St Mary's Church, Cloughton with Burniston

Gift Day Letter from the Vicar of Cloughton and Burniston 

October 2026 

Dear Friend, 

It has come round to that time again. Autumn brings the Harvest Festival and the Gift Day. This year the special weekend for St Mary’s, Cloughton and Burniston is the weekend of the 17th and 18th October 2026. At the Gift Day on the Saturday 17th October, we are hoping to  raise much needed cash for our lovely church of St Mary’s. Because this is an old building the church is in constant need of repair and restoration. This Autumn work is about to start on the roof which is going to cost £7000. But it isn’t just about raising much needed cash.  The Gift Day is an opportunity to meet so many of you who come to the church that day, an occasion to catch up on your news and find out how you are. It has long been a tradition for the parson to stand at the lychgate to meet lovely local people. A day when the local  church can say thank you for your support and generosity.  

It may seem that the Church of England is loaded with inherited wealth. Although that may be the case, local churches do not have access to this money. Except, of course, the Church Commissioners do pay the wages (stipend) of the clergy. Yours truly, is not paid,  but, after 42 years of ministry, I do receive a church pension.  

All the money raised at our Gift Day will go towards the upkeep of the building and running of St Mary’s parish church. This is your church and a valuable asset to these villages. It is here for worship, private prayer, baptisms, weddings, funerals and for all kinds of  community events. 

Some people might say they do not do church, nonetheless, for many local people and visitors, the church is greatly valued, and it would be missed if it wasn’t there. St Mary’s is a beautiful building that connects us to the past, it is an assurance for the present - that despite our troubled and transient world, there are certain values and beliefs which are permanent and unshakeable. Just like the God Christians believe in. For hundreds of years the church has stood on this site. Even though the present church of St Mary the Virgin was rebuilt in 1834, there has been a church on this site for centuries. With your help long may it remain for those who will follow us. 

With my prayers and good wishes to you and those you love, 

Chris 

Canon Christopher I Coates