Parish Profile 2017 for the Benefices of

Burton Joyce, Lowdham, Bulcote and Caythorpe and Stoke Bardolph Gunthorpe

Contents The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham ...... 1 Gedling Deanery ...... 2 Worship ...... 4 The Two Parishes of the Benefice ...... 5 Our Next Vicar ...... 7 Ministry Team ...... 8 Our Location ...... 8 Vision: Wider, Younger, Deeper ...... 10 Schools and Junior Church ...... 11 Our Churches - BJBSB ...... 14 Our Churches - LCG ...... 15 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats ...... 16 Our Communities ...... 20 Halls and Vicarages ...... 21 Current Service Patterns ...... 23 Parish Attendance Statistics 2016 ...... 24 Parish Age Profiles (from 2011 Census) ...... 24 Policies ...... 25 Clubs and Societies in the Benefice ...... 26 Financial Information ...... 28

Welcome We will be one benefice with two parish churches, each having two other worshipping communities. The two PCCs are formally working together with meetings and joint services. We are looking forward to welcoming a new vicar to lead us in growing disciples wider, younger and deeper. The two parishes are in a lovely location with many opportunities for growth and outreach including people in schools, businesses and vibrant communities. The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham GROWING DISCIPLES WIDER, YOUNGER AND DEEPER A statement from the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, the Rt Revd Paul Williams and the Archdeacon of Nottingham, the Venerable Sarah Clark The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham incorporates the City of Nottingham, the whole County of Nottinghamshire and five parishes in South Yorkshire. The population is 1.15 million – 51% live in the greater Nottingham conurbation, 31% in ex-mining areas and 18% in rural. There are 305 churches (252 parishes), served by 142 stipendiary clergy and licensed lay workers. In 2016 a refreshed diocesan vision was embraced across the diocese, recognising the imperative for ‘Growing Disciples: Wider, Younger, Deeper’.

 ‘Wider’ in that we will seek to grow disciples in every part of the diocese, with no retreat from any community: urban centre; outer estates; rural villages; or market towns.  ‘Younger’ in that we will seek fresh ways to harness the boldness and creativity of children, students and young people across the diocese, not least in Nottingham which is the 4th youngest city outside London.  ‘Deeper’ as we grow in knowing Christ, so that as his disciples we can be an increasing blessing to the people among whom we live and serve in the workplace, family and community. The Bishop’s Senior Staff, Bishop’s Council and Diocesan Synod have demonstrated their clear commitment to sharing in all aspects of this vision and strategy. In autumn 2016 more than 1 000 PCC members attended 5 vision evenings around the diocese. We have discerned a series of emerging priorities that will facilitate growing new disciples in every parish across the diocese. Compelled by the love of Christ by 2023 we will seek to:

 Welcome 7000 new disciples into the fellowship of Christ and his church  Commission 1000 younger leaders (especially 15-30 year olds) equipped and inspired to serve the purposes of God in the Church and society.  Plant or graft 75 New Worshipping Communities (NWCs) across the diocese to increase our reach in telling the story of Jesus to all.  Grow 25 larger Resource Churches with clear commitment to develop leaders, plant New Worshipping Communities, and disciple the young.  Serve and pray together as one Church contending for the gospel in every community and sphere of public life in our city, county and region. In this new chapter, every parish has an opportunity to review its role within the diocesan mission, so that it can play a significant part in the strategic commitment to ‘Growing Disciples wider, younger and deeper.’ It is in the context of this vision that the appointment of a Priest-in-Charge (Vicar designate) to the Benefice’s of Burton Joyce, Bulcote and Stoke Bardolph and Lowdham, Caythorpe and Gunthorpe takes place. It is in recognition of the potential of the proposed new Benefice that increased priestly resource is being invested. With a committed lay leadership already in place, this is an excellent opportunity for a creative and mission minded priest to lead the Benefices into renewed growth.

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Bishop Paul has said: “It is my hope that each worshipping community will develop a compelling picture of its own future in God’s purposes with an expectation of growing numerically and in the scope of its mission. It is my prayer that the new Priest-in-Charge of Burton Joyce, Bulcote and Stoke Bardolph and Lowdham, Caythorpe and Gunthorpe will have the creative leadership and imagination to develop discipleship, plan for growth and reach out to the unchurched of all ages in its locality.” March 2017 Gedling Deanery The Former Area Dean writes: These parishes have been part of an official but underdeveloped relationship since 2007. As Area Dean for twelve years I have been in the fortunate position to offer a longer-term perspective. In addition, it has been my privilege to work with them during the last 18-months. Over eight vision meetings explored together the history of their communities, the stories of their churches and the state of their congregations. As a result there is a new Pastoral Scheme going through its legal process creating one benefice, two parish churches (Burton Joyce and Lowdham) with four other worshipping communities at Bulcote, Caythorpe, Gunthorpe and Stoke Bardolph). There will be two distinct PCCs but a joint PCC with delegated powers is envisaged that will work together on issues of discipleship formation, lay leadership development, evangelism and nurture, service patterns and community engagement. It will be for the new Priest in charge to shape that development with formal and informal structures that help the churches to flourish. As soon as the Pastoral Scheme has gone through its legalities, the person appointed as Priest in charge will become the incumbent of the new benefice. It is important for applicants to know that this Pastoral scheme has not been imposed - it has been the result of discussion and prayer across all PCCs. Over the last six months the PCCs have been

