The altar flower rota was reinstated after the pandemic and began with our two resident experts giving flower arranging demonstrations in St Andrew's.
During our Easter Sunday service a beautiful Lectern Bible was dedicated to the memory of Mary Shirville who lived in Tansor for 24 years before moving to Cotterstock in 2007. She was an active member of both communities until her death in 2020 at the age of 94.
After the service an Easter egg hunt was organised for the children.
Following a recent survey of headstones in the churchyard, those reported to be in a dangerous condition have been repaired. The PCC hope to be in a position to repair more as funds allow.
Reverend David Bond was welcomed to St Andrew's in June and over 100 people were treated to a very interesting talk on the story of Cotterstock College. Drinks and canapes were enjoyed in the churchyard after the talk. Everyone was so pleased to see David back in Cotterstock and the sum of £900 was raised for the Church at this event. His talk was recorded and you are able to listen to it here.
In July special flowers were placed on the altar in memory of Hazel Rae Smith. Hazel had so many happy memories of visiting her grandparents at Mill House, Cotterstock she kept in touch with St Andrew's all her long life. This photograph records the day in 1917 when her mother was married at St Andrew's.
Ride and Stride is always held on the first Saturday in September. This year a very hot day made the stop at St Andrew's for a cooling drink and specially baked biscuits even more inviting. A coffee morning and produce stall was also enjoyed by those who visited on foot, by cycle or motor.
Harvest Festival was held in October. Knitted pumpkins were part of the Harvest Festival display.
Our usual Remembrance Service held in November was well attended with over 50 in the congregation and a Warmington Colour Party and Oundle School trumpeter in attendance. Our store of knitted poppies provided a wonderful display and we were pleased to hand to the British Legion a collection of over £150.
At the end of November, St Andrew's Day was celebrated with a service in the Church. A piper was present to pipe people into church and played a piece during the service. Tots of whisky were served with shortbread after the service.
A kneeler commemorating the coronation of King Charles III was dedicated in December. It was painstakingly sewn by Angela Whiteway, who is also a member of the Warmington Bell Ringing team.
Our Carol Service was held in early December and the Christmas Day service was the last service to be taken at Cotterstock by Revd Dr Donald McFadyen. We wish him and his wife, Netta, every happiness in Fontainebleau.
During the year we were also visited by several bell ringing groups from around the country keen to ring our six bells. As well as providing the beautiful sound of bells in the village, the groups make donations which are put towards the maintenance of the bells. Several local U3A groups also visited, raising much needed funds thanks to the generosity of the speaker, Revd David Bond, and the villagers who kindly organised the trips and provided delicious teas. All in all a busy and very productive year for St Andrew's!