Thought for April
A Prayer for May
Let the risen Jesus enter your life, welcome Him as your friend with trust: He is life.
If up till now you have kept Him at a distance step forward. He will receive you with open arms.
If you have been indifferent take a risk: you won’t be disappointed.
If following Him seems difficult then don’t be afraid.
Trust Him, be confident that He is close to you He is with you and will give you the peace that you are looking for and the strength to live as He would have you do.
Pope Francis
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Tomorrow there will not be a Service at St Augustine’s; we will join the congregation at Ingelby Greenhow for a Service of Holy Communion at 9.30 a.m. We hope that you will be able to be there.
On Thursday, Ascension Day, there will be a Service of Holy Communion at 10 a.m.
We'd love you to join us!
Changes to the Family Service
From Sunday May 5th the 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. Family Service, on the first Sunday of the month, will be replaced with a single service of Holy Communion at 9:30 a.m.
All are warmly invited.
From September 2024 all Benefice Services will commence at 10 a.m.
PLEASE DO SUPPORT THE BENEFICE SERVICES, ALL WELCOME!
Midweek Services at St Augustine's
Please join us for our Thursday 10 a.m. Holy Communion Services on the first two Thursdays of the month.
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Confirmation
If any adult or child aged eleven and over would like to prepare for Confirmation please let Anne Heading know.
If you are unsure what would be involved then please do ask.
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Notes from The Parochial Church Council
1. When you come into the church porch, please do not forget the porch box for charitable donations.
These monies do not go for church funds but for some other charity nominated by PCC members.
2. If you would like to have your say in the Governance of the Church of England then the way to do it is by becoming a member of the Deanery Synod. This meets three times per year & is the local decision making body. Members of Deanery Synod can vote & resolutions may be passed to Diocesan & then further to General Synod, as the need arises.
If you would be interested please contact Anne Heading.
Members of Deanery Synod must be baptised and communicant members of the Church of England.
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Electoral Roll:
If you are baptised and resident in the parish and would like to join the Electoral Roll of the Church then please let David Chadwick or Anne Heading know.
Being on the Electoral Roll entitles you to vote in annual meetings if you wish to do so.
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Coffee and Cakes
Thank you to all who have supported, and we hope enjoyed, their coffee and cakes at the monthly coffee mornings during the winter months.
Your generous donations, as in previous years, will be divided between three charities selected by your votes.
The three charities we will be supporting this year are Macmillan Nurses, Alzheimer's and Crohn's. They will be receiving £150 each.
We are planning to restart the coffee mornings again in the Autumn and we hope to see you then. Enjoy the sunny summer months!
Anna, Alison and Sheila
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Steve Blake
Steve Blake, born 5th January 1970, died 14th February 2026 Steve was born in Hong Kong but returned with his family to Great Ayton when he was four. He attended Stokesley Comprehensive School and married Rachel Frew from Kirkby in St. Augustine's Church in 1997, where their children, Charlotte and Daniel, were baptised. Steve originally worked for British Steel and, after relocating to South Wales, for its various reincarnations. Steve never forsook his north-east roots, visiting often his mother in Stokesley and his sister and her family in Yarm. As his father before him and his son now, he remained a Sunderland football team supporter - not always a comfortable allegiance! Steve was a fan of, and an authority on, real ale in England as well as in America and on the continent. He was generous in sharing his insights!
FRANCES CLAIRE TAYLOR
The Taylor family, Geoff, Jean, Tim and Luke thank you most warmly for all the phone calls, cards, letters, flowers, condolences and good wishes we received following the death of our dear daughter Frances.
The sheer volume of tributes has been overwhelming and we feel grateful to have so many good friends and neighbours. We are very lucky to live in such a caring community.
We are happy to advise that the donations to the charity Crohn's and Colitis amounted to more than £1,000.
Later this year the family will be organising fundraising events in Fran’s name.
In Memory of Stewart Williamson
Ann, Clare and Richard Williamson would like to thank everyone in and outside our villages for their letters, support, flowers and messages. It has been overwhelming and we are trying to respond to as many as possible.
We are most grateful. Thank you
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Please follow our churchyard etiquette
f you have a loved one buried in our church yard please could you ensure the grave is tidy and the Christmas wreaths have been removed to help with grass cutting.
With many thanks.
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Steps
For all pre-school children and their carers
Steps Service
in St Augustine's Kirkby- in- Cleveland.
There will be an event/ service for children in the summer.
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Dates for your Diary
The soup lunch is on Saturday 16th May from 12.00 to 2.00 p.m.
6 SUNDAY JUNE 14TH 2026; 1-5PM KIRKBY & GREAT BROUGHTON OPEN GARDENS
Help needed to run the Church Hall
Could anyone, maybe recently retired, like to offer a few hours to the community by joining the small team who administer and run Kirkby Church Hall?
