early Years Centre and a Sure Start Children’s Centre on

site which offer community provision. The school is situated close to the centre of

the village. Close links between the church and the school have been developed.

Classes come into church for services, various festivals and for Time Travelling in

June.

Tuxford Academy is a highly successful and much sought after school, which moved

into a brand new building early in 2007. It is ‘Affiliated’ to the Church of England in

Southwell and Nottingham. Four of the main feeder schools within the Tuxford

family of schools are Church Schools.

It has approximately 1260

students, including 243 in the Post

16 Centre. There are 77 teachers

and 62 support staff.

Facilities

There is a medical centre in Tuxford, with three doctors, nurses etc. and a pharmacy

in the village plus a clinic for ancillary NHS services. Also, there is an important fire

station which services the A1 and houses the North Nottinghamshire Specialist

Rescue Unit.

There are currently two public houses and a Working Men’s Club, a library, which is

housed in a 17th Century grammar school (The Reade Foundation), situated opposite the

church. There is a working windmill offering tours and teas which is a very popular

tourist attraction. Chillipetals, on Newcastle Street, is a popular, recently opened, coffee

house and gift shop. Although we currently do not have a village hall, however, clubs

for retired and challenged people are held in the Beeches Centre, a small purpose‐built

hall in a small estate designed for elderly residents.

There are both Scout and Guide groups, amateur football teams, two play areas for

younger children and sports centres with swimming baths available at Retford, Ollerton

and Edwinstowe. Certain facilities are available for hire from Tuxford Academy.

Tuxford Heritage Society holds regular monthly meetings with visiting speakers. The

newly opened Galleries, one with a museum, at the centre of Tuxford offer a wide range

of art courses in addition to art for sale.

The Mine of Information in Tuxford is open daily, Mondays to Fridays, and offers

information, citizens advice, free legal advice etc. It also offers a variety of courses and

classes, printing facilities. We do not have a parish magazine as such but The

Tuxfordian, a prize‐winning monthly village magazine (which is delivered free to every

home in the village), is produced and printed at the Mine.

There are three small supermarkets, a butchers, a chemist, a newsagent, 2 hairdressers,

a barbers and a post office. We have 2 garages offering car sales and vehicle repairs, an

agricultural supplier, a general hardware store, a specialist shop offering model railway

goods and concrete garden products, a book shop, a clothes shop and a charity shop.

We have also Fish and Chip, Chinese and Indian take‐aways. Dominant in the Market

Place we have a high quality art gallery and in Newcastle Street the coffee shop also

offers flowers and plants.

Church Outreach

Recent re-ordering of the church has provided facilities for outreach such as The

Gathering Place (our baby and toddler group), Girls’ Brigade, Boys’ Brigade, the

Fellowship Group, Film Evenings, Concerts, Social Events and the Wednesday Warmers

free lunch which is well attended. The Methodist Church has regular coffee mornings

in their Schoolroom. There is a well‐established retirement home on the edge of the

village. A small team from the church visits regularly to take Holy Communion to the

residents.

ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, TUXFORD

Mission Statement: “We are a welcoming Church which loves God, seeks to serve the

community and share the Good News of Jesus Christ”

St Nicholas Church is a beautiful Grade 1 listed building, originally documented in the

12th Century, situated in the heart of the village. It has recently benefited from the

installation of a completely new heating system and toilet facilities in the old north

porch.

The nave of the church has been re-ordered by the removal of the pews and the

installation of a new floor with underfloor heating. This has enabled much more

adaptable outreach facilities and better disabled access.

We have eight bells in the tower and a team of ringers that practises regularly and rings

on pre-arranged dates.

Training

We currently have one person on the Diocesan Journey in Faith course and one person

on the Bishop Grosseteste University Theology and Ethics in Society course.

Church Groups

Advent and Lent Groups are held in season, together with a fortnightly ‘Friendship

Group’.

Church Services

Normal Pattern of Sunday Services

1st Sunday: 9.30am Morning Prayer

11.00 am Café Church

2nd Sunday: 10.00am Holy Communion

3rd Sunday: 4.00pm Messy Church

4th Sunday: 10.00 am Holy Communion

5th Sunday: A Benefice Holy Communion service held at one of the Benefice

churches on a rota basis.

Every Wednesday: 9.30am Said Holy Communion

Our Morning Prayer, Café Church and Messy Church services are led, by different lay/

clergy teams, and the latter two normally include ‘activities’ and food.

A Music Group leads Café Church and Messy Church and contributes to the Holy

Communion services.