BJBSB and LCG Parish Profile 2017 06/09/2017 2 | Page discussing together the patterns of services, and there is common agreement that there is more work to be done. A new benefice choir has been created which has drawn members from the churches together. Together we believe that there is a real opportunity for something significant to happen across these six communities with a combined population of 8,300. It is a really exciting prospect for someone who can maintain the focus on growing disciples, while building on the many strengths across the benefice, creating and sustaining new ways of working. Here are some of the similarities and challenges that were identified through the vision meetings. Similarities. - Both parishes  Contain one main village with two smaller villages where the larger villages are thriving and active  Contain wealthy residents, often with positions of responsibility in the wider society  Contain well-educated residents and parents with high educational aspirations for their children  Have a rural background even though they are now predominantly commuter villages  Have mission opportunities in engaging with the leisure industry associated with the River Trent  Contain primary schools where significant connections exist or have existed, especially with the Church of England Primary Schools  Have a high level of engagement with their parish councils  Have conservation and ecological community engagement  Are wrestling with the issues of newer residents who want the benefits of living in a vibrant community, but do not or cannot invest in that community themselves  Are significant community contributors through their parish magazines which are widely used and distributed  Have church buildings that are well cared for  Have a strong core of committed and loyal church members Challenges. Both parishes  Know that more needs to be done to engage with younger people inside and outside the church  Know that there is a significant and ever-growing gap with those who have had little or no effective engagement with the Christian faith.  Have a desire to, or recognise the need to, find their own way of doing evangelism effectively  Need to develop more lay leaders in positions of responsibility who have a sensitivity to their context and a willingness to try new things  Know that new sustainable service patterns need to be explored to offer an opportunity for residents to worship, especially children, young people and younger families.  Make a distinction between wealthy residents and those who attend the church.  Have challenges in reaching 100% parish share payment

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This post has its focus on growing the church across all six communities. The diocese has doubled the ordained ministry resources from what was envisaged in the previous 2020 deployment plan. A full-time stipendiary curate based at Lowdham will be allocated to the benefice with a focus on growing the church in Lowdham, Caythorpe and Gunthorpe. The new Priest in charge will join other recently appointed clergy in the ‘villages group’ within the deanery (see blue boundary of map above). There is a genuine desire to act collegial and think collaborative on issues that are common across the group. As a deanery we look forward to a new colleague joining us in a very varied deanery covering 104,000 and 22 churches, 16 full time clergy including curates, 10 active retired clergy and over 30 active readers. The deanery has working groups exploring initiatives on prayer, ministry to older people and ministry amongst children and young people. It is developing its global Anglican links with the diocese of Matana in Burundi and all PCCs in the deanery contribute to a Gedling deanery scholarship student at the Bujumbura Christian University. Throughout the year there are three types of deanery chapter meetings; a) Informal clergy lunches for discussion and prayer (four a year), b) Longer daytime meetings three times a year to worship and pray together, to share good practice in growing disciples and discuss wider mission and ministry issues (three a year) c) Wider ministry chapter with retired clergy, readers and recognised lay ministers (one a year).

We would expect the next incumbent to make these a priority and look forward to them joining with us on the next phase of our deanery journey. NOTE Rev. Anthony Giles, the new Area Dean and a member of the ‘villages group’, will be involved in the appointments process. Rev. Phil Williams Worship The Benefice has a mixture of All-Age, Morning Praise, Book of Common Prayer, Holy Communion and healing services. We are defined by our Anglican heritage and place a strong emphasis on the traditional Christian Festivals. There is a meditative / devotional thread, most prominent around Good Friday. There is an open evangelical thread with strong care for the Community, Environment and Justice themes, with an emphasis on welcoming and forgiving.

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The Two Parishes of the Benefice Burton Joyce, Bulcote and Stoke Bardolph (known as BJBSB) Lowdham with Caythorpe and Gunthorpe (LCG)

St Helen’s, Burton Joyce

St Mary’s, Lowdham

Holy Trinity, Bulcote

St Aidan’s, Caythorpe

St John’s, Gunthorpe St Luke’s, Stoke Bardolph

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stmaryschurchlowdham churchburtonjoyce

The quotes in speech bubbles come from responses to three questions that were asked in all the churches and the communities.

