Profile for the Parishes of
St. Nicholas with St Mary’s Great Wakering Foulness
and
All Saints with St Mary’s Barling Magna Little Wakering The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Priest-in-Charge of our parishes since 2008 has recently assumed the additional role of Priest-in-Charge of the nearby parish of St Andrews Rochford with Sutton and Shopland and taken up residence in the Rochford Rectory.
We are looking for an Associate Priest and Team Vicar designate to live in the Great Wakering Vicarage and to work with our Priest-in-charge in the care, support and development of all the parishes. This is a response to the ‘Re-imagining Ministry’ document passed by the Diocesan Synod in March 2013.
Our Parishes are close to Shoeburyness and Southend-on-sea. Both have good rail links to London, which is about an hour away and used by commuters.
Shoeburyness has the historic Shoebury Garrison, now vacated by the army and re-developed as a residential village which retains the original character. Shoeburyness also has two popular beach areas for bathing, walking or water sports. There are a number of shops and businesses and an Asda supermarket which is served by a bus from Great Wakering.
Southend-on Sea is the nearest town. It has two commuter rail lines and an expanding airport. It has the usual High Street stores and new library and university buildings in the town centre. Its long pier is a local attraction and renowned as the longest pleasure pier in the world.
The coastal area between Shoeburyness and Leigh- on-Sea, a historic fishing port popular for its seafood, is a mixture of colourful and character areas of different types. There is everything from traditional sea front fun to quiet walks and peaceful places to sit. These are enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.
The town has two theatres with good quality professional and amateur shows and plays. There are also many well maintained public parks, gardens and woodland areas. Sports facilities are excellent, and include several golf courses, a recently built state of the art swimming and Olympic standard diving pool, and a public sports centre and gym at Garon Park.
Southend has two grammar schools as well as a number of other primary and secondary schools.
Our villages consist of four churches albeit St Mary’s Church at Foulness Island has now closed and St Mary’s Church in Little Wakering is classified a chapel of ease.
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
2.0 QUALITIES REQUIRED FROM OUR NEW ASSOCIATE PRIEST
1) A prayerful person who is an inspiring preacher 2) Someone who can relate to people of all ages 3) Someone who will have a visible presence in the community 4) A good listener, caring & compassionate 5) Someone with the ability to identify, enable and value the gifts of all members of the congregation. 6) A good communicator, a team person who is ready to listen to, and value, the views and ideas of the PCC and Congregation
3.0 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF ST NICHOLAS GREAT WAKERING
Following an informal discussion with our congregation, we have discovered the following strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths
Friendly and welcoming congregation Beautiful historic church in an attractive setting Enthusiasm and good teamwork amongst the congregation Committed organist, choir and small music group open to all styles of music Outreach activities including Messy Church & the Broomway Beagle delivered to every household Strong ecumenical links
Weaknesses
Ageing congregation Ongoing upkeep of a listed building Lack of people to promote local outreach Very active village were we compete for peoples time and attention
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
3.1 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF ALL SAINTS, BARLING MAGNA
Strengths
Continuity of Services Community spirit amongst the congregation Messy Church Home Groups Friendly, supportive fellowship A gentle church Uplifting services Churches are of historical interest Lovely atmosphere
Weaknesses
Congregation size decreasing Limited numbers restrict the amount of community outreach we can achieve At the moment there is a lack of young people attending church, especially teenagers More pastoral care required
4.0 PRIORITIES FOR OUR NEW ASSOCIATE PRIEST AND PARISHES
Grow the church membership. Create a Pastoral care team using the gifts within our congregation. Take our full place in the Re-imagined ministry set up. Enable the gifts within our congregation to be used to the full. Maintain a weekly worshipping presence at the heart of the local community. Build on the success of Messy Church Build on the firm foundation of ministry already being experienced in our parish. Enable our churches to move forward into their next phase by equipping us with the necessary tools of discipleship and to develop the potential of our congregations to reach out to new members. To build on good links with the local school and encourage growth involving families and young people. To assist in forging closer links between the congregations of the churches in Barling Magna, Little Wakering, Great Wakering and Rochford. Be actively involved in Deanery and Diocesan initiatives such as Re- Imagining Ministry
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
5.0 ROCHFORD DEANERY – A WIDER VIEW BY RURAL DEAN CANON MIKE LODGE
With over 82,000 residents in the Deanery there are eighteen churches scattered over this large geographical area, with parish populations ranging from 700 to 35,000! The East of England plan suggests an increase in housing in the Rochford Deanery of 1450 units by 2015, the population growth having an impact on the Deanery. With the expansion of London Southend Airport it is anticipated that we will see an even higher potential increase in housing and consequential population surge.