Special Services

Ash Wednesday Said Holy Communion

Maundy Thursday A suitable event is arranged

Good Friday 9.30am Children’s Messy Church

2.00pm Quiet Reflections before the Cross

Harvest Festival A popular Family Service

Remembrance Sunday Service continuing at War Memorial

Memorial Service On the afternoon of Remembrance Sunday to include

families bereaved during the previous year

Period before Christmas Messy Church Christingle

Carol Service Normally held on a weekday in the

week before Christmas

Children’s Workshops

As indicated above, these are held on Good Friday and shortly before Christmas. They

are very well attended.

Links with the Methodist Church in Tuxford

We have signed a covenant with the local Methodist Church agreeing to go

forward together. Currently, we share services on Palm Sunday and hold a joint Advent

Carol Service. They join us for the Morning Prayer on the first Sunday of the month and

we join them for their 10 am Morning Service on the third Sunday of the month. We also

have members of the congregation who attend both Methodist and Church of England

Services. We should like this to be continued and developed.

St Nicholas Church, Tuxford, Finances

Abridged accounts of unrestricted revenue funds for the year ended 31st December 2013:

Receipts £ Payments £

Collections 4,172 Parish Share 12,960

Planned Giving 11,631 Church Expenses 14,407

Tax Rebates 2,793 Clergy Expenses 428

Donations 1,163 Other 374

Fund-Raising 3,323 Excess of Receipts~

Other 4,025 over Expenditure 1,076

29,245 29,245

We have paid our parish share in full for several years as a matter of principle and will

continue to try to do so.

Unrestricted Capital Fund Account as at 31st December 2013

£ £

Eric Coddington Bequest 82,675 Church re-ordering~

1st Payment for Work-

in – Progress 27,426

. Balance 55,249

82,675 82,675

When the final payments have been made regarding the re-ordering of the church

nave, it is expected that a figure of the order of £38,000 will remain uncommitted,

pending the architect’s report following a quinquennial inspection.

Abridged Accounts of Restricted Funds for the Year ended 31st December 2013

Receipts Payments Fund

Balance

£ £ £

Church Fabric 54 715 11,054

Bell Fund 47 1,541

Organ Fund 32 2,749

Sunday School Fund 1 176

Re-Ordering Fund 4,073 4,560 6,220

Discretionary Fund 202 120 482

Charities 3,256 3,256 _____

7,665 8,651 22,222

Our strengths

Welcoming, friendly atmosphere

Spiritual diversity

Excellent access from all parts. The church has a central location

Close links with Methodists

Varied worship patterns including Lay involvement

Teams for Morning Prayer, Café Church and Messy Church

Willingness to adapt to different types of service

Improved facilities: disabled access and toilet, refreshment bar, efficient

heating and improved flexible facilities

Occasional study groups; Lent, Advent, etc

Links with local schools

Wide provision for all age group need

Our opportunities

Development of action as a result of the Methodist/Anglican Covenant

Continued financial planning for the future

Planned maintenance of the building

Village community is well disposed towards the church as a building but

needs continued encouragement to come over the doorstep where they would

be made to feel welcome

New housing bringing in new people who need to be made aware of the

church

Improvements to the sound system/catering facilities

Development of relationships with the schools

Use of the computer, projector and screen facilities for Powerpoint etc

Encouragement of music use, both during and apart from services

Congregation open to future development of the existing Vision

Our threats

Weather related impact on fabric

Low numbers willing to take on necessary duties in the church

Threat to regular income due to various changes in circumstances

Our weaknesses

Low numbers able to take on necessary duties in the church

WESTON

Weston is situated approximately three miles south of Tuxford along the Old Great

North Road travelling towards Newark. There are around 130 dwellings in the parish.

Whilst the local authority’s planning programme does not allow for any major

development in the village, within the last ten years two small residential developments

have provided ten large houses. Additionally, there have been some barn conversions

and infilling. Meadow Lane has some local authority housing including six bungalows

for the elderly.

The parish has eight working farms and is very rural in nature but has become

primarily a commuting community. The village enjoys very good road connections

with easy access to Newark, Retford, Worksop and Lincoln. About an hour away are

Nottingham, Doncaster and Sheffield. Both Newark and Retford have railway stations

giving access to the main East Coast line to London, Leeds, York and Edinburgh.

The principal building in the village is the parish church. There is a village hall

which is undergoing some refurbishment. The village hall is available for local

events and is the home for Weston’s flourishing Women’s Institute and a Thursday

fellowship group started by the Church.