1. What do you think the main priorities should be for the next vicar over the next 5 to 7 years?

2. What are the main issues in the civic parish communities that the new vicar needs to engage with?

3. What qualities, strengths and character do you think the next vicar needs to possess?

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Our Next Vicar is someone who:  is confident in their faith in Christ and has a desire to share that love and hope with others through new expressions of worship, while respecting and valuing more traditional forms,  has excellent leadership skills, strong networking ability, who will work with all ages to attract and involve the whole community in the life of the church,  has the capacity to form, nurture and train teams of leaders to release new potential,  can form and deliver vision and strategy for a newly-established benefice,  is an inspirational teacher and preacher enabling members to live out their Christian faith in their everyday lives wider, younger and deeper,  has the ability to engage with, understand and disciple more affluent residents often working in significant roles within the City and County as well as networking with local leaders in the area,  will focus on younger families and links with the local schools for strategic growth … and we can offer  congregations who are really committed to seeing God’s Kingdom grow in our benefice, and want to go deeper in discipleship,  a variety of worship ranging from All-Age services to Book of Common Prayer,  church groups and initiatives such as house groups, environmental projects, and Churches Together events,  experienced PCC’s already working together with a real desire to develop, including joint services, a Benefice choir and joint social activities,  a benefice close to Nottingham with its cultural and recreational facilities, while still set in beautiful countryside.

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Ministry Team The ministry team consists of one resident Reader David Moore, supported by Readers in the Deanery, Annie Hill (seconded to the Benefice), and Alan Langton. We are also supported by a number of clergy: University chaplain Rev John Bentham, former Lowdham curate Rev Rowena Edlin-White, retired vicar Rev Jim Wellington. All have indicated their willingness to continue supporting us after the appointment of a new vicar. One of the first jobs of a new vicar will be to assist in the appointment of a new curate to the benefice. The Archdeacon has indicated that she has someone in mind for the post already. David thrives on the unusual: outdoor services, services Annie Hill with a theme or for a special event, such as Plough Sunday, Rogation Day, Remembrance Day. He delivers thought-provoking and inspiring sermons and has a passion for making the Bible understood. He is involved with 1940s re-enacting, and usually takes a couple of services a year at those events. We have a church administrator, Ruth Strong, based at David Moore at a 1940s event Burton Joyce. At LCG, the Parish Wardens are Andrew Potter and Jan Hewitt, assisted by David Hadfield, whilst at BJBSB, the Parish Wardens are Paul Smith and Kathy Dixon, assisted by Sue Rennie, Mary Crosby and Bob Bethel.

Kathy Dixon and Paul Smith

Andrew Potter Jan Hewitt

Sue Rennie, Mary Crosby and Bob Bethel

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Our Location

Used by permission of the Ordnance Survey – © Crown Copyright 2017, OS licence 100058646.

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Vision: Wider, Younger, Deeper Since the challenge in 2016 by Bishop Paul to grow disciples "Wider, Younger, Deeper" in the Diocese. LCG’s response to the challenge of the diocesan vision is:

 To seek to grow our small but enthusiastic home based bible study group Family and incorporate the use of some of the Christian nurture material outlined orientated – at the recent meetings. aim to bring

in the  To investigate the development of a weekday early evening gathering for families that social and structured discussion linked to a short act of worship, but based are drifting within the village at a social centre or even a public house function room. away. This is to encourage those who are possibly intimidated by a church environment such as men and young families. This follows from ideas discussed at Bishop Tony’s recent Men’s Breakfast event. BJBSB identified our three priorities for 2017 as:

 Undertaking a nurture group for Church and Village Members at Stoke Bardolph  Joint Lent Groups with BJBSB and LGC and Burton Joyce Churches Together, and others using "Whole of Life for Christ" books - Enriching Everyday Discipleship.  Reviving the Summer Holiday Club for 7-12 year olds. "Heritage, Hope and Legacy" Work with other Prior to the Bishop’s challenge, in Lowdham we had already adopted the local churches Heritage, Hope and Legacy theme for our mission to the community in 2013. towards a We began our project to involve the wider community in the restoration and common goal. care of St Mary's churchyard and its environs.

CELEBRATING the HERITAGE of our community’s history We commemorate our past heritage through projects such as the WW1 Memorial 100 metre hedge planted in autumn 2014 on our adjoining field and the restoration of the many graves in parts of the churchyard many of which had become overgrown and damaged. We are of course also stewards of our church buildings, which are a part of this heritage, and we encourage the community to share in that responsibility. We celebrate the fact that a Christian community has worshipped in St Mary’s for over 900 years.

CREATING a new HOPE through social and ecological justice Church is for all people, Through the outreach project we aim to bring hope and encouragement to our including the community about the future of worship in a practical way, and through engagement mentally and with the community, we draw people to see Jesus in everyday life. physically broken. A strong sense of LEAVING a LEGACY of a thriving and sustainable community, and community an ability to ‘get We plan to leave a legacy of an improved environment through the message such ideas as the extensive community orchard planted in 2015 on the church across’. field. But it is not just a legacy of things, but a legacy of lives changed by God.