The Hall is an acknowledged asset to the village but needs another person to lend a hand opening and closing the hall for intermittent bookings, keeping an eye on tradesmen, maintenance jobs etc and ensuring everything is kept to a high standard for the many regular users each week.
Contact Anna 712797, Sheila 712321
Those of you who have been in the hall over the past month will have noticed that the main hall floor has been cleaned and resealed. We would like to thank Andy from DriNOW for the excellent finish he has given to the floor. We ask that people using the hall respect the floor and do not drag chairs or equipment over it. There is a trolly for moving the chairs in the store cupboard
Christian Aid
Many thanks to all who attended the quiz on Friday 13th March. The raffle made £225 and the total raised was £935. Thanks also to the members of the group who worked so hard to realise this sum. Funds raised are currently supporting farming initiatives in Nairobi to combat extreme urban poverty and hunger
Christian Aid week is 10th to the 16th of May and the soup lunch is on Saturday 16th May from 12.00 to 2.00 p.m. . Included in the May Newsletter is a donation envelope. If you wish to make a donation there are instructions stapled to the envelope stating how to return it.
Even better than that we will be holding our usual soup lunch on Saturday 16th May from 12.00 to 2.00 p.m.
Why not come along to the Church hall and sample some of our unusual and flavoursome home made soup, along with freshly baked crusty bread and some other treats as well?
There is no charge for this event other than to bring along your donation envelope.
Bring the whole family - children are welcome.
It’s a win win for everyone!
You get a lunch which you didn’t have to cook, and you don’t have to wash up either!
In addition, by donating you will be helping some people who live in appalling conditions out of poverty and enabling them to better feed their families.
.Thank you all for your continued support.
6 SUNDAY JUNE 14TH 2026; 1-5PM KIRKBY & GREAT BROUGHTON OPEN GARDENS
In aid of Christian Aid & Great Broughton Village Hall
After many years, we hope to organise ‘Open Gardens’ in the villages, with refreshments in the Village Hall.
If you would like to show-off your beautiful garden or help, please contact:
Michaela Amann: michaela.amann@gmail.com
Janice Ronsano: jronsano@yahoo.co.uk
Naomi Gate: (Cakes Donations) naomi.gate@icloud.com
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Kirkby & Gt. Broughton School 
To keep in touch with what's happening in school our website address is http://www.kirkbyandgreatbroughtonschool.uk.org
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Kirkby & Gt. Broughton School To keep in touch with what's happening in school the website address is http://www.kirkbyandgreatbroughtonschool.co.uk
Y5/6 pupils have explored industry first-hand, through the Children Challenging Industry Project, in collaboration with York University. This project is a brilliant opportunity that brings real life science into the classroom and helps children see how STEM shapes the world around them. We have been delighted to welcome Mrs Millar, who has worked with the children throughout the project. She introduced the children to a range of hands- on investigations linked to plastics and materials, encouraging them to think like scientists. One of the children’s favourite activities was “buying” different types of wrapping to protect an egg, which Mrs Millar then posted! Our postie thought this was brilliant as he returned the eggs although sadly some of them had 'apology ' labels from Royal Mail :) There was a lot of ‘eggcitement’ as they opened the parcels to see which eggs had survived. Our topic culminated with a visit to Alpek an amazing chance to see industry in action and understand how science, engineering and teamwork come together in real workplaces. Two boys said that they loved the control room, another loved climbing the tower! This project has sparked curiosity, confidence and a real enthusiasm for STEM. A huge well done to all our Y5 and Y6 scientists.
Cooking Club has been a super recent opportunity for some of our younger pupils baking cakes and making pizzas – delicious!
A big shout out and congratulations to Antares, who won last term’s House Competition! Each week, children earn pom-poms for their house through kindness, effort and hard work, and the house with the most at the end of term enjoys a special hot chocolate with the Headteacher. Well done to our pupils for their enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the term. They have been true stars.
Our special child-led service at St Augustine's Church before the holidays was a lovely way to end the term. One member of the congregation said: "It filled my heart with joy," which is exactly what Easter is about.
Our classrooms were full of Easter excitement as children took part in egg decorating. From superheroes and storybook characters to beautifully painted spring scenes, it was wonderful to see such a fantastic range of ideas. The children approached the challenge with enthusiasm and some fantastic inventive ideas.
In other news, we are thrilled that our school is 4th in the whole of North Yorkshire for Walk or Wheel to School participation! Years 1 and 2 are leading the way with brilliant enthusiasm, but Year 3 are catching up quickly. It’s wonderful so many children are choosing active, healthy and eco-friendly ways to travel each morning. Over 103 children gained their first badge! Amazing work!
We are still looking for items for our outdoor area, games, picnic blankets etc. and people to help with some gardening – do get in touch if you’re able to help in anyway. Thank you!
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Organist Wanted!
We need a replacement Organist at St Augustine's, starting as soon as possible. There are two, occasionally three, morning services per month; adding in the special services at Christmas, etc., this totals about 38 per year The organ is a Copeman Hart two-manual instrument; it was installed in 1998 and is one of the best in the area. There is a considerable library of both organ and choral music. We understand that a pianist of Grade 4 standard would have the right level of technical competence to be able to transition effectively to the organ.
