The church of St Mary Magdalene & St Andrew at Ridlington is an impressive building for such a quiet village; it consists of west tower, nave, north & south aisles, and chancel.
Most of the building dates from the 13th century; the tower in its present form dates from about a century later.
Extensive restoration in 1860 left little older work remaining save the chancel arch, nave arcades, clearstory and tower, thus the history is difficult to follow. The 1860 work by a Henry Parsons of London consisted of rebuilding the aisles and chancel and replacing all the fittings, including the erection of new roofs throughout. In 1887 a new porch was erected, and in 1903 the upper part of the tower was rebuilt.
Members of the Parochial Church Council are:
Richard Allen, Louise Fox; Steve Fox; Debra Thatcher (Church Warden); Richard Thatcher (safeguarding officer) and Margie Wall.
Church Services – 2026
All services are held at 09:30. All welcome to the services and refreshments afterwards. Please join us.
Please see the Church Noticeboard or contact Debra Thatcher for mor information.
January 4th: Morning Prayer
January 6th: 4:30 pm – Evening Prayer to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany to be led by the Rector
January 11th: Holy Communion
January 25th: Morning Prayer
February 1st: Morning Prayer
February 8th: Holy Communion held by the Rector
February 22nd: Morning Prayer
March 1st: 4:00 pm – Quiet Contemplative Service
March 8th: Holy Communion led by the Rector followed by light refreshments
March 22nd: Morning Prayer followed by light refreshments
April 5th: 06:00 am – Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at Rowells Lodge
April 12th: Holy Communion
April 26th: Morning Prayer
May 3rd: Morning Prayer
May 10th: Holy Communion
May 24th: Morning Prayer
May 31st: 11:00 am – Benefice Holy Communion
June 7th: Quiet Contemplative Service
June 14th: 11:00 am Benefice Holy Communion at Preston followed by a bring and share lunch.
June 21st: Evening Workshop using the Iona liturgy
June 28th: Morning Prayer
Flowers
We have a rota for church flowers each year. Weekly and on special occasions wonderfully creative arrangements are to be found throughout the church, from the porch to the altar.
For church goers, visitors and all of the village folk, the flowers provide a feeling of peace and welcome and it is always good to see the changing seasons reflected in the church.
Many thanks to the church flower team for their dedication and hard work!
The monthly 2026 rota can be viewed in the Church Porch.
Cleaning Rota
In addition to the weekly cleaning rota, there will be 3 occasions throughout 2026 where we will give the church a special ‘deep clean’ to keep it looking spick and span. Cleaning materials and refreshments will be provided, dates for the new year will be advised in due course.
The monthly 2026 rota can be viewed in the Church Porch.
Parish Magazine
Sarah Tyerman is now responsible for the Ridlington page in the Rutland Water Parish Magazine and would like to make sure that she gets as much information about village life; news; events etc… included as possible.
Please let her have details before the 11th of each month.
Her contact details are: email: sarahtlondon@aol.com
Village Library
In the church there is a village library – with an open door policy the church is accessible 7 days a week and all are welcome to sit in the peace and quiet at any time during the daylight hours. The books are there for all to enjoy, you can swap, borrow or keep a book and make a donation in the offertory box if you wish.
The Ridlington Charity Christmas Card
It is over 10 years since the Church Council started this initiative as a fundraiser for the 3 main community facilities in the village: The Church, The Village Hall and The Playing Field.
Send a Christmas card and donation to the village!
All the cards will be pinned up in the church, which will make a lovely display and give everyone the opportunity to read your message of goodwill for Christmas and New Year.
Simply deliver your card and donation to either Debra Thatcher, Ruth Lees or Pat Roome. The value of your donation will remain confidential but your well wishes will be shared with all.
Thank you!
