Ratlinghope is located in a designated ‘Natural Landscape’ area. The Church of St. Margaret’s serves a scattered rural, mainly farming community, with a population of approx. 130, of whom 62 are on the Electoral Roll. The area is mainly accessed by narrow winding lanes. It is particularly popular with walkers, many of whom like to visit the church.

St. Margaret’s regular congregation numbers around 20. However, on some occasions, Harvest, Easter or the Carol Service etc., we are bursting at the seams! We are a thriving, active Church with many events taking place throughout the year and there are leaders of worship amongst our congregation. A small team from our congregation lead a DIY service once a month.

Our PCC is committed and keen; striving to move our church forward. We have our own Facebook page which we use to keep in touch with our local community and friends further afield. Our congregation is open and receptive to new ideas, patterns of service, and ways of doing things. We are able, organized, and prepared to take on various roles within the church.

We have many willing volunteers caring for the maintenance and running of our beautiful, historic Church and we are members of ‘Caring for God’s Acre’ where our churchyard is looked after beautifully, and we have received the Silver Eco Church Award, acknowledging how we care for the earth as a key part of our Christian faith.

We also belong to the Shropshire Churches Tourism Group which attracts a number of visitors each year.

The pub in Ratlinghope (The Bridges) is very popular, and supports many fundraising activities, particularly among our young farming community. There is also an independent Youth Hostel next to the pub and a busy campsite adjacent to the Church. A music festival takes place once a year: a 3-day, children friendly event where many families come and camp for the week. Campers at both sites are actively encouraged and very much welcomed, to attend our services.

As a church we give a regular monthly donation to support mission work in Moldova through ‘Operation Mobilisation’, taking the gospel out into villages working mainly with children and young people. We also support our local food bank with a donation box in church and give generously to other charities throughout the year.

We are a cohesive, cheerful body, informal, yet respectful of tradition. We strive to offer kindness and concern amongst ourselves and the wider community, and ensure visitors are warmly welcomed. Amongst what is offered in our benefice, many members of the congregation have been involved in Alpha courses, Prayer and Bible study courses, Lent and Advent courses. Some members of our congregation belong to the Ministry support team and Pastoral Visitors Group, the ‘Open the Book’ team which visits our local school at Norbury, Home Communion training, and taking part in our monthly Cafe church at Lydham village hall.

We strive to encourage and develop our spiritual growth in the body of Christ for the benefit of the whole community.