Stow's town clock sits proudly on St Edward's church tower but it’s looking a little sad. It would be wonderful if, in this 550th Anniversary year of our Cotswold town's charter, we could restore our beautiful clock as it looks out over the square. Work to update the clock face and mechanism will cost around £32,000 with experts from Smith of Derby - they installed the clock 100 years ago - needing to abseil down the church tower to remove the clock face for repairs. The women of Closely Knit – who meet to knit and natter in the church from 10am on Saturday mornings – have chosen to knit for 'Little Ed' this year. They have already raised nearly £4,000. Diane Close, from Closely Knit said: ‘Our church clock is at the heart of our town and is loved by townsfolk and visitors. We are determined to help restore our clock to its former glory.’ We hope that townspeople, shops, businesses - and anyone who loves Stow and the Cotswolds - will support the campaign to give 'Little Ed' an update for the 21st Century. You can donate at https://givealittle.co/c/StowClock. Thank You for your support. Tick tock for our clock!
In August there was filming in Condicote for the Sister Boniface Mysteries Season Three. The Pound, with St Nicholas in the background, will be in season three episode three. We understand that filming was also taking place in gardens around the parish. Season 1 is showing on the BBC at the moment and if you have catch up tv you can see all of the first season on the BBC and seasons one and two on U.Those of us who live in the North Cotswolds can spend many hours watching out for local landmarks and shouting at the tv when locations don't match up. The vicar is well known for this when watching Inspector Morse, Lewis and Shoestring.
We love weddings and our four churches of St Mary's Upper and Lower Swell, St Nicholas in Condicote and St Edward's in Stow on the Wold provide a perfect backdrop for your big day. The village churches are small and are perfect for a small country wedding of up to 60 guests. St Edward's Stow on the Wold is much larger and can accommodate up to 220 guests. There is also the iconic north door which provides a frame for unique wedding photos.If you live in the parish then it is really easy and you just need to contact the Revd Karen, the priest in charge of the four churches, on revdkaren@stedwardsstow.org.uk to chat through how we help you plan your wedding.If you don't live in the parish there you can still have your wedding here if you have a qualifying connection. You might have lived in the parish in the past for at least six months, or you were baptised (christened) or confirmed in any of our churches.If your parents or grandparent's were married in one of our churches you can do the same. Finally, if your parents have lived in the parish for at least six months or if you have attended one of our churches for at least six months you can hold your wedding here. If you are not sure then please contact us. If you live too far away to create a qualifying connection you can have a wedding blessing at one of our churches. The official Church of England website is here and has lots of information about planning a wedding.https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/your-church-wedding/just-engaged/finding-church-your-wedding
Have you ever wondered what the images on a church wall or arch are all about. You can find out more here!https://sheelanagig.org/lower-swell/
