3333 Quantock Towers Benefice Profile

3333♥ Quantock Towers Benefice Profile

1 Contents

Introduction to the Benefice and our vision

Who we are looking for and what we offer

The Rectory and Amenities

The Benefice: Where are we? What is it like? Our churches and communities

The Ministry Team

Benefice Finances

Benefice Services

Crowcombe and Stogumber primary schools

Children & Youth Work

Serving our Communities

Organisations & Activities

Working with the Deanery and Diocese

Appendix I: Associated websites and hyperlinks

2 Introduction

Below are some of the comments that members of our congregations have made about the Quantock Towers Benefice, when we were putting the profile together. As a newcomer, I am impressed, when I read Pathways As a newcomer, I am impressed, when I read Pathways (the Benefice magazine), by the number of activities (the Benefice magazine), by the number of activities instigated by the local churches. instigated by the local churches.

The church is an integral part of the The church is an integral part of the community and an important part of the community and an important part of the life for those who attend. life for those who attend.

People love the pretty church People love the pretty church sitting in the middle of the village. sitting in the middle of the village. I have spent a lot of time there It is a stabilising I have spent a lot of time there It is a stabilising with some lovely people. I’m sure and solacing with some lovely people. I’m sure and solacing other villagers feel the same. church for all. other villagers feel the same. church for all.

It is the cornerstone It is the cornerstone of living. Extending the hand of of living. Extending the hand of friendship to everyone, friendship to everyone, regardless of belief. regardless of belief.

The church is a solid The church is a solid reminder that there is reminder that there is Considering the limitations of this God-less age our more to life and life is very Considering the limitations of this God-less age our more to life and life is very church does wonders – A dedicated band of short. church does wonders – A dedicated band of short. Christians provide every need one can wish for both Christians provide every need one can wish for both Divine and thoroughly practical which is there for the Divine and thoroughly practical which is there for the villagers. villagers.

The church is a community The church is a community centre and represents many centre and represents many good things. good things. We are going along the right lines - continue to be We are going along the right lines - continue to be inclusive and supportive. inclusive and supportive. The church is more relevant The church is more relevant than ever as the world gets than ever as the world gets darker. 3 darker. Introduction to the Benefice

Situated in West Somerset, in the Bath and Wells Diocese, the Quantock Towers is an attractive rural Benefice. It has lively, friendly and interesting people and stunning countryside. There are seven historic medieval churches serving six ecclesiastical Parishes. Each church and parish has its own strong sense of community with a small but dedicated core team. Very encouragingly, a sizeable body of enthusiastic and optimistic church members has remained firm over the years.

The Churches and Parishes comprise:

St George, Bicknoller The Church of the Holy Ghost, Crowcombe All Saints, Monksilver with St Martin of Tours, Elworthy* The Blessed Virgin Mary, Nettlecombe St George, Sampford Brett The Blessed Virgin Mary, Stogumber

*Maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust

The Benefice is bounded to the east by the Quantock Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and to the west by the Brendon Hills within the Exmoor National Park. Only a few miles from the Bristol Channel to the north, it is about half an hour by car from the county town of Taunton.

The population is concentrated principally in five villages. Bicknoller, Crowcombe and Stogumber each have their own village shop and each too, along with Monksilver, has a popular pub-restaurant. There are Post Offices in Crowcombe and Stogumber.

Agriculture and forestry occupy most of the land area but there are various small businesses dotted about the Benefice. Many local residents commute to jobs in the surrounding towns, notably Taunton, Williton and Minehead; some work from home or commute to Bristol or London. A good many residents are retired.

Most housing is privately owned but there is also some social-housing in Stogumber and Crowcombe. While there are many families with well-established roots in the Benefice, many residents also are incomers but with few from ethnic minorities. Unemployment and average income are near the UK mean.

In rural Somerset, the parish remains a functional unit and (Civil) Parish Councils play an important role in the planning process. Our churches remain buildings of which local people are proud and a place they expect to use when needed (for example: funerals, weddings and baptisms). Good numbers attend church for the major festivals – notably Easter and Christmas; but also special themed services which are held throughout the year in each church.

4 Introduction to our vision

The arrival of a new Incumbent is a good time to review and restate the vision of the Benefice as a whole. Important areas of ministry in recent years will no doubt inform the vision and these have included:

Worship: We need to continue introducing sensitively different forms of worship allowing people to meet God in a way that suits them well and meets them where they are in their own spiritual journey.

Children & Young People: We see children and young people and their parents as an essential part of the life of the church and they present a key opportunity to be grasped for outreach.

Outreach to the community: We know that as a church we will only grow as we look outwards and prioritise mission for all ages and community groups.

Effective stewardship of our buildings: A positive way of encouraging the wider community into our churches is to use all the buildings at our disposal more imaginatively and seeing how we could best utilise the spaces.

Who we are looking for

We have included quotes from our communities in this section.

We seek a priest who will lovingly guide us and provide leadership to the varied communities in our Benefice - who will, with us, build on our strengths and explore new possibilities for both Benefice and Parish development and outreach.

