Ryhall Church - St. John The Evangelist Church, Ryhall
History Of The Ryhall Church
The Ryhall Church you see today is not the original one. An earlier one, built in 1108, was where the nave now stands, and probably had a small chancel to the East. Presumably it fell into disrepair, and the one you now see was built early in the thirteenth century. The side aisles were built a little later.
The chancel was added in the fifteenth century when both aisles were widened, and the clerestory (rank of windows high on the walls) added.
Its clear glass windows, typical of Rutland churches add to its beauty. The stained glass window in what was the Lady Chapel, to the East of the chancel arch, is by Thomas Kempe – you can see a sheaf of wheat, his trademark.
Around the Ryhall church are niches where statues once stood. These were almost certainly destroyed at the Reformation.
The Ryhall church has two unusual features –the C15th carved human heads and animals and the remains of St Tibba’s cell. St Tibba, Patron Saint of falconers was an Anchorite (Female Hermit). Roads in the village are named after her and St Eabba, another Anchorite.
The outline of her cell, a squint, or window through which she could hear the Mass and a niche where food was passed to her, are still visible on the outer East wall.
Ryhall Church Today
The Ryhall church is currently undergoing a large restoration and renewal programme. We have to replace the roof, which is leaking in many places, and the old guttering and down-pipes.
We plan to replace the life-expired heating system with a more efficient and environmentally-friendly one, and to install a new lighting and audio-visual system – and, of course, to encourage more people to come to faith, rekindle a forgotten or abandoned faith, practise the faith they value or indulge their interest in church architecture.
We have strong links with our Church Primary School, Ryhall Academy. The children are regular visitors to church for their RE lessons and termly services. Rev Jo visits the school weekly to lead Assembly.
Another increasingly strong link is with our friends from the Methodist Church and their Minister, Revd William Booker. We share a common faith (plus coffee and cake) and worship from time to time as Churches Together in Ryhall.
Recent Ryhall & Belmethorpe News
St John’s Church, Ryhall – July 2021
50PLUS WINNERS FOR JUNE 1st Prize £112-50 – number 61 – Tom Rowlands. 2nd Prize £56-25 – number 82 – David Fenn. 3rd Prize £18-75 – number 77 – Mike Hardy. Join the 50Plus Club TODAY for just £5-00 a month. This gives you a chance of winning one of
News from the Village of Belmesthorpe – July 2021
UPDATE FROM THE MONTGOMERY HEIGHTS CHILDREN’S CENTRE ZIMBABWE It’s been a crazy few months since I started to pick up my ‘normal’ responsibilities, after being so ill with COVID in January. Thankfully, I can honestly say that I feel healthier and stronger than I did before I was ill….and a
St. John’s Restoration & Renewal Plan Update – July 2021
Thanks again to all the volunteers who have helped to transform the churchyard into such a beautiful, peaceful place to visit at the heart of Ryhall village. Please do drop by if you haven’t been in a while to see the fruits of the care and work that have gone
News from the Village of Ryhall – July 2021
A reminder… HOLMES AND WATSON: THE FAREWELL TOUR This comedy features Julian Finnigan and Dominic Goodwin as the famous detective duo. Dominic, has appeared at Ryhall twice before in The Wind in the Willows and Up Frankie! Both productions were outstanding and we are delighted to welcome him back. Dominic
Ryhall Parish Council – June 2021
Dave Amies – Chairman – The Post Office , Ryhall Adrian Gombault – Vice Chairman – Elm Tree Cottage, Belmesthorpe David Wilby – County Councillor – Orchard House Essendine Road, Ryhall Stamford PE9 4HE dwilby@rutland.gov.uk Richard Coleman – County Councillor – 5 Plover Road, Essendine Stamford PE94UR RColeman@rutland.gov.uk CLERK :
St John’s Church, Ryhall – June 2021
50PLUS WINNERS FOR MAY 1st Prize £112-50 – number 76 – Karen Parsons. 2nd Prize £56-25 – number 75 – Stella Smith. 3rd Prize £18-75 – number 50 – Liz Hastings. Join the 50Plus Club TODAY for just £5-00 a month. This gives you a chance of winning one of
St. John’s Church, Ryhall Lottery – June 2021
St. John’s Church, Ryhall Lottery, Reg. No. 101170: How the lottery works Lottery prize – There is one prize which is the painting depicted here, kindly donated by Ketton artist Josette Carroll, titled, ‘St John’s Church in the Spring, Ryhall’. The painting will be mounted but unframed when received by
