St Mary Magdalene Somerby North Beltisloe group parishes Lincolnshire UK

St. Mary Magdalene,
Old Somerby

OUR VILLAGE AND ITS CHURCH
Old Somerby parish includes the hamlet of Cold Harbour. There is an ageing population of about 200, occupying 100 houses. There are only about 25 people under the age of 20.
The only amenities the village enjoys are the pub and the church.
First mentioned in Domesday Book, the church contains a Norman arch and the effigy of a crusader knight. It is generally in good order, with only a little woodworm, and is small enough to heat efficiently with our new radiant heaters. There is no water supply. Occasional refreshments are provided in neighbouring houses.

SERVICES
One Holy Communion and one Evening Prayer per month, using the Book of Common Prayer, or Common Worship when hosting group services. Our pipe organ can be temperamental, but is very beautiful when played well. We have no resident organist, but there are a number of people we can call upon for special occasions though not always for regular services, where attendance seldom achieves double figures.

PCC AND FUNDING
The PCC is made up of 15 people, all of the ‘silver generation’.
The planned giving programme, which has been in place for nearly four years, is due for review. The major annual fund-raising effort is the summer fete, which is always well supported by the village. This year we revived the Harvest Supper. Held in the pub, it was attended by 26 people and benefited the harvest charity. There is a tradition of carol singing at Christmas for the Children’s Society, which in 2010 also took place in the pub.