A growing church at the heart of the community
About St Laurence
For nearly a thousand years our beautiful church has been at the heart and soul of village life. St Laurence Church remains a special place for many people here today.
The church is open every day and on Sundays a warm welcome awaits. There are services to suit both young and old, and for those wanting to find out more about the Christian faith. We also have a strong relationship with our Church School.
Meet the PCC
What's the PCC?
Rector
Position Vacant
Al Marcham
Annewen Rowe
Jane Cranston
Churchwarden
Stephen Day
Helen Watson
Peter Day
Churchwarden
Richard Dick
Tian Davidson
Treasurer
Claire Barratt
Bellringing
The 1552 Inventories show Appleton Church Tower as containing “three bells and a sance belle”. In 1817, these bells were replaced with a ring of six bells given by the then Lord of the Manor, Robert Southby. The ring was dedicated on 4th March 1818, the villagers were given the day off and the Appleton Society of Change Ringers formed.
Each March the anniversary of this day is celebrated by ringing and a dinner in the evening which is attended by local ringers and ringers from considerable distances away. The March 4th song originally composed by the village schoolmaster John Harding was first sung in 1818 (more verses were added in 1854 and 1977) and is still sung at the celebrations.
Ringing times
We ring at 9.30 for the 10.00 service on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of the month and from 5.30 pm for the 6.00 Evensong service on the 1st and 3rd Sundays.
Practice night is Friday from 7.30 until 9.00 pm and visitors are always very welcome then and on Sundays.
Visitors
New Recruits
Appleton ringers are looking for new recruits to help ring our church bells. The bells have sounded over the village since 1818 when the first 6 bells were given by Robert Southby and we no longer have enough ringers to ring all 10 bells.
Most people have the ability to become a good ringer. Great physical strength is not required and people of all ages from 10 upwards are welcome.
Perhaps you used to ring and would consider taking it up again? If you think you might be a little rusty, don't worry! You'll be surprised at just how quickly and easily you can pick up ringing again.
If you would like to find out about learning to ring then come and see us in the tower between 7:45 pm and 9:00 pm on a Friday evening or contact us by email at appleton.bells@gmail.com or phone Michele Winter on 01865 864289.