Historic church getsa new lease of life

It is one of the smallest parishes in the county but the celebrations in the village of Wilksby near Horncastlle recently really were larger than life.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th May 2016, 10:38 BST
Reverend David Court, Bishop of Grimsby, at the church door EMN-160426-160416001Reverend David Court, Bishop of Grimsby, at the church door EMN-160426-160416001
Reverend David Court, Bishop of Grimsby, at the church door EMN-160426-160416001

Around 150 people gathered for a special outdoor service to celebrate the restoration of All Saints’ Church.

The work - which cost around £100,000 - means worship can continue at the historic church which can accommodate just 42 people.

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The bulk of the funding came from the National Lottery, while local fundraisers played their part. Other donations were secured from the Lincolnshire Churches Trust, All Churches Trust, the Garfield West Foundation and the Marshall charity.

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The concregation outside the church EMN-160426-160434001The concregation outside the church EMN-160426-160434001
The concregation outside the church EMN-160426-160434001

The Bishop of Grimsby, the Right Rev David Court, presided over the service of re-dedication.

There were plenty of tents to accommodate the majority of the congregation who could not fit inside the church building!

The Rev Andrew Roberts, recently appointed incumbent for the Fen and Hill group of parishes, selected the ‘Clypping Service’ which dates back to Roman times.

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Part of the service entails all the congregation holding hands in a ring round the church building.

The Bishop makes a presentation EMN-160426-160457001The Bishop makes a presentation EMN-160426-160457001
The Bishop makes a presentation EMN-160426-160457001

Chris Hinkins played the organ and his wife Gail sang after the service.

Other entertainment featured Sheena and Chris Liversidge - and Tom and Anne Auchterlonie who played a variety of musical instruments.

A hog roast was served, followed by a vast selection of sweets, while the afternoon was rounded off by the Mareham Le Fen Victory Silver Band.

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Churchwarden Ian Scard said: “It was a wonderful event - a celebration of all the effort that has already taken place over the past three years to renovate our precious and much loved church building,

“ It brings the church into the 21st century with electric lighting and heating, while at the same time retaining its charm and historical integrity.”