Melverley Church News

Melverley Church News September 2026

Summer 26

The summer as we all know has been very hot, dry and sunny. Even inside Melverley church it has been quite warm, a pleasant change from the harsh winter temperatures. With the warm weather has come the many visitors from all over the world, some recounting their memories of family connections, childhoods spent in Melverley, return visits to recall their wedding day or passing through on the Severn

Way.

Visiting Groups

I have been busy with ‘The Story of Melverley Church’ days in July and August bringing people from across Shropshire and Wales. There have also been groups from Llansantffraid WI, National Churches Trust, A Saturday Ladies walking group, and a large group from a Church in Telford, who enjoyed singing a hymn at the end of their visit.

Heritage Open Days

HOD’s takes place across the country 11th- 20th September this year. As part of the Oswestry HOD ‘s we welcome visitors from all over the country and I will be giving talks on Saturday 12th and 19thSeptember.

Shropshire Historic Churches Trust -Ride and Stride

Ride and Stride is a fund raising event. It is an opportunity for congregations and wider community to raise money for their church by getting sponsored to walk, cycle or travel by car to visit local churches.

SHCT has helped Melverley church this year with a grant to enable repairs on the bell tower and exterior decoration. We are very grateful for all the help given. And those who take part in Ride and Stride.

Revd Kay Rogers

Our new minister Revd Kay Rogers was licensed at a service on 24th August in Kinnerley Church. We are looking forward to welcoming Kay to Melverley church for her first service on Sunday 6th September at 6pm.

Repairs to the church

Work on the exterior painting and preservation of the church is well underway and hopefully scaffolding will be up to work on the bell tower by mid-August. These repairs of the grade 1 listed building are essential to maintaining and protecting the fabric of the building from adverse weather conditions. Some grants have been sought but the church has also needed to partly fund it.

Looking ahead

A date for your diary. Saturday 5th December, the return of ‘The Devil’s Chair’ folk group to welcome in the Christmas season.

Sue Gittins