The churches and parishes are served currently by nine stipendiary priests, reducing to seven by 2025, one of whom is currently 2.5 days in the parish of St Nicholas, Rawreth, and 3.5 days 'Faith in Action' Adviser' for the Bradwell Area; also giving advice across the Diocese. Two recently appointed priests also serve (2 days/week) as Vocations Adviser and Mission Development Adviser and are working closely together to encourage these areas of ministry across the Deanery.
The broad range of churchmanship in the Deanery reflects the diversity found within the Church of England as a whole. The biblical model that resonates most with all the parishes is that of 'one body with many members', as found in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 12. Within each of our parishes the particular gifts brought by stipendiary clergy have an important role to play in the eyes of the laity.
It is recognised that both the potential shortage of stipendiary clergy and the ability of some parishes to pay for stipendiary clergy, means that there needs to be a greater focus on ‘Re-imagining ministry’ with regard to other forms of ministry (self- supporting clergy and licensed lay ministry), within the context of the Diocesan strategic priority of a ‘Transforming Presence’.
Through ‘Re-imagining Ministry’ much work has been carried out to identify potential Mission and Ministry Units, which is on-going, although serious consideration is being given to the creation of two defined ‘Units’. As part of this process facilitated discussions are being organised in order to respond to a ‘risk assessment’ that has been carried out, enabling ongoing focused decisions to be made with regard to long term objectives. http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/policies/reimagining-ministry www.rochford-deanery.org.uk
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
6.0 ROCHFORD PARISH OVERVIEW
Letter from the Team Rector Designate
Since my appointment to Rochford earlier this year while continuing as Priest-in- Charge of Great Wakering w Foulness and Barling Magna & Little Wakering, in a pioneering post as part of a new strategy within the Diocese of Mission and Ministry Units, the possibilities of a fully collaborative ministry are already taking shape. I look forward to sharing this ministry with a colleague soon and expect our churches and parishes to continue to work together in this exciting venture. This appointment offers a unique challenge and environment, as you will discover reading through the profile, for anyone interested in living out their faith and bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to a special part of South-East Essex. There is opportunity to innovate and build on established practice and enjoy some fun and serious ministry alongside supportive and warm fellowship. It is my belief that whoever is appointed will find a welcoming community both in and outside the church. If you would like to discuss this post informally please feel free to contact me by email or telephone.
Rev Alun J. Hurd
Email: [email protected] Tel no 01702 817991
Rochford and its Church – a brief description
The town of Rochford is in a largely agricultural area, but its good transport links to London, Southend and Chelmsford make it a popular dormitory town. New housing development within the parish is underway, and plans for further growth remain in the pipeline.
The Parish Church of Rochford is situated not in the centre of the town, but in the middle of a golf course. It is a beautiful building, steeped in history, and its location makes it a popular venue for weddings. The Church also has good relations with local schools, the Parish Council, W.I., Rotarians and the adjacent golf club.
The Rochford congregation are a friendly and welcoming group of people who regard themselves as traditionalist but are continuing with efforts to introduce changes to potentially attract a broader congregation.
The pattern of worship at Rochford is wide-ranging, encompassing Holy Communion in BCP and Common Worship formats, less formal Family, Morning Prayer and evening services and BCP Evensong. There is also a monthly Children’s Church which includes craft activities, drama and worship songs for children.
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
7.0 GREAT WAKERING, FOULNESS ISLAND, BARLING MAGNA AND LITTLE WAKERING PARISHES OVERVIEW
There are a number of activities that operate in partnership between the parishes. These include:-
Messy Church
We hold a monthly Messy Church in Great Wakering and Barling Magna which is held in the Church Hall at Great Wakering and at the Parish Hall in Barling Magna. Between ten and twenty five children attend, with a parent, grandparent or carer at Great Wakering and up to forty people attend in Barling Magna. We provide messy crafts, interactive worship and a cooked meal. We have a team of helpers who are all committed to the success of Messy Church and input from the ministry team is welcomed.
Prayer meetings
A monthly evening prayer meeting ‘Prayer Space’ is held jointly and rotates between the churches. There are other informal groups who meet during the week for prayer. A monthly prayer diary is produced for private and communal prayer.
House groups
We currently have three active house groups which also provide a platform for pastoral care in addition to the less formal support and care that has always been part of our churches.
