On Sunday 12th March at 2.30pm, Dr Norman Hailes will lead a tour of St Lawrence Church to help you discover the history of this ancient building. Following the talk, afternoon tea will be served in Church. All money raised will go towards the Church Clock Restoration Fund.Entry to the tour will be by ticket only and places will be limited.Tickets cost £10. To book your place, please contact Dr Hailes, norman_hailes@yahoo.co.uk, 01785 823686 or Bob Winfield, bobwinfield1897@gmail.com, 01785 822507.
The present clock was installed in 1775. The last time work was done on the clock faces was in the 1894 renovations, which included removing a clock on the north side of the tower and installing the present one on the south side of the tower. The clock face on the west side of the tower was refurbished at that time, almost 130 years ago. The clocks have been a constant and helpful village feature for almost 250 years. However, all machines need maintenance from time to time and the associated mechanisms (dial works and ratio gearing) directly behind the clock faces also need attention. Part of the work will have to be carried out by Steeplejacks.The 'Friends of St Lawrence' would like to ensure that the clock faces and associated mechanisms should be in good order for the benefit of future generations, and have started to raise funds for the project, which is estimated to cost £14,000. We are appealing for people to sponsor the decoration of the clock faces.For further details about the project, please contact:Bob Winfield - bobwinfield1897@gmail.comor Mike Redfern - mikeredfern135@btinternet.com
Our prayers, together with the prayers of the nation, are with the Royal Family as they mourn the loss of their dear mother and grandmother, and we mourn the loss of a remarkable Sovereign. At home in the arms of her Saviour, may Queen Elizabeth rest in peace and rise in glory.During this time of mourning, our churches will be open for you to come in and quietly remember Her Majesty, in prayer or in stillness. There is an official Book of Condolences at St Mary’s Church, Stafford, or online at www.churchofengland.org Gracious God, we give thanksfor the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth,for her faith and her dedication to duty.Bless our nation as we mourn her deathand may her example continue to inspire us;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
