The two churches form the Methodist presence in Retford. Although working together, they remain separate units, joining for some services, as well as to support, socialise, share, and mark special occasions.
Over the past month, workmen have been seen around the front of the Grove Church, completing the final stage of the ‘church makeover’. This includes restoring the interiors of the two towers and carrying out essential roof and stonework repairs. The work is progressing well and is expected to be completed by the end of the month. There are innovative plans for the towers, such as creating exhibition spaces for artwork, photography, and textiles, transforming what was once a neglected area into something beautiful.
An ideal opportunity to see the developments at Grove Church will be on Charter Day when the church will be open as usual. By then, the permanent Time Line historical artwork will be displayed around the vestibule, and there may even be an exhibition in the towers. Visitors will have plenty of time to look around, enjoy a cup of coffee and cake, and listen to the magnificent organ.
Once normal services resume, several major events are planned:
- Bassetlaw Museum 1920s Event – 6.30pm, Thursday 6th March (Sold Out)
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Performed by the Elizabethan Academy, 7.00pm, Tuesday 26th to Friday 29th March
- Bluebell Hospice Afternoon Tea – 2.00pm to 5.00pm, Tuesday 2nd April
- Simply Swing Band Concert – Thursday 4th April
- Allegra Choir Concert – Saturday 5th April
- Film and Afternoon Tea – Saturday 26th April
Additionally, the Retford Art Society returns for its Spring Exhibition in April / May. As part of the first Retford Book Festival, taking place from Sunday 9th to Saturday 15th June, Grove Church will be used for some events. The Grove Church Flower Festival, themed Around the World in Eighty Days, will take place from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th July.
There are many more events in the pipeline – watch this space!
Other events in March
- Soup Lunch and Film – Tuesday 25th March, 12.00pm, Hallcroft. Donations welcome.
- Lent Course – Saturdays from 9.30am to 10.30am, running from 8th March to 12th April, The Grove. Using a study guide to discuss The Sound of Musings by Rev Bryony Wood. Attendees are welcome to drop in and out of sessions.
- The Listening Place – Saturday 22nd March, 2.30pm, The Grove.
The church also hosts a variety of groups covering interests such as singing, dancing, jewellery making, poetry, art, and music for well-being.
Sunday Services take place every Sunday in March.
Everyone is welcome at all services and events.
For further details, visit www.the-grove.org.uk or the church’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Grove-Street-Methodist-Church-Retford.
For enquiries, contact Clare Biddle, Facilities and Community Manager, on 07895 553224.