June Services at Ansley Churches
| 7th June
Trinity 1 |
St John’s
|
10.45 a.m. | Holy Communion |
| 14th June
Trinity 2 |
St Laurence | 10.30 a.m. | Morning Worship |
| 21st June
Trinity 3 |
St John’s | 10.30 a.m. | Morning Worship
|
| 28th June
Trinity 4 |
St Laurence | 10.30 a.m. | Holy Communion |
An Apology
The editor apologises for giving the wrong time for the Ascension Day service at Corley last month. It should have been 11.00 not 19.00. She hopes everyone heard the correct information before the day.
From the Registers
Wedding
The wedding of Charlotte Bates to Bradley Bray took place at St Laurence Church, Ansley on Sunday 3rd May at 2.00 p.m., in the presence of family and friends. Fortunately, the weather was better than forecast, as the bride arrived in a pony and trap. The new Mr and Mrs Bray were welcomed enthusiastically as they processed out of the building. We wish the couple every happiness in their future together.
Interment of Ashes
The ashes of Stephen Cart, who died aged 70, were interred in the grave of his parents on Thursday 16th April. He worked at Peter Bradbury Motors across the road from Piper’s Lane. He also very much enjoyed football and was involved with local teams in different ways. He quietly supported his family, friends and local communities, without thought of praise or reward. Those who were able to attend his funeral service at Heartlands Crematorium heard him referred to as a gentle man; a true gentleman. He will be much missed by all who knew him.
Also on Thursday 16th April Philip, who died aged 96 and Nancy, who died aged 90, Meads’ ashes were interred in the grave of Nancy’s parents. The daughter of Samuel Moore the Village baker, Nancy had grown up in Ansley then had moved away but always wanted to come back to her roots. Nancy had died during Covid while she was living in the south of the country. At the time an interment was not possible. Once the restrictions were lifted, Philip was not in the best of health and could not have attended a service. The family decided to wait and bring both sets of ashes back to Ansley at the same time and when the weather would be better.
On Thursday 9th May, the ashes of Sheila Knight who died aged 88, were brought back to Ansley and interred in the family grave.
Prayer Meeting
The next meeting will be Tuesday 30th June in St John’s at 2.00 p.m. All are welcome.
From the PCC
At the Vestry meeting before the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Margaret Antill and Diana Kealey were elected to serve as churchwardens from 2026 to 2027. At the APCM Anthony Truelove and Phil Rees were elected to serve as representatives on Nuneaton Deanery Synod for the next three years and Diana Kealey was appointed Electoral Roll Officer. The annual accounts and reports for 2025 were presented to the meeting and are now publicly available for anyone who would like to see them. (The Vicars’s report is later in the magazine) The post APCM PCC meeting voted unanimously that Margaret Antill continue as Treasurer, Diana Kealey as Secretary and Margaret Oliver as Lay Chair. Linda Jackson was re-elected to serve another three years on the PCC and Sue Pearson remains a member of the committee.
Margaret Antill and Diana Kealey, plus our Deputy Wardens, Margaret Oliver and Phil Rees, will be called to swear an oath of office at a meeting in the Diocese during June, at which point their roles begin officially for the year.
They and all the members of the PCC are very aware of their responsibilities and would very much appreciate your prayers as they serve the church and parishioners over the next year.
Ansley Village Church Hall
The Hall Committee and PCC are continuing to make improvements to the building for the benefit of users. It became obvious during the wet spells last winter that ground water was not draining away efficiently from the building, causing the walls to become damp in places. There was also a problem with damp walls in the toilets. After a visit from the church architect, we have a clearer plan to solve the problems. The floor has patches that will need repair. Then the whole floor will be sanded and re-coated. The men’s and ladies’ toilets will have fans fitted which will operate automatically when the light is switched on to reduce condensation. We look forward to these improvements.
A Cat in Church
When at church and it is nice weather, we leave the door open to help the air circulate and to reduce any moisture that accumulates in old buildings One Tuesday at evening bell practice, while in the gallery, we heard a cat. We looked round several times but could not find anything and assumed it had left! The next day the 2 people on the cleaning rota found ‘evidence’ of the cat. The mess was cleaned up but there was no sign of it and again it was assumed that the cat had left.
The flowers for Sunday were done on the Friday and there was no sign of a cat. On Saturday there was an interment of ashes, a meow was heard but again no sign of a cat could be found.
However, at the Sunday service at two points in the service, it was heard again! At the end of the service before people left it was found in one of the of the back pews in the chancel. The cat made a run for it and after going via the north aisle went into the vestry where it could be contained, but still lead us merry dance. Going under the sink and squeezing behind the safe it had nowhere to go! Having opened the west door we witnessed it escape into freedom.
On Monday going into church to make sure there was not more mess the sill of one of the low light windows in the chancel had had quite a bit of surface plaster scratched away, but it was not in the best of conditions beforehand. However, when going up to the altar there were bits all over the chest and on the carpet. It was lead! It had obviously been clawing at the ancient window and had pulled away the lead that holds the glass in place and keeps the rain out. Fortunately, it was only the bottom line of the glass that had been affected by its endeavours to escape.
The repairs will need to be carried out by a specialist person but at this stage we have no idea of cost etc. We have been in contact with our insurers and the church architect who has asked a specialist to visit and give his advice.