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Schools and Junior Church There are primary schools at Burton Joyce, Gunthorpe and Lowdham. Gunthorpe and Lowdham are both C of E voluntary aided schools. It has been common practice for the incumbent to make a weekly visit to lead assemblies at all three schools. Foundation Governors elected by the PCC serve on the governing body of Lowdham Primary and in addition the school visits St Mary's for two services per year (July and December). For Lowdham and Burton Joyce there are occasional class practical history visits. Both Burton Joyce and Lowdham School run after-school and breakfast club facilities. Most of the students leaving Burton Joyce primary school attend Carlton Le Willows Academy (www.clwacademy.co.uk). Some students with a church connection attend The Minster School (www.minster.notts.sch.uk). There are also a few students who attend private education. The Headteacher described Lowdham Church of England Primary School as ‘A Traditional school with years of experience in village life, which gives it a unique atmosphere and place in the community. Our Connect with children find themselves in a families, busy and enthusiastic young learning environment where children and there is always so much to teens. do, learn and see’. She added, ‘We do visit the church at least twice a year for the RE curriculum with Years 1, 3 and 4. Also we send information about our Christian activities on the green board. We now have a link Governor – Nicola Grange (a PCC member)’ In a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) last October (2016), the school was described as ‘outstanding’. The report says, ‘Lowdham is a primary school that lives and breathes its Christian ethos. The application of Christian values, modelled by all staff working in a cooperative and committed professional team, impact powerfully on the children’s lives.’ (www.lowdhamprimaryschool.co.uk)

Gunthorpe Church of England Primary School’s Headteacher describes his school as ‘We strive to give our children an understanding of the world that God created; their place in it, their value to it and their responsibility for it. Our core values are based in Christianity. They are: Friendship, Teamwork, Endurance, Wisdom, Trust, Service and Forgiveness. We are a busy but friendly school, with lots going on.’ He also added, ‘We also visit our local church for history and RE, in fact we were there only this week. We also like to

BJBSB and LCG Parish Profile 2017 06/09/2017 11 | Page hold services there; we are planning to hold our Easter service there in a few weeks’ time. In addition, as with the other schools we also have a before and after school club.’

The last SIAMS report was in March 2014, and said, ‘the distinctiveness of the school as a church school was good, as demonstrated by:

 The positive impact of Christian values on all aspects of school life.  The dedicated, caring and committed leadership of staff, governors and clergy in an atmosphere of mutual support and trust.  Children who are confident, enthusiastic and eager to learn.  Excellent, pro-active, relationships with parents, families and the wider community.’ (www.gunthorpeschool.co.uk)

The Headteacher writes about Burton Joyce Primary School, ‘The ethos of the school is one of high standards and achievement, of co-operation and support for everyone in our school community, respect and an awareness of others and their needs. There are many opportunities for children to develop their skills whatever their level of ability in an equal opportunities environment. We aim to provide a wide range of learning experiences where children will gain a positive self-image to help them on their path as happy and successful lifelong learners’. In June 2014, the Ofsted report described the school as good. (www.burtonjoyce.notts.sch.uk) Children For Burton Joyce Bulcote and Stoke Bardolph Junior Church activities still occur through a thriving Recorder Group which meets every Friday in the Church Centre and provides performances at the All Age Worship Services and specials services such as the Crib Service at St Helen’s and Christingle at St Luke’s.

Engage with St Helen’s in the recent past (2012) had a thriving Sunday School attracting up to the Primary 35 youngsters. These consequently attracted younger families to worship and Schools. participate in services. Each summer there was a Summer Holiday Club for a week but as the Sunday School’s popularity dropped so did the support for the Holiday Club.

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In addition, St Helen’s hosted a Pathfinder Group (11-15) on a Sunday Evening. Both St Helen’s and St Mary’s have a Crib service, and in both churches it is the most popular service of the year, each attracting a congregation of over 200 – around half of whom are young children. Until April 2016 a monthly Junior Church met at St Mary's on Sunday afternoons (16.00-17.30) attended by up to 30 children; unfortunately this stopped due to a lack of available leadership but it is hoped this may be resumed in due course. This provided a good contact point with young families in the LCG parish who often also attended the first Sunday All Age worship. On Good Friday morning, a popular craft and Easter egg hunt has been led by Junior Church every year. Burton We want someone Joyce who is kind, helpful, Church and fun, who will Hall help us to know God. hosts a Parent and Toddler group twice a week. This is nominally connected to the church. Within the main villages there are three nurseries, there is a Pre-School Group in Lowdham Village Hall, and a Baby and Toddler group in the Methodist Chapel.

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Our Churches - BJBSB St Helen’s, Burton Joyce This is the Parish church of the BJBSB parish. St Helen’s exercises an open ministry with an emphasis on shared responsibility. The patterns of worship is flexible and for most services based on Common Worship. The congregation has a wide age range, but the upper age group is increasing. St Helen’s has a purpose-built pipe organ, which is not used as it could be, but provides a good support for sung services. At present, there are average Sunday attendances of about 40 but in the recent past this was over 60. There are no young children or teenage groups although again in the recent past there was a thriving and vibrant Sunday School (which catered for the up to 10 year olds) and a Pathfinder group which catered for those over 10. southwellchurches.nottingham.ac.uk/burton-joyce/hintro.php Holy Trinity, Bulcote Worship is traditional and conducted mainly in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer. The congregation is mainly elderly and retired, but faithful with an average Sunday attendance is 20. The churchyard has been sympathetically tended over many years by the now retired church warden and lay reader. His expertise and interest has led to a wonderful winter snowdrop display displaced by the daffodils and primroses in Spring before a Summer wild flower meadow becomes established. southwellchurches.nottingham.ac.uk/bulcote/hintro.php

