It’s been a busy month for one of our Launde Minster Community parishes.
During June the churchyard of St Peter’s Church in Horninghold came alive with the sound of music and the joyful ring of children’s laughter, dogs barking and ‘bubbly’ conversation.
Making the most of the weather, and as part of activities for its Spire 1172 project, the church invited local school children to spend time exploring the church grounds, for an afternoon of Trails, Tunes and Traps.
On 13 June, as part of the church’s National Lottery Heritage Fund project activities and combining with ‘Love Your Burial Ground’ week, the PCC welcomed all the children and staff from the neighbouring Hallaton Church of England Primary School to spend a day in the churchyard.
Key Stage 2 children attended in the morning, whilst the Key Stage 1 children arrived with their lunches to have a picnic in the church grounds, before spending the afternoon there.
The sun shone throughout the day, with regular breaks for cold drinks and biscuits.
Martin Smith, the Heritage Activities Co-ordinator for the Spire 1172 project, arranged age-appropriate activities for the enthusiastic children.
A ‘Discover God’s Acre’ trail sent the children around the churchyard to find answers to a range of questions relating to the graves and exterior carvings of the church.
Another group engaged in finding out all about moths. A local resident had set a moth trap in the churchyard overnight, which had, unbelievably, caught over 30 different species of moths.
From apprehension, for some, the children became completely engrossed in the world of moths - all of which were set free at the end of the day.
In between there were opportunities to ‘Design an Angel’ and word searches to keep active minds engrossed. The morning and afternoon sessions ended with the children joining in a song Martin had composed especially about ‘The Black Dog of Horninghold’.
The church’s now annual Pets and Prosecco Service took place on Sunday 22 June, with 14 dogs joining the congregation to celebrate God’s goodness in creation.
Led by the Revd Canon Philip Norwood, with his faithful, four-legged friend, Tally, by his side, each dog was given a personal blessing during the service, with Hector, a splendid pony, receiving his blessing outside the church.
Whilst the dogs enjoyed some treats at the end of the service, the congregation enjoyed Prosecco, soft drinks and nibbles. A repeat service in 2026 has been requested.
On Sunday 21 September, as part of National Heritage Day, there will be a series of activities in Horninghold Church and churchyard, from 2pm, culminating in a Harvest Thanksgiving Service at 4pm. Everyone is welcome.