Frank Underwood writes :

By the 1840s the Priory Church was in a very dilapidated condition and repairs were necessary as several walls were leaning outwards.

An earthquake on 18th November 1795 had caused the church bells to ring and during another earthquake at noon on 17 th March 1816 , during the church service, the church tower cracked with a loud crash and several nearby houses were also damaged. In his book ‘History of Worksop' published in 1854, Eddison describes the restoration. Mr. Richard Nicholson, a native of Worksop was the Architect employed.

By the practice of excavating for intramural graves (intramural – within the walls) the pillars had been undermined and those on the south side were thrown from their perpendicular in that direction. The wall above them being so to the extent to about 15 inches. This left the church in a very dangerous state. Solid blocks of stone were placed under the pillars to form new basis, and these were secured by concrete. By a simple but hazardous process this immense wall with a surface of nearly 4000 square feet and comprising many thousand feet of solid masonry was brought back to its vertical position without a single fracture occurring. This was effected by connecting the two opposite walls by large beams of timber passed across the nave, into and on the north side through the clerestory windows. The beams on the north side were securely fastened to another beam extending the whole length of the wall. On the south side eight rods of iron welded to iron clasps at the ends of the beams passed through another piece of the timber in close contact with the clerestory wall. These rods were provided with nuts and screws by means of which the last mentioned piece of timber, and by it the south wall, could be subjected to pressure. The crevices at the north bases of the columns caused by the oblique direction the latter had assumed had wedges inserted in them, and as these were removed the wall gradually fell and resumed its original position.

The estimated cost for the work was near £5,000 and was raised by church rates, sale of old materials, by church subscriptions and donations from the Duke of Newcastle, Duke of Portland, Earl Manvers, Sir T.W. White and Rev. J. Stacey.

In 1848 the Priory had 6 bells with 2 further bells being added in 1883.

Frank Underwood

Notes from Deanery Synod Monday September 22nd.

The Archdeacon of Newark celebrated communion for the joint synods of Worksop, Retford and Bawtry at St Saviour's Church Retford.

Archdeacon Nigel then spoke of the progress towards the creation of a Deanery of ‘Bassetlaw' (working title only). He assured the meeting of the following:

a. that a half time Area Dean appointment was being pursued based on the job description outlined in the Bassetlaw Proposal . This would be combined with a half time parochial appointment in the Leverton / Rampton group.

b. that a half time diocesan trained and managed administrator would also be appointed and discussions as to the placing of the Deanery Office would be sorted in discussion with the new Area Dean and in line with the places outlined in the Bassetlaw proposal paper.

Worksop Deanery then appointed officials for the next 3 years; Peter Stanley as Lay Chair, Maurice Stokes as Treasurer and Simon Cash.

It was agreed that all the remaining parishes/benefices in the Deanery need to be represented on the Deanery Standing Committee during this changing time:

The meeting closed with The Grace

At this point I feel it necessary to put forward some personal observations regarding the changeover to the “Bassetlaw” Deanery. The diocese is aware of concerns and scepticism across the three deaneries affected, Worksop, Retford and Bawtry. Indeed, the representatives from Worksop Priory voted against the proposal, following the decision taken by the PCC. At this latest meeting of Deanery Synod, I noticed a good number of heads shaken in disagreement or dissent at various times during the Archdeacon's address.

Having said all this, the diocese has stated that one important intention is for us to be better placed to bring the word of God to the people of this area. This seems to be at the forefront and as such we should be open-minded enough to accept the change that is now on its way. So our prayers should be for its successful implementation, because in our own case, Worksop Priory is the church of the parish, and for the parish, not just for the regular worshippers.

Peter Klonowski

Traidcraft

Hopefully by now you will have had an opportunity to visit the Fair-trade Stall at the back of the Priory after the Parish Mass. The response so far has been very encouraging.

Established in 1979 as a Christian response to poverty, we build long-term relationships with producers, support people to trade out of poverty and work to bring about trade justice.

There is still plenty of time to take a catalogue, place an order and receive it for Christmass.

Thank you for your support

COFFEE MORNINGS

An enormous THANK YOU to everyone who held a coffee morning this year and for the donations that were given. We have raised a massive £1,000 in total which is a wonderful effort.

If anyone would like to hold a coffee morning in 2009 I have started the list, so please have a word with me.

A very special Thank You to Kath Bembridge for printing the tickets.

Kath Stubbins

Next year there will be a number of opportunities to make pilgrimages. We shall go for day visits to Egmanton, and Walsingham and a weekend is planned to the latter for November.

In May (8 th -15 th ) Fr Malcolm Grey, a renowned pilgrimage leader, is organising a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady at Fatima . Bishop Martyn will be taking part; Frs Spicer and Corbett intend to go; so it would be lovely if others joined us. Details are sparse at the moment, but accommodation, full board and flights will cost in the region of £600.

In July (17 th -24 th ) Bishop Martyn is celebrating his 40 th anniversary as a priest, by leading a pilgrimage to Rome . Brochures are available at the back of church.

Fr Spicer has led numerous pilgrimages to the Holy Land , always an incredible time of blessing. He plans to take a group in October or November 2010. 2009 prices for a 9 day trip cost £899- hence the advance notice so we can save up! Let him know if you are interested.

Christmas Shoebox Appeal.

It's time again to get search out a shoe box and collect small gifts such as toys, educational supplies, Hygiene items , gloves, scarf, cap etc.

Leaflets are available in Church with full instructions- please note the “Do not include the following”: which if in a box will simply be thrown away at the warehouse.

Please bring you box to Church by Sunday 16 th November they can be transported to a child to have for Christmas.

Thank you.