Bell ringers in Ashover church
The Choir performed a Christian musical Saints Alive
Concentrating on some intricate needlework
May Day in Ashover is a family day of fun organised by the church
Amber World Church Aid
AWCA meets monthly to be updated on projects supported overseas by the Amber Churches and to pray for them.
£5,000 has been raised to buy two Suzuki 125cc off-roaders for the Marsabit Diocese in Kenya. Bishop Bob and Peggy formerly served in Marsabit and still maintain close links with the diocese which has 46 churches in 11 parishes spread over an area the size of England with virtually no tarmac road. The bikes, which have Bob and Peggy painted on their fuel tanks, will help Marsabit’s Christian clergy carry out their duties in some of the most remote areas of the diocese.
Contacts: Bob & Peggy Beak 01246 590048
Bell Ringers
Ashover Church has a splendid peal of ten bells and a ringing chamber which has been raised up to first floor level a few years ago. Ringing practice is usually on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 - 9pm but due to repair work on the tower the bells cannot be rung during May - August 2011. Arrangements have been made for ringing practice to continue in other local towers; call one of the contacts below to check the schedule.
Brackenfield church has a peal of six bells and an enthusiastic group of ringers. Ringing practice is on Wednesday afternoons starting at 2.30 pm.
Anyone wishing to learn is welcome to come along or phone one of the contacts.
Contacts: Barry Watts 01246 591850 and Brenda Johnson 01246 591980
Celebration Choir
The choir practises on most Monday nights in the Ashover Bassett Rooms. New voices are always welcome and the emphasis is on friendship, enjoyment and celebrating together.
Contact: Ruth Russell 01246 590047
Church Flowers
All churches have dedicated bands of helpers to decorate the churches every week but especially for Easter, Harvest and Christmas. The annual Well Dressings at Brackenfield and Wessington both include flower festivals in the churches with beautiful displays.
Contact for Ashover Flower Guild: Anne Eyley 01246 590693
Home Groups
Ashover: Small groups meet in homes during the week for fellowship, support and Bible study; over the last year we have enjoyed Chocolat with the Scripture Union and delved into the origins of man and the universe with NASA scientists and others via the Test of Faith course.
Contact: Mary Mellor 01246 591181
Brackenfield, Wessington & Handley: Friendly study groups meet in the Wessington Meeting Room for courses in Lent and in the Autumn.
Contact: Cliff Bratt 01773 520720
In Lent 2011 we looked at Lent with the God of Mission, a course from the Diocese of Derby, which included personal stories, DVDs and film suggestions. It was "not intended to provide answers to holiness and church growth" but to "encourage people to spend time listening to God and to one another".
May Day Carnival
Ashover: The annual May Day Carnival which takes place on the May Bank Holiday is a free fun day for all the family. It includes a parade led by Ashover Brass Band, May Queen & King, stalls, street entertainment, fun run, races, tug-of-war and lots more.
Contact: Rosemary Early 01246 590738
The Village Coffee Shop
Ashover: A Coffee Shop staffed by volunteers is open in Ashover Bassett Rooms each 1st and 3rd Tuesday morning in the month from 10.00 am to noon. Tea, Coffee, biscuits, magazines, newspapers and a good chat are all available; an opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones.
Contact: Sarah Hillard 01246 590369
Village Pantomime
Ashover: Soon after Christmas the village pantomime run by the church is performed in the Ashover Village Hall on a Friday and Saturday night; Saturday includes a party to which everyone brings party food.
Contact: Rosemary Early 01246 590738
Well Dressings
Brackenfield: Well Dressings round the village green are usually held over Spring Bank Holiday weekend; Holy Trinity Church hosts a flower festival and refreshments are served in the Village Hall. Joint Songs of Praise services are held with the Methodist Church.
Wessington: Usually held over the first weekend in July, the Well Dressings are opened with a service in Christ Church followed by The Blessing of the Wells. The church is decorated and refreshments are available.