This page has specific information about Handley Church, its history and some details about Handley-Stretton parish. For services, activities, events, contacts and directions, please follow the links above.
Handley Church History
Until 1970 the building for St Mark's Church was the village school and many of the current congregation have memories of schooldays there. The building is now a cosy church with modern stained glass and comfortable seating which can easily be rearranged to suit the various social events.
Outside the church, a sensory garden has been established and even boasts a statue of a lion, the lion being the emblem of St Mark.
The friendly congregation are especially pleased to welcome the Stretton-Handley school children, and their teachers and parents, to regular "grape and wafer" church services.
"Cuppa" call-in
There is a monthly chance to get together coffee, cake and a chat - to meet old friends again - and to hear a "thought for the day". Come and join us at St Mark's on the following Wednesday mornings from 10.30 to 12.30: 17th August, 14th September, 12th October, 23rd November and 7th December.
School reopens – after 40 years!
While many schools across the county fell victim to the bad weather, one actually opened its doors - for the first time in more than 40 years.
The old village school at Handley, on the outskirts of Ashover, ceased to be a centre for learning almost 41 years ago. But during early December’s ice and snow, the building again echoed to the sound of youngsters hard at work on their lessons.
Children from Stretton Handley Church of England Primary School moved into what is now Saint Mark’s Church when the boiler at their own school in Beresford Lane failed.
The Rector of Ashover, the Revd. Ralph Lawrence, was asked to help and agreed to make Saint Mark’s available for lessons until the heating system was repaired.
Headteacher Philip Searson (pictured with pupils) said this week: “It’s been a really memorable experience for the children to be back in the old building. They loved it and asked if they could come here again. However, the boiler was soon fixed and so we were able to return to our own premises. We’re very grateful to the church for its support.”