Men’s groups
We have been running a joint Men’s Breakfast at one of the local public houses, with visiting speakers. This has been an ecumenical venture which has been very popular with between twenty and forty men regularly attending. The event is often over- subscribed; we hope to continue this group.
Ecumenical links
There are ecumenical links between the local Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and Evangelical churches (CAME) and combined events are organised at Easter and Christmas. We also join for other outreach events and combined services including ministry to local sheltered accommodation. The local Ministers meet regularly.
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
Church Magazine
Our joint church magazine, the ‘Broomway Beagle’ is delivered to around 3000 homes in Great Wakering, Foulness, Barling and Little Wakering. Gt. Wakering has had a church magazine for many years but it now embraces both parishes.
7.1 ST NICHOLAS CHURCH, GREAT WAKERING
Our parish is in Rochford Deanery, within the Archdeaconry of Southend, the diocese of Chelmsford and our Patron is the Bishop of Chelmsford. The parish website can be found at www.stnicholas-greatwakering.org.uk
Electoral roll
Our electoral roll stands at 57. 14 of these members reside outside the parish but attend worship regularly at St Nicholas.
Church Wardens
We have two church wardens. One of them is also doing the Diocesan Course in Christian Studies and training as an Authorised Lay Preacher. The other is training to be authorised as a Pastoral Assistant in 2015.
PCC and Administration
PCC members are elected for 3 years and attend bi-monthly meetings.
Worship and Services
St Nicholas is fortunate to have a number of musicians who contribute to worship week by week under the direction of our accomplished church organist.
Currently, two services a month feature choir and organ, singing traditional hymns from the New English Hymnal as well as some more modern repertoire. The Eucharist is sung using Patrick Appleford’s setting from the 1970s. The choir will sing anthems at special occasions and are also available to sing at weddings. The church is rightly proud of its carol service, which always showcases a high standard of choral music.
In addition, family and Celtic services are accompanied by a small band comprising piano, guitar, cello and singer(s), allowing the congregation the opportunity to sing a range of modern worship songs from Mission Praise. Our Priest-in-Charge often contributes his talents in this area.
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
Church musicians are always willing to try new repertoire; for example we have successfully used Taize music at services in the past.
Junior Church
During most Sunday services we have a junior church run by an experienced team of leaders. The number of children attending is a maximum of eight. They leave early in the service and return in time for the communion, so that they can go to the altar rail with their families. At the end of the service the children enthusiastically share with the congregation what they have talked about and the things they have made. They also take part in three major festivals. They make an Easter garden in the altar, and at Harvest they display fruit, vegetables and salad in the same way. At Christmas they dress the tree in the sanctuary.
Although Messy church is our major outreach to children, we also have close involvement with Brownies and Guides who meet weekly in the church hall and attend church parade services about six times a year. They are welcomed and encouraged by the members of the church.
Women’s groups
We have a Mothers’ Union group who meet once a month. At present they are Diocesan members, having found a lack of officers to run the branch.
Community events
Fund raising is an important part of our activities, partly in order to finance our Parish Share and partly to help maintain our building.
We hold a programme of events throughout the year, from social evenings such as quizzes, barn dances, and concerts to the annual Fete which we hold in the Glebe meadow. Every two years we stage a Flower Festival weekend.
We have ecumenical links with the local Methodist, Catholic and Evangelical churches and combined events are organized at Easter and Christmas. We also join for other outreach events and combined services.
Outreach activities
The church is open and manned every Wednesday morning after the 9-30 Communion service until 12 noon. We invite villagers and visitors to come in for quiet reflection, prayer, a chat or just to admire the beauty of the building. There is a core of regular visitors and we have had one coach party. 9
The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
Special services are held in the church from time to time, for example bereaved families are invited to a special All Souls service, and a community service for representatives of all that goes on in the village was a success.
On Good Friday we join our fellow local Christians in a Walk of Witness through the village. In the evening we have beer and hot cross buns at the Castle Pub in Little Wakering. Similarly, at Christmas we hold a beer and carols service.
We hope that our new minister will be able to be involved with the local school, by taking assemblies and other input.
Although Messy Church is our main outreach to young families, we also have close involvement with Brownies and Guides who meet weekly in the church hall and attend church parade services about six times a year. They are welcomed and encouraged by the members of the church.