St Luke’s, Stoke Bardolph The congregation is predominantly retired with an average attendance of 12 for the regular Sunday services. An important part of St Luke’s ministry is through specials - occasions such as Christingle, Mothering Sunday, Rogation, Harvest and St Luke’s day. For these services we often have a congregation of about 60 people. Recently we have started a “Tea at 3” event where walkers and local people can enjoy a cup of tea on Sunday before joining in with an informal service. southwellchurches.nottingham.ac.uk/stoke-bardolph/hintro.php

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Our Churches - LCG St Mary the Virgin, Lowdham St Mary's is the Parish Church, and has a regular congregation of about 35 at its Sunday services which increased to nearer 60 when the Junior Church was active at the first Sunday All Age service (Junior Church was suspended in April 2016 due to a lack of leadership). There is a fair spread of age groups and a desire to maintain our historic building and its extensive environs in good order and as a centre of activity for the community. The building dates back to 1170 and is located a little distance outside the main village in a quiet rural setting but is seen as a welcoming place and is well supported by the village in many ways. southwellchurches.nottingham.ac.uk/lowdham/hhistory.php St Aidan's, Caythorpe St Aidan's This is a fairly unique building as it is one of the last "tin tabernacles" still in regular use for worship in the country. With a capacity for sixty we have a monthly united All Age service at which the joint congregation numbers about 40 of which 15 are local residents. The building which dates from 1900 is adjacent to the similar designed Village Hall and is the location of an annual Art Show during the annual Village Show. The Church was threatened with closure in the 1980's but a campaign to maintain its use has led to something of a revival in recent years. southwellchurches.nottingham.ac.uk/caythorpe/hintro.php St John the Baptist, Gunthorpe St John's has a supportive and welcoming regular congregation of about 17 who worship at the church which is located on the village's Main Street. The church is fairly modern in appearance due to an extension providing a reception/refreshment area at the front and side of the older 19th century original building. It has a well-tended garden to the front and side areas but has no graveyard. It is now intended that worship will be based on a monthly united service of Holy Communion. A tea shop is held every Tuesday morning which is supported by the church community and local residents. The church is also well supported in many other tasks, including the gardening, by people who do not attend for Sunday worship. southwellchurches.nottingham.ac.uk/gunthorpe/hintro.php

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Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats OUR STRENGTHS Our congregations are committed to our churches and to offering a wide range of services to our local communities. This includes a joint church and community environmental project based at St Mary’s developing the churchyard with alternative uses such as a WW1 memorial hedge, Forest School events and establishing a community orchard. These events have been supported by staff from Serco, who run Lowdham Grange Prison. There are good community links with schools, local businesses and charities such as the Emmanuel House Day Centre in Nottingham. We also support worldwide mission and relief charities. This giving is being looked at by a benefice MADE group (Make A Difference Everybody). Christmas is a major celebration in all our communities, with well- attended Christingle Service, Carol and Crib Services, a huge turnout for switching on the Christmas lights in Burton Joyce and Lowdham, a Christmas Tree Festival, carol singing round the village and a big Christmas Fair in the Lowdham village hall. These events show the community support for the church and a real wish for the church to succeed. For BJBSB the churches complement and enhance the spiritual life of the area. Each church offers different experiences. For LGC the churches have used the opportunity of the interregnum to unite as a single congregation moving around the different churches to pray and worship together. During the vacancy the Benefice has used its own readers but also established significant links with other readers and clergy who are wanting to contribute on a regular basis including leading services once the new incumbent has been appointed. The Benefice has established a choir for special occasions. This adds to the variety of musical talent with robed choirs, music group and Recorder Group – including several youngsters at St Helen’s. We have good links to other local churches, having joint services with neighbouring parishes during the vacancy, and a joint Women’s World Day of Prayer event in the

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Benefice, and with Burton Joyce Community Church and the Lowdham Independent Primitive Methodists. The beautiful churches are well maintained and vary in age and size. Each parish has a vibrant main community centred around Burton Joyce and Lowdham with regular events including monthly folk concerts, a nationally renowned Book Festival and Film Festival, spring and autumn shows and many smaller events. The Benefice is predominantly affluent, set in beautiful countryside with regular local transport links to Nottingham and beyond.

OUR WEAKNESSES Loss of Junior Church and New people related congregation due to means all lack of leaders. The only ages. children’s ministry is through the recorder group. Because of the lack of younger families, we are an aging congregation. We have enjoyed many fruitful years where we have had larger congregations (St Helen’s regularly had 60+ for a Sunday morning worship). As a result of the larger congregations, and the ability to attract wealthier generous donors we had larger collections and donations and hence a secure financial position. Need to develop spiritual understanding through both traditional and more modern forms of worship, and greater participation at Bible Study / Prayer groups. St Mary’s is geographically quite separate from the rest of Lowdham village, which can be an issue for new worshippers and for the less mobile. We would like a youth worker or other paid assistance for various projects but rely on volunteers and many of those work full time so have limited resources.

