The Uplands Group of Parishes consists of Guilsborough, Hollowell, Thornby, Cold Ashby, Ravensthorpe, Cottesbrooke, Creaton and Spratton                       

Message from Reverend Allison Twigg, the Uplands Group of Churches

Uplands Group of Parishes Office (Answerphone): 01604 743444                                

practice. I realised that giving something up—didn’t necessarily bring me closer to God. Instead, I decided to take something on: reading a book, joining a Lent study group, or engaging in a spiritual discipline that would enrich my faith.

This year, during Lent we will be studying together, learning through The Prayer Course. All are welcome to join in with this – please email revallisontwigg@gmail.com for more information.

Lent also carries with it the quiet promise of spring. As the season unfolds, snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils begin to break through the soil, adding splashes of colour to our winter-weary gardens. Their emergence is a reminder that new life is on the way.

As Lent begins, I pray that we all find moments to pause, reflect, and perhaps do a little spring-cleaning in our own lives—preparing our hearts for the glory of Easter.

With prayers for you all,

Reverend Allison

Email: uplandsgroup@btinternet.com

      As I write this, my thoughts turn to preparations for Lent and Easter. Lent, a significant season in the Church’s calendar, mirrors the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, as described in the Bible. It is a time of reflection and preparation—an opportunity to pause, look inward, and engage in a kind of spiritual and mental spring cleaning. Symbolically, the Church embraces simplicity and solemnity during this time, removing flowers and decorations and streamlining parts of the liturgy to help us focus on Jesus’ ministry and suffering. For me, Lent always deepens my appreciation of the joy of Easter when it arrives.

Many of you will know that in the early Church, Lent began after Shrove Tuesday—better known today as Pancake Day. This was traditionally a time to clear the larder of fats and sugars, marked by a feast before entering the simplicity of Lent. Over time, this practice evolved into the custom of giving up indulgences like chocolate, biscuits, or alcohol. A few years ago, I reconsidered my own Lenten

Next services, always at 11am: April 6th Spratton, April 27th Ravensthorpe, May 4th Spratton and

May 25th Ravensthorpe.

St Michael’s Creaton is currently closed for building works. It is hoped that it will be open by Easter. For more information contact the Uplands team:

Allison Twigg, Rector

tel: 01604 846099,
revallisontwigg@gmail.com

Caroline Burnett, Associate Priest

tel: 01604 328629

Lent Lunches

Guilsborough’s event in March was at the Village Hall and those who attended enjoyed some delicious home made soups with crusty bread followed by a choice of cheese and biscuits. The event raised £153 for the church and a raffle raised £60 for The Leprosy Mission.

Hollowell will be holding a Lent Lunch on Saturday 12th April in the Village Hall from 12 o’clock. A lunch of soup, cheese and cake will be served to support the Church and WaterAid. Please let Gill Brown know if you will be coming; she can be reached on 07833 321448.