St John the Baptist in Bilborough

1955: When the War ended, the Church Commissioners sold the site of St John’s in Leenside. With the help of “War Damage” reparation payments they purchased a site on the new Bilborough Estate ready for the development of a new church. On 1st May, Rev’d (now Canon) David Williams was appointed Curate-in-Charge to begin the lengthy task of building up a new church. Of this appointment, a local newspaper said, “Pipe smoking Mr Williams is married, slightly tubby and only five feet six inches tall. He’s as down to earth as a clergyman can get. ‘The family were amazed when I announced I was going into the church. It’s never been heard of before on either side.’”

1956: David Williams threw himself whole heartedly into building up the Church and serving the Bilborough Community which at that time had an exceedingly high proportion of young people. He was not “a vicar without a Church” for too long! Two ex-army huts were brought from Colwick and quickly erected on the Graylands Road site. The famous wooden hut which was to serve the Parish as its new church was opened for worship on 20th March.

During this year David Williams began the 4383 Company of the Church Lads Brigade to help meet the needs of boys living on the Bilborough Estate. Forty five lads were enrolled on 22nd November 1956 under the leadership of commanding officer, 2nd Lt D West.

1959: The new church building was ready. The site at the junction of Graylands and Staverton Roads was large enough to accommodate the church, the vicarage and church hall on elevated ground with a view towards Wollaton. The church is 83 ft long, 30 ft wide and 23 ft high, planned as a large rectangle with no columns and therefore able to provide everyone with an unobstructed view of the altar. Unusually it is oriented with the altar at the west and and the entrance at the east to make best use of the site.

The Lady Chapel was planned as a separate unit beyond the altar. Today it is a quiet area of peace and contemplation.

On 21st March, a procession of congregation and servers led by Father David Williams carried the church banners, flags and communion vessels from the old hut to the new church. The church was consecrated by Bishop Gelsthorpe.

In 1962 the Church embarked on a “Mission of Youth”. Between 14th and 21st October the “Film Mission” was led by Captain Gordon Church of the Church Army. A loud-speaker van toured the Bilborough Estate and attracted 2650 youngster, half of whom attended Church Services on the two Sundays of the Mission.

On 26th July 1963, Rev’d David Williams was succeeded by Roy Williams who is remembered for his work in quietly building on the Spiritual Foundations laid down by his predecessor.

In the Summer and Autumn of 1971 plans were drawn up for a Parish Mission. This was to last for ten days during Lent 1972. It was organised and run by two Anglican Monks from Mirfield, Fr Jack Guiness CR and Br Michael CR, who were assisted by two Nuns, Sister Charity and Sister Margaret, by a London JP, Mrs Mary Harrison and Captain and Mrs Jamieson. The Mission was a huge success involving many people in the congregation.

The Rev’d (later to become Canon) Alan Haydock become the Church’s Priest on 24th February 1974. He help to re-form the Men’s Society, Church Choir and Drama Group. Despite a period of considerable success, this period sadly saw the demise of the CLB, it’s last parade being on Remembrance Sunday 1975.

Over the following years, St John’s continued much of this work. The Rev’d Peter Bailey joined us work with the schools in this area. Rev’d Allen Hart joined us and, along with his wife, Margaret, started the Discover Group. Alan also organised the Fortieth Anniversary celebrations which included a celebratory Service and Exhibition held in the Church.

Following Peter Bailey’s retirement it wasn’t long before Allen Hart left. After a lengthy interregnum during which the Benefice was suspended by the Bishop, Rev’d John Cave was appointed as Priest-in Charge. He began the task of bringing together the Churches of St John’s, St Martin’s and All Saints.

During this time he was joined by Jean Lamb who was appointed Associate Priest to work with all three churches.

Following a period of illness, John Cave died on the morning of the Carol Service in 2005. This led to a lengthy interregnum while the Diocese started the process pf reorganising the Nottingham Deaneries.

Before this work had been completed, Rev’d Mandy Cartwright was appointed Priest-in-Charge of all three churches in July 2007. She has energetically worked with all three congregations; they almost seem like one these days. She has also been tireless in visiting parishioners both at home and in hospital and in making contact with schools. She has become Padré to the local 504 ATC Squadron.

In July 2010 the three churches began a pioneering mission to the young people when the Rev’d Dan Corcoran was licensed by the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, Paul Butler, as Associate Priest and Pioneer Missioner with Children and Young People, an appointment which follows on with the work started almost from the day the church was consecrated.