Children from Weston attend primary schools in the neighbouring villages of Sutton

on Trent, Normanton and Norwell. There are a number of independent schools

within a half hour drive. At secondary level Weston falls within the catchment of

Tuxford Comprehensive, a much sought after school. The main employer in the

village is Hutchinson Engineering Services Ltd, agricultural and vehicle repairer and

contractors. Chestnut Grange is a privately run facility offering a home to young

people with learning difficulties. The Great Wall, formerly the local pub, is

now a Chinese Restaurant.

The nearest shops and doctors’ surgeries are in Sutton on Trent and Tuxford. The village

enjoys a reasonable bus service. There is a cricket club in the village which fields teams

in the local leagues.

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, WESTON The parish church is situated in the centre of the village. It is a

beautiful old building with the tower and the nave dating

from the 13th Century. The chancel was added in the

following century. In 1840 the church underwent repairs

and the chancel was rebuilt. In 1880, chiefly at the expense of

Earl Manvers, who contributed £1000, it was restored and

reroofed. Today it is in a good state of preservation after

recently receiving a substantial grant of over £200,000 to

provide a new roof and replace a substantial amount of

stonework. The churchyard is still open and recently the

parish council purchased extra land to extend the burial

ground.

Pattern of Sunday Services

The style of worship is broadly “middle of the road” and where possible informal. It

tends to be based upon Common Worship.

The pattern of Sunday services is usually as follows:

This pattern has developed to accommodate flexibility, during interregnum, with the

other members of the Benefice and is adaptable, eg. Easter services. On Good Friday,

a chain of prayer is organised by members of the congregation.

The church organ is in good working order and is played once per month in

services. The congregation has a good social mix from a small, but enthusiastic

audience. Various initiatives continue to be tried to increase attendance. Within

Weston parish there are no other chapels or churches. Benefice activities are supported

by the congregation, such as Tuxford quizzes, etc. Members of Weston congregation play a

lead role in the Food Bank activities.

Finance

Although committed to paying its share, unfortunately in the last two/three years

Weston has usually been unable to meet its full quota. The impact of the restorations

having taken a toll on the financial capacity of the small congregation. The parish has

had a covenant scheme in place since 1984. The covenants have been refreshed every

five years but due to deaths, removals from the area and inflation the income has not

kept pace with the outgoings.

1st Sunday in the month 8.30 am All Age service based on Morning Prayer

3rd Sunday in the month 9.30 am Holy Communion (Common Worship)

5th Sunday in the month 10/10.30am United Service of Holy Communion

held on a rotating basis between the

parishes

Abridged accounts for the year ended 31st December 2013

Our aims

Our priority is to keep our church open and available for Christian

worship in the village and to spread the Christian message.

We hope to bring new members into the congregation

We wish to encourage fellowship and co-operation within the benefice.

We would like to establish links with other Community and Christian

groups

We strongly support efforts to establish links with the local primary

schools in general and Tuxford Comprehensive in particular.

Our strengths

Sound church building

Good basis of regular giving

Small but friendly congregation

Ability to adapt

Our weaknesses

Difficulty in attracting people

No facilities in church

No organist

Our opportunities

Strengthen links in the benefice

Develop links with Chestnut Grange

Support village activities

Our threats

Community complacency

Villagers expect the church to be open and available but are not willing to

commit the time.

Breakdown in village activities

Receipts Payments

Opening balance 3335 Parish share 2000

Collections 1056 Insurance 1188

Covenants 5098 Utilities 1699

Tax rebate 361 Restoration 3925

Fees 1575 Other 1966

Fundraising and others 6252 Closing balances 7281

WEST MARKHAM

All Saints, West Markham is situated at the heart of a rural community in the north of the

Diocese, approximately one mile south of the Markham Moor intersection and a similar

distance north from the Tuxford exit of the A1.

The parish comprises three distinct hamlets of West Markham, Milton and Bevercotes.

The population consists mainly of owner-occupers, many retired, together with other

professional commuters. Children travel mainly to Tuxford to school and some further

afield. There are 76 households in the parish. There are two working farms, a riding

stable and an excellent butcher’s shop. There are industrial storage facilities near the

shop but there is no actual industry.

Other organisations are the Milton Cricket Club and the Parish Council. The latter makes

an annual grant towards the maintenance of our two burial grounds, at the church and

the nearby Mausoleum.

