Family Church, Elmton & Creswell

03/03/2026

On our way to Buxton for our sixty first anniversary, we paused at Tideswell to visit St John’s, the Cathedral of the Peak. Part of the joy of the journey was stepping into a place that shares a thread of history with our own St Mary Magdalene in Creswell. We wanted to stand where the same hands once worked, to see the craftsmanship that shaped both churches.
Advent Hunstone and the Hunstone brothers of Tideswell left a remarkable legacy in Creswell. Their work is carved into the very heart of our church. The high altar reredos, with its crowned Christ on the cross, the Blessed Mary, St John, St Mary Magdalene, and St Peter, is their creation. The choir pews we sit on, and the oak carvings in the Chapel of St Michael and All Angels, also bear their mark.
These aren’t just old carvings. They are the fingerprints of craftsmen whose skill, devotion, and artistry still speak across the decades. Their work continues to shape the atmosphere of our worship and the beauty of our church.
Next time you step into St Mary Magdalene, take a moment to look closely at the woodwork. The story is still there, carved into every line and curve.

28/11/2025

🎄 Just a reminder, friends! 🎄
Tomorrow (Saturday 29th November) is our Christmas Coffee Morning at St Mary Magdalene Church, Creswell — and you’re warmly invited!
🛍️ Festive stalls full of goodies
🎟️ Grand raffle with great prizes
☕ Hot drinks and delicious food
🎺 Creswell Brass Band bringing the festive cheer
✨ Look out for my stall — supporting the Creswell Junior School Uniform Fund, helping children in need as they move on to secondary school.
📅 We’re open from 10 AM to 12 noon — come along, say hello, and soak up the Christmas spirit!

24/11/2025

🎄 St Mary Magdalene Church, Creswell
Annual Christmas Coffee Morning
📅 Saturday 29th November 2025
🕙 10am – 12 noon (in church)
✨ Enjoy festive music from the Creswell Colliery Brass Band
☕ Delicious refreshments
🛍️ Table-top stalls with gifts and goodies
🎟️ Grand raffle with wonderful prizes
All proceeds go towards supporting our church.
Everyone warmly welcome – come and share the Christmas spirit!

23/10/2025

Community appeal for clothing donations
We’re collecting men’s and women’s clothes to help people sleeping rough and homeless in our area. Lighthouse Homes in Shirebrook will distribute donations directly to those living on our streets, and I can arrange a convenient drop-off point in Creswell at a time that suits you.
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What to donate
• Warm outerwear: coats; jackets; waterproofs.
• Layering and tops: jumpers; hoodies; thermal tops; shirts; T shirts. The
• Everyday essentials: trousers; jeans; underwear; socks.
• Accessories for cold weather: hats; scarves; gloves.
• Footwear and bedding: boots; trainers; blankets; sleeping bags; rucksacks.
• Please donate clean, good-condition adult items only.
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How to give
• Drop-off partner: Lighthouse Homes, Shirebrook will distribute items.
• Local drop-off: I will arrange a convenient Creswell drop-off time and location to suit you.
• Contact: Reply here or contact Robert (Bob) to arrange drop-off details and timings.
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How to prepare donations
• Bag men’s and women’s items separately and label the bags.
• Mark sizes on bags where possible.
• Seal or tie sleeping bags and blankets to keep them dry.
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Why your help matters
A coat, pair of shoes, or warm jumper can make a real difference to someone living on the street. Donations are handed out with care by Lighthouse Homes, giving dignity, warmth, and immediate practical support.
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Thank you for your generosity and for standing with our neighbours in need.
Your donations will be much appreciated and put straight to good use.
St Mary Magdalene Church, Elmton Road, Creswell, S804ES Take Care Bob

12/10/2025

Elmton Harvest Auction returns to the Horse and Groom
Elmton’s much-loved Harvest Auction returns on Monday 3 November 2025 at 8pm, taking place at the Horse and Groom in Scarcliffe. The once-a-year event raises essential funds for St Peter’s Church, Elmton, and promises an evening of community spirit, lively bidding and plenty of laughter.
Call for donations
We welcome donations to include in the auction. Items that travel well and sell at a community auction work best — homemade preserves, baked goods, fresh produce, garden-grown vegetables, small household items, vouchers or craft pieces. Please ensure all food items are labelled with ingredients and any allergy information. Donations can be brought to the Horse and Groom on the night before 7:30pm or handed to a church warden in advance. 07739812976 Proceeds to Elmton Church
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Event details and practical information
• When: Monday 3 November 2025, 8pm
• Where: Horse and Groom, Scarcliffe
• Purpose: Annual fundraiser for St Peter’s Church, Elmton
• Parking: Ample parking available on site
• What to bring: Friends, a sense of humour and your wallet
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What to expect on the night
Local producers and generous neighbours donate a wide range of items for auction. Bidders can expect everything from a large jar of pickled onions and homemade pies to cabbages, bags of locally grown potatoes and other seasonal treats. The auction is relaxed and friendly, with plenty of banter, good-natured competition and the chance to enjoy a pint among neighbours.
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A brief history of St Peter’s Church
St Peter’s Church has stood at the heart of Elmton since it opened in 1772. The Harvest Auction is one of the church’s longstanding community traditions, bringing people together each year to support the building, its activities and the wider parish work.
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Community and charity
This event is about more than winning a bargain; it’s a chance to celebrate local produce, meet friends old and new, and contribute to a shared cause. Every donation and bid helps maintain St Peter’s for future generations and keeps an important piece of Elmton’s history active and cared for.
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Final note
Join us for a fun evening of local flavours, friendly faces and fundraising. The Elmton Harvest Auction at the Horse and Groom is a small occasion with a big heart — come along, enjoy the atmosphere and support St Peter’s Church.

06/10/2025

The Prayer for Today
Just for today, help me, God, to remember that my life is a gift,
that my health is a blessing, that this new day is filled with awesome potential,
that I have the capacity to bring something wholly new and unique and good into
this world.
Just for today, help me, God, to remember to be kind and patient to the
people who love me, and to those who work with me too. Teach me to see all the
beauty that I so often ignore, and to listen to the silent longing of my own soul.
Just for today, help me, God, to remember You.
Let this be a good day, God, full of joy and love. Amen

01/08/2025

Worried about someone.
Dear God someone in my life is in trouble or pain.
Be Close to them, and help them, Know they are not forgotten, make things better for them.
While we wait for that to happen. give them strength to cope and hope for tomorrow, Amen

21/04/2025

https://www.yourworld.net/chesterfield/swadlincote/news/church-leaders-gather-in-unity-at-derby-cathedral-for-maundy-thursday-chrism-eucharist-93014

In a poignant display of unity, reverence, and spiritual renewal, church leaders from across Derbyshire came together at Derby Cathedral on Maundy Thu...