Ockbrook, Derbyshire - Aug 2026

We have had a busy spring and early summer, here in Ockbrook, and things are about to get even busier!

The 17th May saw a very well attended family service, where it was a delight to see so many young people participating. The emphasis on youth continued, on June 7th, with the baptism of baby Edward Charles John Boulton-Flint, who behaved, beautifully, throughout, despite his tender years! His mother, Charlotte, spoke movingly about the personal challenges that she had met and survived on her journey to motherhood, and the occasion was a joyous one, all round. The following week, young Christopher Mack, was simultaneously baptised and christened. Chris told us of his road to faith, and demonstrated his skills in coding, with an animated screen presentation, depicting his baptism. Welcome Chris!

On 27th June, we welcomed guests, for the Provincial Men’s Celebration, which also included Joachim’s blessing of the well behind the church, as part of the local ‘well dressing’. An ancient Derbyshire tradition, this year it involved not only its creators, ‘Ockbrook in Bloom’, but also out new neighbours, the ‘Over the Wall’ charity, who will shortly be hosting their first camps for children with health challenges and disabilities, in the former Ockbrook School. The Settlement is certainly springing back to life!

We are now busily completing our plans for the ‘Summer on the Settlement’ event, upcoming on August 8th, when we are looking forward to hosting our friends from Germany, ‘Moravian Brass’. Everyone is welcome to join us. The event is free (apart from a two-course evening meal, to bid farewell to our visitors, which will carry a charge of £15 per person). The event will also feature heritage presentations, and traditional Moravian baked goods. It’s never a Moravian occasion, without food!

Sr Jayne Brewster