7.2 ALL SAINTS, BARLING MAGNA
Our parish is in Rochford Deanery, within the Archdeaconry of Southend, the diocese of Chelmsford and our Patron is St Paul’s Cathedral. The parish website can be found at www.allsaintsbarling.org.uk
Electoral roll
The congregation is attracted from the local area. The Electoral Roll number is 34.
Church Wardens
We have two church wardens. One of them is also doing the Christian Studies Course.
PCC and Administration
Our Parochial Church Council is a team who work well. PCC members are elected for 3 years and attend bi-monthly meetings.
Worship and Services
Our Churchmanship is broad open evangelical. Our pattern of worship until recently has been at 10:30am (temporarily we are having services at 11:00am) with Sunday services alternating between Family Worship and Family Communion, with tea, coffee and cakes served after the service. We usually have fifteen to twenty regular members of the congregation attending with more when there are special services or events.
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
On the fifth Sunday there is a united service rotating between All Saints, Barling Magna, St Nicholas, Great Wakering and St Andrews, Rochford.
We have a resident church organist and there is a talented group of flower arrangers who ensure a consistent and appropriate display of flowers throughout the year.
The churchyards are maintained by the Probation Services and volunteers.
Side’s persons, intercessions, readings and provision of post service refreshments are covered by a rota of members.
Community events
Our churches conduct various baptisms, weddings, and funerals. We host seasonal services for the local school at Harvest and Christmas. We also have Christingle, Crib and Carols by Candlelight for Christmas and special services for Holy Week, Mothering Sunday, and Remembrance Day.
A thriving and expanding Messy Church meet every month.
Outreach activities
Morning Prayer is held every Tuesday at 9:30am at All Saints Church, Barling Magna.
There is a Fundraising Committee which organises events including summer and Winter Fairs, Quiz nights, live band evenings, choral programmes, auction nights and other community activities. Outreach to the local community promoting fun being at the heart of worship and Christianity.
The parish has embraced social media by having its own Facebook page, ‘All Saints, Barling Magna’. There is likewise a thriving community Facebook page for Little Wakering and Barling so this is a useful way to communicate to the residents for events that are taking place in the church. This was recently proven when we held an open day at St Mary’s Church and many of the visitors had seen the advert on Facebook.
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
8.0 PARISH OVERVIEW OF GREAT WAKERING AND FOULNESS ISLAND
Great Wakering is a rural village 5 miles east of Southend-on-Sea, with a population of 5,700. The village is in many ways self-contained and self- supporting. A strong sense of community is reflected in the many activities run locally to cater for the needs of all age groups.
The parish church of St Nicholas has stood at the end of the village High Street since 1100 AD and continues to be a well- loved local landmark and a vibrant part of this caring community.
The mission of our church is to make the love of God known to all the residents of the village and to nurture personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour within a friendly and welcoming fellowship where the gifts and talents of all the members are equally encouraged, valued and used in the Lord’s service.
We are very much a “village church”. We are respectful of its history and traditions, but we make changes when they are necessary and appropriate for our congregation and those we are trying to reach.
Our Sunday congregation regularly comprises a mixed age group of up to 40 people with considerably more for special occasions. We use a variety of worship styles in our services. We also look beyond this and have good attendance at a thriving weekday Messy Church which is more suitable for the very young and their parents or grandparents. Occasional weekday services are held in local public houses, particularly at Christmas and Easter, and these have been well received and supported.
We have a beautiful church in which to worship. With this privilege comes the heavy responsibility for preserving our ancient building for future generations. We are helped greatly in this by the “Friends of St Nicholas” charity which is run by church members and raises funds specifically for this purpose.
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
Great Wakering
Great Wakering lies between Shoeburyness and Foulness Island on the East coast of Essex. It is surrounded by farmland and is close to the sea. The village has been developed over recent years and has a mixed population of all ages. It falls within the authority of Rochford District Council.
The local amenities are excellent. We are well served with several historic public houses and a British Legion club, a Co- operative supermarket, a post office, hairdressers, butcher, baker and several small shops that are full of character, as well as three take away restaurants.
The modern and well equipped Village Hall is used for a large variety of social purposes, including two luncheon clubs and Councillor Surgeries.
The old primary school is now a Community Centre developed and run by dedicated Community Association volunteers for the benefit of the village. A wide range of clubs and activities take place in its re-furbished rooms. These include a very successful pre-school nursery.
Sport is encouraged and we have junior and senior football teams (Great Wakering Rovers) and a local cricket team. A dance centre has recently opened in the old sports centre on the recreation ground.
There is a modern Medical Centre in the village and we are well served by a team of six doctors supported by nursing staff. Southend University Hospital is five miles away. The village has a pharmacy.
