The Grove and Hallcroft Methodist Churches form the Methodist presence in Retford. While operating as separate units, they work closely together to support, socialise, worship, and collaborate on special events. During June, The Grove was delighted to host many of the events for the first Retford Book Festival. In keeping with the literary theme, The Grove also hosted a fundraising coffee morning by the Austen Addicts group from Sutton, as part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. The Flower Festival held over the weekend of 4th to 6th July was a sensory delight. The building was filled with floral scents and visual splendour. Displays from across Retford interpreted the theme ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, including Phileas Fogg’s hot air balloon filled with sunflowers. Other displays represented countries such as China, Japan, and England, along with herbs and flowers with healing properties. Although the Tuesday Fellowship Group is on a break until September, Hallcroft continues to host its weekly Thursday Coffee Morning from 10.00am to 11.00am.
Sunday services
Services take place every Sunday in August. There is no Messy Church in August.
Bible Month Sessions
Studying the Gospel of St John at The Grove, every Saturday in August from 9.30am to 10.30am (except Saturday 2nd August, which will run from 10.00am to 2.30pm). For information and a study guide, contact Rev’d Julie Coates at julie.coates@methodist.org.uk.
Creative Hands Summer Club
Running weekdays from Monday 28th July to Friday 22nd August, 9.00am to 12.00pm, for ages four to 12. Sessions include arts, crafts, singing and signing. £10.00 per session. Contact Rachel Downs on 07548 80853 or Beth Ellicott on 07445 540726.
Chill and Chatter Afternoon
Thursday 21st August from 2.00pm to 4.00pm, hosted by Marie Gibson. For details, contact Clare Biddle.
Dates for your diary
Heritage Day – Saturday 13th September
The Grove will be open for refreshments and an opportunity to view recent renovations.
Film and Lunch Afternoon – Saturday 27th September
Times to be confirmed. Tickets available from Di Welchman at dianewelchman@gmail.com.
Star Festival – Saturday 22nd to Sunday 23rd November
Further information will be available nearer the time.
Regular events
Monday
- 1.15pm to 2.45pm – Grove Street Baby and Toddler Group (term-time). £2.00 per family including refreshments
- 2.00pm – Monthly Book Club (held in members’ homes)
Tuesday
- 2.00pm – Tuesday Fellowship Group (alternates between The Grove and Hallcroft, on break until September)
Thursday
- 10.00am to 11.00am – Coffee Morning at Hallcroft
- 11.00am – Midweek Communion at The Grove
- 12.00pm – Thursday Lunches at The Grove (includes hot meal, pudding and drink)
- 2.30pm – Bright Hour (most Thursdays at The Grove)
Saturday
- 10.00am to 12.00pm – Elevenses at The Grove, often supporting a charity
- 2.30pm to 3.30pm – The Listening Place (last Saturday of the month at The Grove)
The churches also host a range of community groups including singing, dancing, jewellery making, poetry, art, and music for wellbeing. Everyone is warmly welcome at all services and events. For more information, visit http://www.the-grove.org.uk or the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Grove-Street-Methodist-Church-Retford, or contact Clare Biddle, Facilities and Community Manager, on 07895 553224.