The 12th-century Parish Church of All Saints is nestled in the heart of the village of Lanchester, Durham. Steeped in history yet very much alive in the present, All Saints is a warm, welcoming, and open-hearted community. Our vision is to be a church rooted in prayer, friendship, and active compassion—where everyone is valued, and no one is a stranger.
In 2024, All Saints proudly became a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Friendly Church, responding with joy to an invitation to host a ‘comfort break’ for Travellers journeying to the Appleby Horse Fair. As a congregation committed to inclusion and kindness, we were delighted to open our doors and hearts.
A small but enthusiastic team of volunteers created cheerful and inviting posters, displayed around the church grounds, and placed a chalkboard at the gates to ensure no one passed by unnoticed. Washroom facilities were offered, and both indoor and outdoor refreshment tables were prepared—with hot drinks, snacks, and a warm smile to greet everyone who stopped. Buckets of water were laid out for the horses, honouring the needs of the whole travelling party.
The atmosphere was one of genuine welcome and respect, with great conversations shared throughout the day. It was a wonderful reminder of what it means to be church—meeting people where they are, offering rest, and extending friendship without condition.
We are already looking forward to doing this again and to deepening our commitment to being a church where all are truly welcome.