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, WEST MARKHAM

All Saints is a Grade I listed building, Saxon in origin (indeed in excavations carried out

in the 1900s chards of Roman pottery were unearthed in the sanctuary area). The church

is a simple building, comprising a nave, a chancel, and a porch added in the 12th

Century. It is a mix of styles resulting from piecemeal alterations in medieval times. It

has a Norman font, still in use for baptisms. To the rear of the church is a screen behind

which is a small vestry and a kitchen area. We have installed a good quality, but simple,

pa system. We do have a modern brick built store in the churchyard, incorporating a

toilet.

A brief history

(a full history may be found on the Diocesan Church History website).

The 4th Duke of Newcastle, who built the family Mausoleum nearby, left the church to

dereliction from 1832 to 1949, and had the Mausoleum declared the Parish Church. By a

Consistory Court ruling, the old church was restored to its rightful status in1 949. Several

attempts at restoration have been initiated but until 1990 lack of funding was a problem.

However, following a major drive in the 1990s a programme of repairs/restoration was

carried out over the decade, resulting in the current state of the church. We have recently

had our latest quinquennial survey carried out by C.A. Moxon (Cantab) Dip. Arch.

R.I.B.I., church architect in which he commented “the church has been dramatically

improved over the last 20 years and is most attractive and well cared for. The present

state of the church is a real credit to the members.”

We have a Fabric Fund set aside which enables ongoing repairs to be carried out when

required. We have over the years held Thanksgiving Services to give praise and thanks

to God for this beautiful church.

Services and Pattern of Worship

Our church pursues a central patch. We follow a traditional form of worship, using

Book of Common Prayer for Morning and Evening Prayer (sung) and Common

Worship Order 1 traditional language for Eucharist services.

First Sunday of the month 11.00 am Morning Prayer

Second Sunday of the month 6.00 pm Eucharist

Third Sunday of the month 11.00 am Eucharist

Fourth Sunday of the month 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

During the last winter period, ie October to April, we held a Eucharist at 11.30 am

instead of 6.00 pm On the fifth Sunday we unite with other churches in the benefice for

joint services, the venue rotating.

During the interregnum it has been necessary to replace the clergy-led Morning Prayer

with our own laity-led service.

We currently use Mission Praise, preferring traditional hymns in the main. We have an

organist who provides music for three Sundays and for special services, such as Harvest

Thanksgiving, Remembrance and Carol Services. We use a cd player for other

occasions, having a set of Kevin Mayhew’s cds containing hymns for all seasons.

We are used to clergy dressing in the traditional Anglican way, ie cassock and surplice

with scarf at Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, white cassock alb with stole (seasonal

liturgical colour) at Eucharist. Normally the sermon is delivered from the pulpit. It is

the habit for lessons to be read by the laity at Morning and Evening Prayer. At

Eucharist the first lesson is read by laity, the Gospel by clergy.

It has been the practice over several years for there to be a laity-led service on Good

Friday and Remembrance Sunday (on both occasions the vicar is taking simultaneous

services at Tuxford).

Our congregation is mainly aged 60+ but most enthusiastic. Almost every week our

congregation includes several visitors from “outside” parishes. They tend to be older

people who come along because their church does not have a service and/or because

they feel comfortable with our style of worship. The average “normal” attendance is 14

plus clergy, however the numbers are larger for special services and we sprinkle the

church year with such events in order to demonstrate that we are the body of Christ in

the parish. Being in a rural community we do still hold a traditional Harvest Festival

and our produce is given to the local Hospice.

There is a flower rota for normal services and everyone readily gives a hand for two

special celebrations.

We aim to present ourselves as a warm, welcoming church. We always have refreshments

and a chat following worship.

Attendances 2013 2014

Normal Sunday 14 14

Easter Day 21 23

Christmas Eve 28 16

Carol Service 100 90

During the past year there has been one wedding and two funerals. Our policy on

baptisms and re-marriage of divorced people has been pursuant to Diocesan guidelines.

Communication

We have a tri-monthly magazine, produced by a PCC member and containing church

items, plus general information regarding the parish, ie parish council minutes, cricket

club reports, open garden dates etc. At special times of the year we also circulate every

home with a flyer giving an invitation to services/activities. There is a regular flow of

information. We make every effort to keep people informed.

Church-led activities

Our PCC is lively, fun loving and hard working. We have PCC meals out during the year

- the vicar and spouse are always invited. We try to organise several varied events in

church during the year, not only to raise money, but also to encourage the community at

large into the church. We have had musical concerts, lectures, computer slide shows,

silent auctions and quiz nights.

Finances

The financial statement for the year December 31st 2013 is attached.

Income is mainly from gift-aided giving following two successful funding campaigns.

