Newsletter February 2026
Friends of Kingsland Church
Following the retirement of Revd Julie Reid last summer after more than 12 years of service, we’re pleased to report that church activities have continued apace thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers. We not only introduced our new Friends initiative, but we’ve also been active in many other areas of fundraising too!
A varied programme of concerts during spring and early summer featured a wide range of music from movie soundtracks to rock, soul and blues, to classical.
April saw our church packed once more for a very popular flower arranging demonstration; this preceded the biennial Flower Festival in July, the theme being “a few of my favourite things”, filling the church with colour, imaginative displays and lots of visitors. We’re grateful to all the professionals and amateurs who gave their time and skills to make these events such a success.
Flower festival
Revd. Julie’s farewell
In early summer we held a series of farewell events and services for Revd Julie to allow as many people as possible to express their gratitude and say goodbye. Following this, a period of ‘interregnum’ has seen our regular worship and special services remain well attended.
Our new vicar’s arrival is now eagerly anticipated well in time for Easter! Revd Maggie Tate-Druiff is being licensed at 7pm on Monday 23rd March in the church. Maggie currently works in Cambridgeshire, but is Herefordshire born and bred with strong local farming roots.
H-Art Week in September again brought many visitors to admire and purchase a wide range of joyfully created arts and crafts, followed in December by a revival of our ever-popular Christmas coffee morning at The Corners; a chance to browse for small gifts and delicious cakes while catching up with friends in cosy comfort.
The purchase of 80 new wooden chairs was the final piece of our major renovation project. Some of these were sponsored in memory of loved ones, the rest provided by a generous anonymous donor.
Messy Church services continue to flourish, attracting as many as 30 children and 20 adults each month. Along with 9 helpers, this creates a happy and welcoming environment for younger families.
We also have a Youth Group, catering for young teenagers, which is organised in conjunction with our friends at the Methodist chapel. During school holidays our popular workshops continue to offer fresh opportunities for young people of all ages.
Musical opportunities are open to all at Kingsland Church, so for anyone who’s curious to have a go please don’t be shy! Regular choir practice 7.15pm on Thursdays, and the Steel Pans group every Friday (under 11’s at 4.30pm and seniors at 5.30pm). We also have an active band of bellringers. These groups perform regularly throughout the year at services and events, and anyone is welcome to join – there’s no upper age limit!
Contact us with any queries about events and activities, or if you would like to help in any way. Email: friendsofkingslandchurch@gmail.com