Welcome to the second Journal, this time celebrating early summer at Coverham Church.
SUMMER 2023
As the resident Oyster-Catcher fledged her chicks in the churchyard, we celebrated United Trinity Sunday Service with the planting of the Coronation Oaks. Visit our Services page to read about the highlights and see some wonderful photographs from the morning.
Early summer also brings to mind past and present weddings in this truly special location, as the churchyard unfurls its wonderful green canopy. Soon, in early July a local couple will celebrate their marriage with a Service of Blessing at Coverham Church , and we wish them every happiness on the day, and for their future together. Friends of Coverham Church are fortunate enough to have the technical help and guidance of Maisy Dinsdale at Purple Creative both in setting up and now maintaining this website, and with her other hat on she will be present as wedding photographer on the day. Welcome to Coverham Maisy!
The unique setting of Coverham Church has been enjoyed by generations of Coverdale families for both Weddings and Wedding Blessings, and the two black and white wedding photographs above have been given by the Banks family of Fleensop, from their 1970’s family album. Although fashions may change, we can still see the smiling faces of the happy couples. Coverham Church still remains a much loved and significant place in their memories.
These days there is a growing trend for ethical and sustainable weddings among eco-conscious brides; and Friends of Coverham Church are passionate about the idea of sustainable church flowers.
To co-incide with next year’s United Trinity Sunday Service we will be holding The Art of Sustainable Flowers. This will be a flower festival to showcase locally grown flowers and foliage, free from air miles, and show mechanics free from the non- biodegradable green florist foam. We hope that this approach to caring for the environment will be adopted by all those holding a Christening, a Wedding or Blessing, Funeral or a Burial at Coverham.
We are all stewards of Coverdale, and the planet, after all we have the responsibility as Christians to maintain and use wisely the gifts that God has bestowed.
If you were married in this church, what flowers did you have in your bouquet?
Till next time ……
Oh Coverdale by Betty Hogg
Oh Coverdale, Oh Coverdale,
How fair a gem you are.
Of all the lovely Yorkshire Dales,
You are the best by far.
With Whernside at your western door,
To Roova’s rugged crag.
From Pen Hill’s slopes to wild Melbeck,
Your beauties never flag.
With church and chapel, village hall,
Two friendly inns where travellers call,
Peaceful river, stately oak,
An ancient bridge and kindly folk.
And on sunny morn in June,
The Foresters march to lively tune.
Last, but not least, you’ll not deny,
We’ve got a flourishing W.I.