We pay our parish share in full, by direct debit, monthly in advance, in accordance with

Diocesan wishes so that stipends may be met.

Standing orders of direct debits pay most outgoings, such that recurring expenditure is

easily recognisable. The incumbent’s expenses have been met in line with his/her

request.

Charitable Giving

We have shared the proceeds of various events with charities, both local and national.

Our Aims

To share the love of Jesus.

To become more like Jesus as we respond to His love for us and as we

share His love for others.

To try to put this into practice by:

Regular worship

Reaching out to show that we are a caring community

Supporting one another spiritually and socially.

Supporting particular needs through charitable giving.

Conclusion

We believe there is a sense of purpose and welcome at West Markham. However, we

are not complacent. We recognise the need to increase our congregation, in particular

to find people who have a real commitment and willingness to take positions of

responsibility (eg. Churchwardens and PCC members).

We always aim to extend our own spiritual development and mission. To sum up we

feel that we have to offer: Enthusiasm - we are young at heart - Friendship and a

sense of humour. We would welcome an incumbent who felt able to share these

qualities with us.

Our Strengths

Outstanding “gem” of a building

Good relationship with parishioners

Good system for keeping them informed

Parishioners always generous with their time, talents and money

Finances in good order

Services always well run.

Multi-skilled congregation

Our Weaknesses

We cannot see from where the next generation of people who will “run” the church will

come from. As from the APCM this year we have no churchwardens. We have,

however, put in place a rota system so that the church is opened and properly prepared

for worship each week.

Our problem, and therefore our challenge, in common with many other churches, is

that the community at large seems apathetic about regular worship. Modern society

appears to have no need of church except for rites of passage.

NORMANTON ON TRENT & MARNHAM

The parishes, for functional purposes, comprise two villages and two hamlets:

Normanton-on –Trent and Marnham and Grassthorpe and Skegby. There are

churches at Normanton and Low Marnham. The former is the church in which the

regular services are held two to three times a month for the whole of this group. St

Wilfred’s Marnham is in the care of the Redundant Churches’ Trust and services are

held there monthly.

MARNHAM

Low and High Marnham are two very small villages with only a few permanent

residents. However, there are several foreign workers and holiday makers who stay

in rented accommodation/caravans boosting the population.

There is a public house – the Brownlow Arms which is popular, especially in the

summer, attracting holiday makers, water skiers and locals.

ST WILFRID’S CHURCH, MARNHAM

The Church is used by special permission for the Harvest Festival and Pet Service.

There is a service once a month in the parish room, which used to be the school.

The congregation mainly consists of six families who regularly attend the family

service. All the families are represented on the PCCV/Fund raising Committee, with

the next generation now becoming members.

NORMANTON ON TRENT

Normanton is a peaceful and pretty village which has a community of small farms

but has now expanded to provide homes for others who work in the surrounding

areas of Mansfield, Newark, Nottingham and Lincoln. It is not on a main road and

retains and promotes its sense of community.

The village hall is the former school and the venue for many community activities

such as meetings of the “Cheeky Monkies”,the Welcome Club and the Parish

Council.

There are two public houses; the “Square and Compass” and the “Crown”. The latter

is particularly popular and organized celebrations in connection both with the

wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Diamond Jubilee.

There are regular bus services to Lincoln and Newark and a convenient Co-op and Post

office at Sutton-on-Trent.

The village is served by St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School which is in a

modern building. It enjoys a considerable reputation for the quality of its teaching and

for the happy and purposeful children which emerge from it, most of whom proceed to

the highly regarded Tuxford Academy. It uses the church on a regular basis but it is felt

that still greater and more frequent use could be made of it especially once the new

toilet and vestry have been completed.

ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH, NORMANTON ON TRENT

There has been a church at Normanton since at lest the early 1100s. The North and

South Arcades of the church are 13th and 14th century respectively. Clerestory windows

and the tower were added in the 15th century.

Church Organisation and Finance

There are 5 members of the congregation on the PCC although flower arranging and

church cleaning are undertaken by members of the congregation other than the PCC.

Church Life and Worship

Ordinarily services are held on three Sundays in every month being one morning and

one evening Eucharist and one evensong. The Methodist congregation also use the

building for their worship. Attendance at these services is seldom much above double

figures as members of the congregation become inhibited from attendance by their

state of health. There are however considerable congregations for the Easter, Christmas,

Christingle and Crib services. The PCC are anxious to promote at least one service a

month which embraces and appeals to the younger members of the parish and their

parents