The Foundation stage, Key stage 1 and 2 aged children attend Great Wakering Primary School (managed by the Local Education Authority).
The Secondary school children travel 7 miles by a special bus service to King Edmund School at Rochford which is the catchment school for the area.
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
Foulness Island
Foulness Island is part of the benefice. It is owned and used by the MOD, with access for security reasons, only via a pass issued at the main gate. There are currently around 150 residents who live on the island, with four working farms.
Due to subsidence, the Victorian church is no longer used. It has been bought for private use. The owners plan to restore and repair it for Community meetings, with some office space and overnight accommodation, as well as some limited and specific acts of worship.
The small but committed Christian community of around eight or nine people still meet once a month in a farmer’s lounge for communion conducted at the moment by the current Priest-in-Charge.
The island is surrounded by a sea wall and is the third largest off the coast of England and a wildlife conservation area. For many centuries access to the island was along the Maplin Sands, by a pathway six miles long called the Broomway. This no longer the case but our Parish Magazine is named after it.
There is also a Heritage Centre based in the Old School, which is very popular on organised tours.
8.1 PARISH OVERVIEW OF BARLING MAGNA AND LITTLE WAKERING
The Parishes of Barling Magna and Little Wakering are about 40 miles east of London.
Part of the District of Rochford and lying to its south-east and north-west of Southend-on-Sea, Barling Magna and Little Wakering is a joint benefice, with two ancient churches within a mile of each other.
Located in the driest part of the UK, the area has a clear community spirit with a very low crime rate and is surrounded by working fields in an agricultural environment. The two villages are set amongst the many creeks and inlets between the estuaries of the Thames and Roach rivers which include a site of special scientific interest.
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
The joint village’s population of c1, 700, comprises of a comprehensive mix of ages and incomes with some residents running small local businesses or working from home whilst others work in the local towns or commute the 45-60 minutes to London by train from the stations in Rochford (5 miles) or in the Southend area (3-5 miles).
The villages consist mainly of four residential property areas set within a mile of each other amidst the fields and farms. All Saints’ Church, on the edge of the village, between housing and open fields, is located on Church Road, just beyond the Parish Hall, Community Primary School and Weir Pond which is frequently visited by parents and local children feeding the ducks and moorhens.
Church Road is a desirable residential road, also renowned both locally and in the wider area for the glistening array of Christmas lights displayed by so many of the houses in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Many villagers and visitors drive or walk along the road during this period as part of their seasonal tradition, especially for Frost Fayre, an annual Church Fund Raising event, and the Candlelight Carol Service at All Saints’ Church which almost fills the Church each year.
Little Wakering, developed mostly along a single road, has a range of residential properties from old cottages through to more recently built homes. The village has a few shops, a bowls club and a The Castle Inn Public House where we hold a seasonal outreach event which is opposite St Mary’s Church.
Our parish vision is:
To be a community which has at its heart the love of Jesus and the worship of God. To build on the unity of our congregations, respecting the diversity of our Christian needs. To be outward looking in our faith and to engage more with the local community thus building a greater link with both families and the older people of our community. To see in all people, the image of Christ.
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
9.0 OVERVIEW OF ST NICHOLAS CHURCH BUILDING
Our church is a historic building which we value greatly. All the details and many pictures are on the church website and the Friends of St Nicholas web site www.friendsofstnicholasgw.co.uk.
The general condition of the building is good but, as with all structures of this age, repairs and renovations are continually being required. At present, our priority concerns are dealing with a damp problem in the church, and repair and re-painting of the wooden church spire.
We are currently in conversation with the local Parish and District Councils regarding the maintenance of the churchyard. There is also a Parish Burial Ground to the rear of the church which is the responsibility of the Parish Council.
The church accommodates 100 people in the nave and a further 50 in the Lady Chapel if required.
The church has an impressive organ which is regularly used in our services. It was installed in 1964 having been transferred from another church, and is an exceptionally fine instrument for a church of this size.
We are also pleased to have church bells which are rung for our services and for weddings and funerals.
The church has a very effective floodlighting system which is popular with the residents and receives regular sponsorship for special dates or in memory of a loved one.
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
Church Hall
The Church Hall is opposite the church. It was built in the early 1970’s, with a medium sized meeting room with small stage, kitchen and two indoor and one outdoor toilet. It is fair to say that the hall would benefit from modernisation and refurbishment but this is not possible at present, due to lack of funds.
