Parish Church

The first church at Winthorpe (Wyman's Thorpe - Doomsday 1086-7) was perhaps a Saxon church but the first recorded church was in 1229. Since then there have been two other buildings. In 1559 the original building was a ruin due mainly to neglect and absentee clergy!

Between 1559 -1638 considerable restoration took place but by 1646 the church was again a ruin from war action. 1778-9 plans were made to rebuild the church and the foundation stone for the steeple was laid by Roger Pocklington age 3 yrs 8 months. For some reason the plans were changed and the building was not completed until 1888. At that time there was a full time priest and a curate. Judging by the music library a reasonable choir existed singing full settings and anthems.

For the last five years we have not had a priest living in the village. The Rectory has been sold. We are now one of eleven parishes having excellent support from the Revd. David Milner, the Rector of The East Trent Group of Churches.  He visits people at home when requested and now has a band of volunteer visitors in the village who can help him when required. There is a Residential Care Home in the village to which he makes regular visits and administers Holy Communion when requested. Prior to Christmas a few villagers invite the more mobile residents to tea in the Village Hall followed by carol singing. In the summer by kind permission of Mrs Margaret Thornhill we provide afternoon tea in her garden and hope the sun will shine!

We only have one church in our village but three miles away in Collingham there is an Emmanual Church and a Methodist Church.

The services in Winthorpe Church are advertised in the monthly magazine 'Focal Point' which is available at the beginning of each month. They are also advertised in the village Post Office and on the notice board just inside the churchyard.

The worship is taken from the Prayer Book or from Common Worship (order one - traditional)

We have a regular monthly pattern of services:

Each year we have village collections for Christian Aid & The British Red Cross.

We support the Children's Society with collection boxes in our homes and the collection from the Christingle Service. Produce from our Harvest Festival and presents given at the Carol Service are taken to the Newark Women's Refuge.

We occasionally have a Flower Festival and a Songs of Praise when we ask for requests from the village people.

Periodically the eleven churches combine for a special service - everyone is very welcome at any church. We do not have a Sunday School  but children are welcomed in church. Services are taken by David or by retired clergy.

We have a band of ladies who keep the church supplied with flowers and dedicated people who keep the church clean and the brasses sparkling. We are exceedingly grateful as they are all volunteers - more are needed.

In 2006 we had a Loop System installed to help those of us with hearing difficulties. This has enhanced the service for many. As yet the Church has no toilet facility but this is under discussion.

The church remains locked between services for insurance purposes but admission can be obtained on request. Contacts:

Eight supporting members who may be contacted if required through the churchwarden.

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