Reverend named Rose of Northamptonshire after bringing eight village communities together through online church services

A reverend in the county has won a Rose of Northamptonshire award following her hard work to keep her communities connected with online church services throughout the pandemic.

The Rev Allison Twigg, from Spratton, has used social media platforms such as Facebook Live, YouTube and Zoom during the Covid-19 crisis to keep her church sessions going.

The award, which was open to the public to send in their nominations, recognises and expresses thanks to groups or individuals who have worked tirelessly to keep their communities safe since the pandemic began back in March 2020.

She said: "I was quite surprised to win it, I didn't know I had been nominated. All I do is part of my calling to serve God in the villages I work in. I could not be doing this without my clergy team and my pastoral team.

"Since lockdown we have had a lot of challenges, the church buildings had to close so we transferred our services online. Church members are getting older so they were not able to access the online services."

Allison covers eight villages including Cold Ashby, Creaton, Cottesbrooke, Guilsborough, Ravensthorpe, Spratton, Thornby and Hollowell, with around 70 people turning up to each service, the majority of them being elderly.

The 50-year-old's dedication to the cause has been so great that she has even given instructions through some of her member's windows to help them access sites like Facebook.

Allison said: "It has helped us keep an eye on people. They have been very grateful. I think it is fellowship, it's conversation. It has allowed some people to say they need help. We have been able to help with online shopping and picking up prescriptions.

"God told us to love thy neighbour, and I think we have done. We are called to love our neighbour, whether they are people of faith or not, and I am really proud our church has been able to carry on that work during this difficult season.

"I think what came through to me during this time is the church is the people, not the building. The building is key but the church carries on when it is closed."

The person who nominated Allison said: "I have not met anyone who works as hard as she does."

The church also puts on a Zoom coffee morning after sessions to have a social catch up after prayers.