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OPPORTUNITIES We are enjoying working together as two parishes. We experience similar problems Teach the and successes which we have been sharing and working on together. There is the Gospel opportunity for with fun. further working together and with the right leadership the establishment of a coherent development of lay involvement with several members willing to undergo training for leading services. At some services – our Remembrance Day Services, our crib services and a recent “Big Hymn Sing” service our church has been full with over 200 people. This shows us that the local community has not forgotten us and are willing to participate in events we put on. This leads to the opportunity developing new disciples. Be a good listener, and One of our under-represented groups in the congregations are the wealthy families an effective living in our community. There are also outreach opportunities to children, ethnic team leader. minorities, and the disadvantaged. BJBSB have committed to a Giving Campaign for Autumn 2017 and the benefice is committed to the Bishop’s Mission of attracting disciples Wider, Younger and Deeper. ‘Wider’ is being addressed through a welcoming course, ‘Deeper’ through a Study Group and we had hoped ‘Younger’ through a Summer Holiday Club. Development of our Heritage, Hope and Legacy Initiative which is the umbrella for projects and events such as the environmental project, orchard and churchyard restoration. Increasing community partnerships and links through the annual Christmas Tree festival and other opportunities.

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The Benefice has already started to enjoy social events and meetings. There are considerable resources and buildings within the Parish. The sharing of these facilities is an opportunity to enhance the spiritual and the social cohesion of the benefice. Since the interregnum we have looked at new types of worship, such as the Big Hymn Sing and Teddy Bear’s Picnic Service. There is an opportunity for regular less formal services such as Messy Church, or a café or pub church, with the right support and training. St Luke’s church hosts ‘Tea at Three’ events for walkers along the river followed by an informal service. St John’s and St Aidan’s have recently hosted art exhibitions. These types of services and events offer opportunities for training leaders. We have a fundraising committee, and hope for opportunities to significantly increase income. THREATS At present, there are a small number of people doing many jobs. These people have other time pressures due to family, work and caring responsibilities. This presents a challenge for those planning and organising events. Both Parishes face financial pressures. For BJBSB, a falling congregation and significant rises in our parish share has led to an inability to pay in full. Gunthorpe as a separate parish have recently had a high Parish Share to pay, for a congregation of 17, and have paid on average around half of it. This will have an impact on the merged parish of LCG. (Lowdham and Caythorpe has always paid share in full). At present the Deanery Finance Group are looking at the way the Parish share is allocated and we are hopeful that a more manageable parish share request will be asked for.

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Our Communities Both parishes comprise of a larger village with two smaller villages close by. The parishes are well served by the usual range of village Engage with village groups shops and businesses – Co-op, Bakery, Post Office, Library and a Take church into the village number of pubs serving food and takeaway food. There are also specialist businesses such as Computer Repair, Estate Agents, a ‘There’s a lot of goodwill in bookshop, soft furnishings, three garages and car, van and caravan the parish’ and motor home dealerships. There are two Doctor’s practices sharing a building in Lowdham (www.thejubileepractice.co.uk and ivymedicalgroup.com, which also has operates in Burton Joyce). Burton Joyce has another practice, www.appletreemedicalpractice.co.uk, and a dentist. Overall the villages are predominantly commuter villages for Nottingham and further afield or retirement. Those over 65 comprise over 25% of the population. The housing reflects this with homes for the retired as well as specialised supported housing for those over 55. The average house price across the benefice is £373,000 against a national average of £220,000 (December 2016). In the remaining population, there are a large number of high paid jobs such as company directors, administrators and other professional jobs. Although not formally assessed there seems to be a degree of loneliness among a proportion of the community. This is evidenced by a large uptake of people attending events such as Coffee Chit Chat, Poetry Teas and attending the Community Market (all have cheap coffee available). The main village in each parish is served by a good rail service (Links to Nottingham, Newark, Lincoln) and a good bus service (Southwell – Nottingham).

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Halls and Vicarages BJBSB

Vicarage This is a spacious family house, situated centrally in the village within easy walking distance of all the village amenities and St Helen’s Church. It was built in the 1960s and purchased by the diocese in 1974. The ground floor comprises a fitted kitchen, dining room with a wood block floor, carpeted lounge with fire place, large study with laminate floor, toilet facilities and a lobby. There is access from the back door to a covered walkway leading to a side door of the garage and a utility room which is plumbed for washing facilities and a small store. The first floor has 4 carpeted bedrooms, a bathroom with overhead shower and separate toilet. The property is centrally heated by gas and is double glazed throughout and the loft has been insulated. Externally there is a large driveway with parking for three/four cars, a garage, front garden with lawn and fruit trees and shrubbery. A secured garden to the side and rear with lawns and shrubbery offers privacy.

Church Centre The Church Centre was built in 1993 and is linked to the church from the South porch. It can be divided into three sections, has a recently upgraded kitchen, toilets, disabled toilet, a sound system and storage area. It can accommodate 70 seated and is in regular use for Church activities and is a popular venue for Diocesan events.