Outside there is a small car park and a glebe land meadow of approximately 1/4 acre which is perfect for social occasions and the annual fete.
9.1 OVERVIEW OF ALL SAINTS CHURCH BUILDING
Christian worship has taken place at the site in Barling since 998 when Leofric gave the land to the Dean and Chapter of St Paul’s, London
Both All Saints’ and St Mary the Virgin, Little Wakering are Grade II* listed buildings.
The south wall of All Saints’ is believed to be 12th Century, with much of the remaining building being 14th and 15th Century, whilst the ancient font, rood stairs, and a fine 16th Century pulpit still exist today as reminders of the Church’s history.
A considerable amount of work was undertaken on the building by the Victorians c1863 and most of the furniture dates from this era.
In 2001 a major restoration project brought the building into a very fair condition, following vigorous fundraising by the congregation, local community and with the aid of many grants. Some work to the fabric of the church is still required as and when funds allow.
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
9.2 OVERVIEW OF ST MARY’S CHURCH BUILDING
St Mary’s became a chapel of ease a few years ago. The church in Little Wakering is Norman in style, of Kentish rag stone and flint. It was erected before 1190, when it was deeded to St Bartholomew’s Hospital (patrons until 1960 when the Bishop of Chelmsford accepted the Right of Presentation).
The building of the tower was financed by John Wakering (Bishop of Norwich) and Ann, Countess of Stafford (their 2 coats of arms are still in the church today). It is said that the Bishop built the tower as a thanks offering for his safe return from Agincourt in 1416. There are three bells dated 1707. Some 11th century work remains (the Stoop just inside the door). There is a very faded wall painting, some 14th century glass depicting the evangelists and a stone pulpit (a rarity) dating from the late 14th century. The nave roof is of ‘king’ post construction.
10.0 ST NICHOLAS FINANCES
In 2013 there were nine church funerals with burials and two interments of ashes. Our Priest-in-Charge also conducted nine crematorium services. There were four baptisms and eight marriages.
In 2014 to date there have been three church funerals with burials and one interment of ashes. Seven crematorium services have been conducted. There has been one baptism and one wedding.
We are currently able to pay our Parish Share in full; an amount of £27,187.44 for 2013. This has been helped by increased giving following a TRIO programme, and also a programme of fund raising events. We are hopeful that this situation will continue.
At the end of 2013 we held gross assets of £24,196, of which part is held for specific purposes.
We make regular collections of food for the local homeless charity Homeless Action Resource Project (HARP).
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
In addition the church gives annual donations to three selected charities, Hope UK, Tear Fund and HARP.
Any profit from our annual Harvest Supper is donated to charity, for example Water Aid
10.1 ALL SAINTS FINANCES
During 2013 there were four weddings, two baptisms and five funerals.
We are proud of our churches and our reputation of being a friendly church which is very much part of community life through the range of fun(d) raising events throughout every year. We have consistently paid our parish share in full.
The fundraising team is an excellent example of the church and local communities working well together and has ensured that the church has been able to make regular donations to its nominated charities as well as consistently meet its parish share in full for the past several years.
We support three nominated charities through annual giving or specific dedicated services.
- The Children’s Society - HARP (Homeless Action Research Project) - Church Missionary Society
11.0 THE VICARAGE
The Vicarage is a detached house in its own grounds built in 1947. It is opposite the church, next to the church hall in Great Wakering.
The downstairs accommodation has an entrance lobby with separate toilet. There is direct access from the lobby into a fair sized office. The remainder of the ground floor has a lounge, dining room and kitchen with a small utility room. A new kitchen was installed in August 2013.
Upstairs there are four bedrooms (3 double and one single). There is a small bathroom with a power shower head installed over the bath with a screen door, and a separate toilet. There is a small airing cupboard on the landing.
Outside is a single car garage, with ample parking space out the front which is used by the congregation and visitors attending the church. The remaining area is planted with shrubs.
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The Profile for the Parishes of Great Wakering with Foulness Island and Barling Magna with Little Wakering
The back garden is of a manageable size, laid to lawn surrounded by shrubs, with a vine, bushes and trees protecting the privacy of the garden, which backs on to the Glebe land meadow.
As part of the Diocesan scheme initiated in 2013, the Vicarage is installed with solar panels, resulting in a significant reduction in electricity costs.
The Vicarage has had its Quinquennial this year and will have various improvements, repairs and external redecoration undertaken before the next occupant takes residence.
The people of the Parishes are looking forward to working with the right candidate.
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