News from the Village of Belmesthorpe – June 2021
KNITTING FOR THE NEEDY – ANY WOOL GOING SPARE? As the coronavirus pandemic continues, knitting has been a welcome pastime especially during lockdown. The group of local knitters, led by Dorothy Dolby of Belmesthorpe, continue to support the charity, Knit For Peace and find it very satisfying to know their knitting
St. John’s Restoration & Renewal Plan Update – June 2021
Phase 1 funding to replace the church roof is now secured or pledged! We have some wonderful news to share which is the funds have been secured or pledged to cover the estimated cost of replacing the worn out, leaky roof on St. John’s Church, assuming we get planning approval
News from the Village of Ryhall – June 2021
We aim to be re-open the hall on Monday 21st June 2021, assuming that government guidelines do not alter. We can re-open having received guidance from agencies who deal specifically with village halls. A thorough Risk Assessment has been carried out. The building has been made Covid-19 safe with several changes,
Ryhall Parish Council – May 2021
Dave Amies – Chairman – The Post Office , Ryhall Adrian Gombault – Vice Chairman – Elm Tree Cottage,Main Street , Belmesthorpe David Wilby – County Councillor – Orchard House Essendine Road, Ryhall Stamford PE9 4HE dwilby@rutland.gov.uk Richard Coleman – County Councillor – 5 Plover Road, Essendine Stamford PE94UR RColeman@rutland.gov.uk
St John’s Church, Ryhall – May 2021
50PLUS WINNERS FOR APRIL 1st Prize £111-00 – number 07 – Janet Grey. 2nd Prize £55-50- number 09 – Cyril Dolby. 3rd Prize £18-50 – number 65 – Mr. I. Vannocci. Join the 50Plus Club TODAY for just £5-00 a month. This gives you a chance of winning one of
News from the Village of Belmesthorpe – May 2021
AVOID CAR CRIME! Car crime, i.e. theft of cars and theft of property from cars, is one of the most common types of crime in Rutland. The following advice on how to avoid being a victim of car crime comes from John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network. Most car
St. John’s Restoration & Renewal Plan Update – May 2021
Thank you to all those who have already returned their completed Consultation Survey to help us ensure plans for the future of St. John’s Church reflect our community’s needs and how we as a church can better provide for our community. We would really love to hear from more of you. So
News from the Village of Ryhall – May 2021
Good news from Ryhall Village Hall We aim to be re-open the hall on Monday 21st June 2021, assuming that government guidelines do not alter. Full details below. We are also starting to schedule future events for this year. We are in talks to have the comedy Holmes and Watson:
St John’s Church, Ryhall – Apr 2021
50PLUS WINNERS FOR MARCH 1st Prize £112-50 – number 42 – Shirley Catlin. 2nd Prize £56-25 – number 43 – Patricia Massingham. 3rd Prize £18-75 – number 55 – Eileen Morgan. Join the 50Plus Club TODAY for just £5-00 a month. This gives you a chance of winning one of
News from the Village of Belmesthorpe – Apr 2021
UNSUNG HERO I feel that someone who deserves a mention in the Village News is Kevin Boor. The path alongside the main A6121 road between Belmesthorpe turn and Ryhall had become quite narrow because of the overgrown hedge. Kevin has selflessly spent days bringing the path back to its original width.
St. John’s Restoration & Renewal Plan Update – Apr 2021
Please have your say about what faith and non-faith activities you would like to see being held at St. John’s as the building is restored to a warm and friendly resource for all villagers. If you live in Ryhall or Belmesthorpe, you should have found a Consultation Survey inside your newsletter.
News from the Village of Ryhall – Apr 2021
Ryhall Neighbourhood Watch. Spring is definitely close and the end of lockdown is in sight. We are all enjoying being outside again and many have become accustomed to a daily walk. Please do remember to ensure that your house and outbuildings are secure whilst you are out. Please also keep
Saturday April 10th – Working Morning In Ryhall Churchyard 10-12
Removal of ivy, moss and brambles, dead-heading, trimming perennials, forking over borders, cutting back shrubs, sweeping paths, cleaning benches… and more Why not come along and join our happy band? Supervised children and dogs welcome. Bring your own tools. Tea, coffee, squash and cake provided.