The Old Church Hall This was built in the 1950s and until the new Church Centre was built was used for all church social events. It is now used by a variety of church and non-church affiliated groups including Baby & Toddlers, flower arranging classes, and coffee mornings. There has been an ongoing programme of refurbishment and the hall is self-financing and managed by a small committee who report to the PCC.

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Carnarvon Rooms This was built in 1863 as a school. The building has been refurbished and is jointly used by the Church and Burton Joyce History Society. It provides accommodation for the Parish office and also houses an exhibition featuring village history and life. The venue is used for church run coffee every Monday morning. The parish obtains extra income by renting this space out on an occasional basis.

Parish Office The Parish office is located within the Carnarvon Rooms, which is close to both the Church and Vicarage. The office is staffed on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and is equipped with a BT land line, computer and photocopier. LCG We do not have any church hall of our own, although the village hall at Caythorpe is on the same site as the church, and we routinely use the hall for refreshments after the services.

Former Vicarage The former vicarage at 12 Old Tannery Drive is a substantial 4-bedroom house with study. It is currently let to tenants by the diocese. This will provide suitable accommodation for a curate, when appointed.

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Current Service Patterns LCG have been working for some time under the previous vicar to simplify the pattern of services, so that there is essentially one service in the parish on each Sunday, with the congregations encouraged to go to ‘the service’, rather than ‘their service’, which has been successful. For the most part, this has led to fuller and more encouraging services but there are always a few who only go to their local service. When more services are reinstated by the new incumbent as resources permit, these will be welcomed.

Date St Mary’s St John’s St Aidan’s Lowdham Gunthorpe Caythorpe 1st Sunday 10:30 All Age

Worship 2nd Sunday 10.30 Holy Communion

3rd Sunday 10.30 Holy Communion th 4 Sunday 10:30 All Age Worship 5th Sunday 10:30 United Benefice Service at St Mary’s or St Helen’s

BJBSB have started a dialogue to reduce the number of services. This hasn’t been implemented yet, but will be continued with the new incumbent.

Date St Helen’s Holy Trinity St Luke’s Burton Joyce Bulcote Stoke Bardolph 1st Sunday 8.00am Holy 9.00am Holy Communion (BCP) Communion (Common Worship) 10.30 All Age Worship 2nd Sunday 10.30 Holy 9.00am Morning Communion Prayer (BCP) (Common Worship)

3rd Sunday 8.00am Holy 9.00am Holy 4.00pm Evening Communion Communion (BCP) Prayer (BCP) (Common Worship)

10.30 Morning Worship (Common Worship) 4th Sunday 10.30 Holy 9.00am Morning Communion Prayer (BCP) (Common Worship) 5th Sunday 10:30 United Benefice Service at St Mary’s or St Helen’s

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Parish Attendance Statistics 2016 BJBSB Average attendance at St Helen’s 35 adults and 3 children Average attendance at Holy Trinity 20 adults Average attendance at St Luke’s 12 adults LCG Average attendance at St Mary's and St Aidan's 30 adults & 5 children Average attendance at Gunthorpe 17 Adults

Population and Occasional Offices 2016 BJBSB LCG TOTAL Parish Population 3900 4400 8300 Electoral roll 139 81 220 Weddings 6 5 11 Funerals in church 11 9 20 Funerals at cemetery or crematorium 4 10 14 Baptisms under 1 6 3 9 Baptisms under 12 4 3 7 Baptisms over 12 0 0 0

Parish Age Profiles (from 2011 Census) BJBSB 0-4 195 5% of parish 5-15 468 12% of parish 16-64 2,262 58% of parish 65+ 975 25% of parish Total 3,900 100% of parish

LCG 0-4 168 4% of parish 5-15 456 10% of parish 16-64 2,972 67% of parish 65+ 840 19% of parish Total 4,436 100% of parish

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Policies

Safeguarding The benefice is proactive in ensuring DBS checks, and ensures child and vulnerable adult protection and safeguarding training is undertaken by all involved in care. The safeguarding lead is covered by one of the PCC members in each Parish.

Health & Safety The benefice has Health and Safety policies and procedures in place and the lead officer is one of the Church Wardens in each Parish.

Baptism We welcome requests from all parents for infant baptism and older children and people. Because the individual being baptised is being welcomed into the church family we usually conduct Baptisms during the 10.30 a.m. Sunday service.

Holy Communion The church invites all visitors who take communion in their own churches to participate in Holy Communion. It has also been policy to allow children to receive communion before confirmation in line with Diocesan guidelines. There is provision to take communion to the house-bound.

Remarriage of divorced people There are no fixed policies on this matter. It is left to the discretion of the incumbent so that all couples can be considered on an individual basis.

Priests (Ordination of Women) Measure The benefice has been served by ministry from both men and women. We fully support the ordination of women and their equality with men within the church. The PCC’s would wish to see appointed to the position of Vicar the best person irrespective of gender.

