Easter Newsletter 2026
- markwarrick9
- Apr 4
- 4 min read
Dear Parishioner
The last newsletter that we wrote was just before Christmas and here we are already at Easter, celebrating the Risen Lord!
The readings for today are as follows:
First Reading Acts.10 verses 34- 43
Second Reading Colossians.3 verses 1-4
The Holy Gospel according to John.20 verses 1-18
When visiting church you may have seen enhancements to the children’s area with more toys, storage and play rugs. We are extremely grateful to The Stamford Church Lads who were very generous again in helping us to achieve this.
We have been very fortunate to be able to have a piece of new furniture commissioned to include a notice board. This bespoke oak cabinet was funded by a legacy from the late Maisie Scarborough and gift day donations from parishioners. It certainly enhances the space, looking like it has always been there, and is a welcome storage space to move items from the vestry. The chest of drawers has been moved and is providing excellent storage for flower arranging materials, allowing the area under the steps to the pulpit to be completely cleared.
We are privileged if we can leave a mark of our passing, to be remembered by those people and causes we’ve cared for in life. A gift in your will to St Martins is one of the most valuable and lasting ways you can continue its mission and ministry. If you feel able to leave a legacy in your will to St Martins Church, this could make a lasting difference to your church. Just as Leslie Thiselton, Margaret Scott, Mahala (Haile) Bagshaw and Maisie Scarborough did, enabling us to carry out all the reordering work that we have done to the benefit of St Martins and its parish. No matter how large or small, every gift can make a difference.
Your PCC are looking at using the proceeds from the concerts that we are having, to further enhance the seating by providing cushions for the remaining pews that have none at present. We are hoping that this will be possible before the end of this year and will make St Martins a more enjoyable concert venue.
We are also having extra CCTV installed to cover the remaining areas of the Church which are, the children’s area, the Chancel, the vestry and the Burghley Chapel. This has been covered by the remainder of a grant and in conjunction with Burghley Will Trust, who are funding the Burghley Chapel camera. This will mean that the whole of the Church along with the roof will then be covered.
The new cremated remains area in the churchyard behind St Martins is now complete – apart from some grass seed. It has been beautifully marked with limestone by the stone masons who did the work on the ramp and has made a really peaceful area.
Forthcoming events :
Sunday 26th April - There will be a special dedication service with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Air Vice-Marshall Gary Waterfall, in attendance, for the King Charles III Coronation kneeler, donated by Ursula Jones and stitched by Alison Warrick. Our usual celebrations of fizz etc will follow and then the APCM will be held after this. We hope that you will all be able to attend on this special occasion and also stay for the APCM afterwards.
We have been asked if there will be a summer parish lunch function like last year. Unfortunately, Shacklewell Hollow campsite is very busy this year and completely booked. However we hope to be able to do something along similar lines next summer.
Forth coming concerts:
With two successful concerts already this year, one from Freya Goldberg to launch the Stamford International Music Festival and one from Stamford Choral Society, featuring our own Nigel Stark in the brass ensemble, there are many more to look forward to.
Saturday 2nd May, Stamford Strings – Piano Trio – Trio Stradella
Monday 18th May, The Big Band (with Nigel Stark) fundraiser for Citizens Advice Bureau
Saturday 6th June, Fergus Black – details to follow
Saturday 4th July, Stamford Choral Society – A night at the opera -TBC
Saturday 11th July, Stamford Strings – Cello & Piano duo – Michael Petrov & Susie Summers
Friday 17th July, Greenwood Quire - a performance from the Georgian “West Gallery Songbook” fundraising for St Martins Conservation Trust
Thursday 23rd July, Green Room Piano concert – young musicians
Saturday 19th September, Stamford Strings - String Quartet –Eldone Quartet
Saturday 10th October, Stamford Strings Violin competition – details in Stamford Living
December – possible return of the gospel choir EAGA - TBC
Thursday 25th December, Nine Lessons & Carols
Details will be on display in the church porch and on the notice board, as we receive them.
We have been told of a book that has just come out featuring St Martins Church. It is called Churches of Lincolnshire, written by church historian John E Vigar and is available from Quiller publishing.
With the better weather hopefully approaching in the very near future, we wanted to let you know that we will be switching off the heating as soon as we are able to, but will give at least a week’s notice in the pew sheets before we do so.
We wish you all a Blessed Easter.
With very best wishes
Alan & Julie
Churchwardens
22 High St, St Martins Stamford
m.scott603@btinternet.com 07860 658748 / 01780 762405
Safeguarding Officer
Ms Jo Keogh
07725 262364
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