It is hoped that it can be repaired before any bad weather causes any further damage.
We have to hope that the poor tabby cat does not suffer from lead poisoning.
Church Yard Fund Donation
We are very grateful for a £100 cheque received from four nieces of the late Arthur Leslie (Les) Worrall who, with his wife Jean emigrated to Canada some 70 years ago. They have asked that it be used for the grass cutting of the churchyard as Les’ parents and many other family members were buried there. Looking at the church records there are 20 Worralls in known graves in the churchyard. It is only a few years ago that the ashes of two other Worralls were brought back from Australia to be interred with his parents.
We will be acknowledging this generous donation by remembering both Les and Jean for the month of June in our Sponsor a Cut notice in the churchyard notice board.
Arley History Group – Back in Time – St Laurence Church, Ansley
On Tuesday 2nd June, the group will meet at St Laurence Church, Ansley, instead of in the Barn at Old Arley. Margaret Antill will give a talk about the history of the church and there will be an opportunity to have a look round the building. The meeting will start at 7.00 p.m. and anyone interested is welcome to join in. There is no charge but a donation to the church fabric fund would be appreciated.
Vicar’s Annual Report
This past year in Ansley, has been marked by real encouragement — seen both in the growing engagement of our community through events and in the deepening faith of those within the church. From the success of our outreach activities to the joy of hosting a Confirmation service, we have been given tangible signs that God is at work among us, drawing people to Himself and continuing the work of building His Church in this place.
It has been such a privilege to be welcomed so warmly among you. Many of you have allowed me to walk alongside you in times of great joy and in moments of deep sadness. In all of this, we are reminded that the Church is not simply an institution or organisation, but the Body of Christ — called to share in one another’s burdens and joys, and to make visible something of God’s love in the world. I am deeply grateful for the trust you have shown, and for the ways in which we are learning to be God’s people together.
One of the great joys of this past year has been the life we have shared through our outreach events — from community gatherings to seasonal celebrations. These moments are more than simply occasions; they are expressions of hospitality, reflecting the generous welcome of God Himself. The Christmas Tree Festival and the ‘Back in Time’ event, in particular, were wonderful examples of this, creating space for encounter, conversation, and belonging. In such moments, we glimpse something of the kingdom of God breaking into the ordinary rhythms of village life.
It has also been deeply encouraging to see a growing openness to faith. Many have taken steps towards Confirmation — a significant moment in which individuals publicly affirm their baptismal faith and take their place more fully within the life of the Church. One of my greatest joys this past year was hosting the Confirmation service at St Laurence’s. It was a deeply moving occasion and a visible sign of the Spirit’s work among us, drawing people into a deeper relationship with Christ and strengthening His Church here in Ansley.
As we look ahead, the APCM is not only a moment to reflect, but an opportunity to discern together what God is calling us into next. I have been especially encouraged by the many conversations I’ve had with you about how you are living out your faith beyond the walls of the church — in your workplaces, your families, and your communities. This is the heart of discipleship: not simply what we do when we gather, but how we are formed and sent out to live as witnesses to Christ in the whole of life. We are a diverse and gifted community, and I believe we are being called to grow in confidence as we recognise that ministry belongs to all God’s people, each of us participating in His mission in our daily lives.
We also continue to hold a special responsibility in the way we journey with people through the occasional offices — baptisms, weddings, and funerals. These are sacred thresholds in people’s lives, moments where the grace of God is often most keenly felt. They offer us a profound opportunity to accompany people with compassion, to speak of hope in Christ, and to invite others into the story of faith. As a church, we are called to be attentive and faithful in how we steward these moments.
Prayer is another area we are beginning to grow more intentionally together. Prayer is not simply something we do, but a way of life — a participation in the life of God, as we are drawn by the Spirit into communion with the Father through the Son. As we look ahead, we will seek to nurture rhythms of prayer that sustain and shape us, both individually and together. In this, we entrust ourselves to God’s leading, praying for growth not only in number, but in holiness, in love, and in our attentiveness to His presence.
We are also looking at creating more opportunities for people to explore faith — whether they are just beginning to ask questions or are seeking to grow more deeply in their discipleship. I hope to offer spaces of genuine welcome, where people can encounter the living God, wrestle honestly with questions, and be formed within a community that reflects His grace and truth.
The legacy of worship and ministry in Ansley is something we receive with gratitude. It reminds us that we are part of a much bigger story — the faithful witness of those who have gone before us, and the ongoing work of God across generations. As we build on that foundation, we do so in the hope of the resurrection, trusting that God is always at work, bringing new life, renewal, and growth.
So let us continue to seek God’s vision together, to be attentive to His Spirit, and to respond with faith, hope, and love — trusting that the One who has begun a good work among us will bring it to completion.
With gratitude and every blessing,
Rev Steve Medley
Ansley Open Gardens
Ansley Gardens will be open to visitors under the National Gardens Scheme on Sunday 14th June 1.30 – 5.30. Tickets £6 Tea coffee and cake.
The gardens are 25, 79, 261 Birmingham Road, Church Farm, 11 Hatters Way (For the 1st time) The Old Police House and 1 Park Cottages.
Prayer Requests
If you would like someone, or a particular situation, to be remembered in prayer, please make contact by email or phone one of the contacts on the front cover.