The Graffoe Parochial Church Council (PCC) wishes to inform all those whose loved ones are resting in the following: Graffoe Parish churches: (St Andrew’s Boothby Graffoe, All Saints’ Coleby, All Saints’ Harmston, St Peter’s Navenby, St John the Baptist Temple Bruer and All Saints Wellingore, that routine topple testing of all headstones is to be undertaken during the month of March 2026 by each Village Church Committee (VCC).An initial visual inspection will comprise:Damaged or eroding bondingMovement of parts of a memorial from its original positionKerb stones breaking apartUndermined or unstable foundationsLeaning memorials – particularly if there is evidence of recent movementEvidence of structural damage or disturbance (e.g. cracksThe presence of vegetation, which may cause cracks etc to widen.Before this takes place, we would request that families kindly check their loved one’s headstone for any signs of movement or potential hazard to other users of the churchyard.You will appreciate that it is families’ responsibility to maintain their loved one/s gravestones and rectify any problemassociated with it. If this work could be undertaken prior to 1 March 2026, when the topple testing will commence, this would be appreciated. During the topple testing, in the event of an unsafe headstone being identified, a notice will be placed on the headstone itself and attempts made, where possible, to contact relatives.Where we have been unsuccessful in contacting relatives and the headstone in question remains unsafe, further guidance will be sought by the PCC from the Lincoln Diocese’ Advisory Committee as to the next course of action that is needed to be undertaken.From Graffoe Parochial Church CouncilEmail: admin@graffoechurches.co.uk
The idea was that we would collect coins to stretch the length of the parish from Temple Bruer to Harmston. We have long since completed that length and have managed to raise quite a lot of money for the parish which has helped to pay for various items of office equipment.We are still collecting and would gratefully receive your spare odd change whenever you would like to bring it.Please contact Liz Watson in Harmston on 01522 724963 to arrange it.
A really big THANK YOU to Hazel, Margo, Sue, Janet and Kath, who have kindly volunteered during the last year to provide refreshments after the monthly 9:30am Parish Communion Service in Coleby.The congregation really enjoy having the chance to chat with each other before leaving church.New vounteers are always welcome, so if this is something you would like to do once in a while and possibly with another volunteer, please contact Tange Stewart for details on 01522 810503 or add your name to the Coffee Rotal in the Church Porch.
