This is a message from the Gravestone Restoration ProjectI am sure many of you will have noticed the ongoing renovation of the churchyard in Alvingham.The headstones have deteriorated to such an extent that action needs to be taken now to avoid potential closure.The acquisition of a faculty licence from the diocese in Lincoln to enable works to begin is progressing well. Two professional businesses have been consulted, namely ALPHA Memorials in Candlesby and L.A. Stonemasonry – both prepared to repair and re-erect 29 headstones that are broken and to re-erect a further 20 headstones or so that are leaning dangerously.Dozens of people use the footpath every day, including Puddleducks (who must pass by a dangerously-leaning headstone) as well as people paying their respects to the graves of loved ones. Indeed, we even have national and international visitors, especially from Australia.We have the very rare occurrence of two churches in one churchyard and over 850 years of history. It is our duty to maintain and preserve our unique heritage.Please donate generously to our cause.We have a target of £14,000. The Parochial Church Council has made the first donation of £1,000 and so far, £2001 has been raised.You can find a link and QR code for donations on the Village website.Churchyard Appeal | Alvingham Community
Some wonderful (and loud) singing at the carol service on 14th December when we told the story of the Nativity in song - from the arrival of Little Donkey (Little Donkey) to the point of Joy to the World.Our beautiful St Adelwold's looked lovelier than ever thanks to decorations put up by Anne and Christine. And they had the emergency job, an hour before the service, of clearing up the mess made by a mouse who had decided to nibble one of the kneelers. Mice are God's creatures too and we wish the little nibbler a Happy Christmas.
Restoring the Gravestones in Alvingham churchyard for future generationsThe Graveyard Restoration Project is run by a group of passionate volunteers. They have the following important message PLEASE HELP US to restore the gravestones in our beautiful churchyard so that generations will remember those who have been before us. CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVEAlvingham churchyard is very rare in that it has two churches in one churchyard. The villages of Alvingham and North Cockerington have been served by St Adelwolds and St Marys churches for hundreds of years. The oldest gravestone is dated 1671. Many gravestones have broken or are now leaning so much that they are unsafe. Two parishioners have catalogued and photographed every one of the 410 gravestones. We have found that 29 are broken and need repair and re-erection and a further 24 are in an unsafe position and need returning upright and making safe.The people who are commemorated here should be remembered and not forgotten. We want to restore and repair the worst stones so that future generations will remember.We have full support from the Church authorities and have secured the services of ALPHA memorials of Candlesbury and LA Stone masonry, local experts in monumental masonry, so the repairs and restoration will last for many years.We feel that if you are remembered, you never die…..so feel it is important to preserve these monuments to past villagers. To do this, we now need your help. Please donate whatever you can; every penny will go towards restoring or repairing the stones.We are proud of our village, its people, and its community. Our beautiful churchyard has been well cared for over many generations, we continue this work and are confident that future generations; will do so as well.How you can help power our mission:Donate: Every penny counts. Contribute now to help us reach our goal.Share: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and on social media. Your advocacy can amplify our impact.Thank you for supporting our mission. Your support is invaluable and very much appreciated.