Burton Joyce Old School Trust The incumbent is de facto a member of the Burton Joyce Old School Trust which makes funds available for the education of the poor and needy of the parish of BJBSB

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Clubs and Societies in the Benefice Church Organisations Junior Recorder Group Mother’s Union MADE Group – Make A Difference Everybody Burton Joyce Outing Group Churches Together Sport Burton Joyce Archery Club. www.burtonjoycearchers.org.uk Burton Joyce Bowling Club. burtonjoycebowlsclub.co.uk Burton Joyce Cricket Club. burtonjoycecc.play-cricket.com Caythorpe Cricket Club. www.caythorpecc-notts.org.uk Lowdham Cricket Club. lowdham.info Burton Joyce Tennis Club. bjtennisclub.wixsite.com/bjtc Burton Joyce Football Team. www.burtonjoycejfc.co.uk Lowdham Colts Football Club. lowdhamcolts.info Lowdham Bowling Club. Culture Burton Joyce Amateur Dramatic Society. www.burtonjoyceplayers.co.uk Burton Joyce Choral Society. www.bjchoralsociety.org.uk Trent Valley Singers Phoenix Art Society Painting for Pleasure Gunthorpe Art Phoenix Art Society Stoke Bardolph Art Group Yoga, U3A. www.bju3a.co.uk Burton Joyce Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Cubs, Rainbows and Beavers Trentside Beavers, Cubs and Scouts

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Lowdham Pantomime Group. www.lowdhampanto.co.uk Lowdham Film Festival. www.lowdham.net/lowdham-film-festival-2016 Lowdham Book Festival. www.lowdhambookfestival.co.uk Warthogs Promotions: live music in Lowdham. www.warthogpromotions.com Special Interest Burton Joyce Women’s Institute Lowdham Women’s Institute Dover Beck Club Flower Arrangement Burton Joyce Local History Society Stoke Bardolph Local History Society Lowdham Local History Society Lowdham Horticultural Society. www.lowdhamhortsoc.org.uk

Lowdham Flower Club Trent Valley Dog Club Burton Joyce Community Market Bulcote Social Committee Lowdham Writers Group Lowdham Young Farmers Gunthorpe Yoga and Exercise Club Gunthorpe Friday Community Club Lowdham Railway Heritage. facebook.com/lowdhamsignalbox Village Websites www.burtonjoyceparishcouncil.org.uk www.lowdham.net www.gunthorpe.org.uk

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Financial Information 2016 2015 Income and Expenditure BJBSB LC Gun BJBSB LC Gun Income Collections 5,193 6,180 1,099 5,746 4,509 2,020 Gift Aid 17,451 22,574 7,162 21,432 23,730 8,965 Tax Recovered 5,361 6,280 1,926 5,288 7,268 2,529 Other donations 4,398 940 0 7,033 1,895 1,448 Church and Hall Hire 10,539 405 1,081 8,259 250 135 Fund Raising 3,966 156 2,188 2,478 1,450 2,877 Churchyard Income 0 9,442 0 0 385 0 Fees to PCC 3,362 4,186 4,719 5,206 954 Sales (Concert tickets/Magazines) 21,291 7,607 0 22,412 10,902 0 Interest / Investment income 1,039 349 33 4,676 387 45 TOTAL INCOME 72,600 58,119 13,489 82,043 55,982 18,973

Expenditure Grants (Charitable giving) 1,224 2,118 206 1,942 1,792 57 Parish Share 41,724 35,568 11,000 62,796 34,870 13,380 Church Consumables 2,841 414 145 3,877 536 190 Church Gas + Electricity + Water 3,032 1,522 802 4,955 1,623 1,376 Church Insurance 2,835 3,974 989 3,577 3,703 2,000 Church Maintenance 8,639 1,866 1,359 2,760 60 134 Major Repairs 1,224 0 0 0 0 0 Churchyard / Green Space 1,285 8,446 0 900 234 0 Clergy Expenses 0 951 0 0 1,534 0 Local Mission 0 201 0 0 117 0 Parish Magazine 14,907 9,644 0 14,072 10,299 0 Fund Raising costs 55 230 0 0 59 0 Hall costs 5,973 0 8,276 0 0 Administration 4,863 0 0 3,543 426 0 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 88,602 64,934 14,501 106,698 55,253 17,137 Surplus / Deficit -16,002 -6,815 -1,012 -24,655 729 1,836

2,016 2,015 Balance Sheet BJBSB LC Gun BJBSB LC Gun Endowment Funds 25,600 8,681 0 25,500 7,834 0 Buildings, chancel and organ funds 268,963 0 0 268,063 0 0 Restricted Funds 6,933 2,535 7,061 6,833 2,314 7,028 Unrestricted 1,267 2,586 3,756 18,369 6,113 4,786 Deposit Account 17,435 7 19,377 7 Magazine account 12,959 0 10,922 0 Total Funds 302,763 44,196 10,824 318,765 46,560 11,821

Parish Share allotted 65,400 35,568 26,892 62,796 34,870 26,760 Parish Share percent paid 64% 100% 41% 100% 100% 50%

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Notes Fees to the Diocese have been ‘netted off’ so they don’t appear here. Although Gunthorpe paid half or less share in 2016 and 2015, it had previously paid share in full. LCG is on Receipts and Payments basis. BJBSB has changed from Accruals in 2015 to R&P in 2016. An explanation of the large restricted funds for BJBSB is necessary. The following is from the 2015 accounts:

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