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Guidance for tour directors /leaders/guidesGreetings from the Vicar and Churchwardens on behalf of all who worship in our lovely historic church.Tour groups are very welcome. However, unless a special time and facility has been arranged and paid for in advance, guided tours inside the church, addressing groups in front of one feature after another are too intrusive and not acceptable. We expect tour directors/guides to brief members of their groups as far as practicable before arrival at the church so that they, like other visitors, can go round by themselves quietly to enjoy the character and atmosphere of this house of God. If there is a need to gather a group in church it should be done in the front pews facing the Gainsborough Chapel where it is possible to give information and advice without intruding too much on the peacefulness of the church. Tour directors/guides should always make themselves known to the steward on duty and he/she will be pleased to assist you with information. This fine church, lovingly cared for, is used for regular worship as it has been for 800 years. Upkeep of the building and the work of the church depend entirely on the financial support of the parishioners here with some help from visitors. Tour directors/guides are asked to remind their groups that neither central nor local government subsidise churches and that tour charges do not include payment for access to churches. We suggest a minimum sum of £1 per adult is appropriate. If the visitor is a UK taxpayer the church is able to reclaim the tax so that a donation of £1 becomes£1.28 at no cost to the donor. To activate this facility please make use of the envelopes to be found by the box for donations. Thank you We hope that all our visitors will find peace and inspiration in this place and that those who can will make contributions and buy souvenirs to help and encourage Christian work here and care of this splendid parish church. |