Please contact Anne Heading for further details
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Our Eco Group Gains Bronze Award
St Augustine's is part of an initiative by the Church of England to Care for God's Earth called Eco Church. The aim is to engage Christians of all denominations with stewardship of God's creation, the earth we all share. At St Augustine's the green team have been working towards achieving the Bronze Standard through interaction with the local community especially the Primary School, increasing the biodiversity of the churchyard and encouraging involvement in green issues in the Benefice. Thanks to all who have supported us in any way as we achieved our Bronze Award on the 5th October. Many congratulations to the Eco Group on the Bronze Award!
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Church Flowers Love Flowers?
We would welcome anyone in arranging flowers once a year.
Please contact Gill Sockett 712432
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Friends of Darlington Memorial Hospital 
Stamps – Francobolli – Timbres – Sellos – Briefmarken – Stampaichean
I am still collecting used postage stamps for the Darlington Memorial Hospital voluntary drivers' expenses
Can you please save used stamps to help fund their Voluntary Car Service. Just post them through the letterbox of 46 Kirkby Lane, opposite Gt Broughton School or leave them in the Church Porch.
Also check their website for cheap postage stamps offer.
Thanks Heather Stamp
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Recycling at Gt Broughton Village Hall
Please use the allocated recycling bins in the entrance hall for stamps and plastic milk bottle tops (only)
Two charities are being supported by these recycling schemes:
Stamps - Parkinson’s UK
Plastic milk bottle tops - Marie Curie (Cancer Care)
Thank you, GBVH Committee
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The Churchyard
The Churchyard is a tranquil, peaceful and welcoming space for all who visit and we encourage the placing of floral tributes on individual graves in memory of those who are no longer with us. However, please do not use glass containers; biodegradable materials are preferable, where possible. Flowers (and their containers) should be removed when they are past their best and we are grateful to those who do this. We ensure that the grass is cut and trimmed regularly during the summer months and a small team puts a lot of effort to keep the whole area tidy and the paths clear of debris. We would only move containers if they obstruct grass cutting. Please could you ensure that any item that does not comply with these guidelines is removed. With many thanks. We are always happy to welcome volunteers to help us look after the Churchyard and keep it in good order for future generations in our parish.
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Kirkby Church Hall
Is there anyone living in Kirkby or Great Broughton with a few hours to spare who would like to join the small (but very friendly) team of volunteers who run Kirkby Church Hall? This is a well appointed hall that is popular with our regular hirers and we are only able to keep the rental charges down because it is administered by volunteers. Duties would include occasional opening up or closing the hall for one-off hirers, being a key holder, helping with Christmas decorations etc. If are interested please contact Sheila (01642-71232
Kirkby Church Hall is available for hire. Contact Sheila 712321
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Church Warden Needed.
The PCC is seeking a churchwarden - if you can serve as Warden then please contact Ros Tomlinson to discuss the role Tel. 01642 711796.
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(Church) Electoral Roll
There is occasional confusion between the Civil Parish and Church Parish. The Civil parishes of Kirkby and Great Broughton are quite separate and anyone on the national Electoral Register is entitled to vote in elections for the Civil parish, in which they reside, as well as County Council and General elections. The Church Parish of Kirkby, based on St Augustine's church, however, covers all the area of Kirkby and Great Broughton civil parishes. Anyone who is baptised and resident in that area and, subject to certain conditions, living outside the area may apply to be included on the church Electoral Roll, which entitles you to vote in annual meetings of the church.
The church Electoral Roll is renewed every 6 years and everyone who was on the previous roll must apply in the same way as those wishing to be included for the first time. Of course you can apply at any time during the currency of the Roll. This is the start of a new Electoral Roll 6 year period and you will find an Application Form enclosed with March News Letter. If you wish to be included in the Church Electoral Roll please complete the Form and leave or send it as stated at the foot of the form in the newsletter.
Many thanks to our Gift Aid Secretary, Angus Sanderson for all his work for our parish
Electoral Roll Enrollment Form
Please consider joining the Electoral Roll for our parish, it gives a stake in the local Christian community and supports the wellbeing of the parish church. A person enrolled in this way may vote in our church meeting and is eligible to take on certain responsibilites such as that of Churchwarden. The criteria for joining the Roll and details of who to contact may be found in the Application Document (click on the link below.)
You are welcome to join us! Rev Dr Anne Heading, Vicar.
The Parish Newsletter for May 2026 has been published and can be accessed here
The Book of Psalms can be a great source of comfort and inspiration; Psalms 16 - Preserve me, O God, 23 – The Lord is my Shepherd - and 121 – I will lift up mine eyes to the hills – are commended.
The Church has a Facebook page - St Augustine’s, Kirkby & Great Broughton - which, like the website, is regularly up-dated