We are looking for a person who: With an ability to work and With an ability to work and A listener and integrate across the integrate across the approachableA listener and community approachable community

 is able to communicate well, is well-organised, demonstrates energy and enthusiasm and motivates others;  supports the more vulnerable members of our communities and for all is able to relate Christ’s teaching to modern life;  is compassionate, able to demonstrate, nurture and encourage fruitful ministry;  has experience of multi-congregation and multi-church ministry;  is inspiring and has a gift for building congregations into a stronger community of believers and pastoral workers, with a clear vision into the future;

5  is called to minister to those in the church community, our local church schools and to those outside;  has a love for teaching the Word, administering the sacraments and being open to the Holy Spirit;  wants to work and pray collaboratively with others, lay and ordained, in the Benefice and the Deanery, through a mix of team work and delegation;  has an understanding of the civic and community role of rural parish churches;  values informal contemporary and more traditional formal worship and is comfortable in both settings; and  has a strong desire to focus, enable and support mission work for the Benefice as a whole.

Someone who supports a Seen in homes and at Someone who supports a Seen in homes and at mixture of services events and places other mixture of services events and places other than “church” than “church”

Someone who recognises the independence of each Someone who recognises the independence of each church but also the unity of the Benefice church but also the unity of the Benefice

The successful candidate will find a mix of people on a journey and a team of ministers eager to move forward with God in mission.

Someone who will interest and attract theSomeone younger who generations will interest and attract Outgoing, sense the younger generations Outgoing, sense of humour and of humour and open minded open minded

What we offer

 The prayerful support of six friendly and welcoming congregations.  Churches which are keen to grow the Kingdom of God in their communities.  Churches who want to grow what they do through celebrations, services of wider appeal and increasing the participation of children.  A significant number of people within the congregations who have a desire to grow in personal discipleship and mission.  The assistance of an experienced lay person providing part-time help.  A Benefice Treasurer who deals with all fees and remunerations. 6  The active support of Associate Clergy and Readers in carrying out the ministry of our churches.  The support and cooperation of clergy colleagues in the Quantock Deanery.  A Deanery Children's and Youth Adviser.  A modern, well-appointed Rectory in the village of Bicknoller.  The encouragement of Churchwardens and PCCs for the Rector to achieve their ‘day off’ each week free of church activity and to take all allocated holidays.  All ministry expenses reimbursed from church funds.

The Rectory and Amenities

The Rectory was built in the 1960s and stands on the lower slopes of the Quantocks, surrounded by fields, with lovely views from the study window particularly. Downstairs there is a large lounge, a dining room, L-shaped kitchen, utility room and, on the study level, a bathroom by the front door.

There are 2 double and 2 single bedrooms upstairs, a bathroom and a ‘cavern’ of storage space over the study. The garden is mainly lawned, with flowering shrubs and fruit trees. Deer and foxes visit from the open hillside.

The Rectory is situated in a quiet, residential road in the delightful and vibrant community of Bicknoller, at the foot of the Quantock hills. It is well placed, being a short distance to drive to each of the parishes as well as within easy reach of main roads to the seaside town of Minehead to the north-west and the county town, Taunton, which has intercity links and access to the M5.

The village shop, village hall, church and pub are all within walking distance.

There is a federated church primary school in the nearby villages of Crowcombe and Stogumber, under a single governing body and head teacher, and rated “good” by Ofsted and where there is an active contribution from local clergy. More details can be found on their web-site: www. crowcombe andstogumber primaryschools .co.uk . There is a secondary school, Kingsmead Community School, situated in Wiveliscombe. More details can be found on their web-site: www. kingsmead - school .com . Williton has a Church of England middle school (9 – 13 years): www.danesfieldcofemiddleschool.co.uk and there is at Minehead, the West Somerset Community College (13 – 18 years): www.westsomersetcollege.org.uk .

The large village of Williton, less than 3 miles away, houses a doctor’s surgery. Taunton, which is 13 miles away, has a number of private schools as well as the excellent Musgrove Park Community Hospital and Nuffield private hospital. The Benefice 7 Where are we?

What it is like?

West Somerset is renowned for its rural beauty. It is a place where you will find an untouched expanse of sweeping landscapes, fossil beaches and ancient woodlands. The Quantock Towers Benefice is a collection of small parishes and hamlets, straddling the A358, set alongside the rolling hills of the Quantocks and encompassing part of the Exmoor National Park. We are approximately 10 miles from the seaside resort of Minehead.

The Benefice is part of the Quantock Deanery, within the Diocese of Bath and Wells. (www.bathandwells.org.uk ). It comprises six parish churches, which are served by one full time stipendiary priest (Rector), a part-time self-supported Associate Priest, a part-time Associate Vicar (House for Duty) and six Readers. The Churchwardens meet with the incumbent on a two-monthly cycle.

Each parish church has its own autonomous PCC which meets five times a year to discuss practical matters of Mission, Maintenance and Ministry. The PCCs come together annually to discuss mission planning and other matters of practical importance.

Our churches and communities

Each of the seven churches (of which one, Elworthy, is a redundant church) are of architectural distinction, originate in the medieval period and have fine towers, noteworthy monuments and

8 interesting old pews. Several were re-ordered or extended in the Victorian period and all bar one, retain their bells.

The churches are cherished by their local communities and their upkeep is an important motivation for many who give their time, effort and money to the parishes.

Each individual parish has its own unique personality, although sharing some similarities; each has something different to offer. The current six church set-up, celebrates being a united Benefice for over 15 years. This is reflected in the meetings across the Benefice and a monthly Benefice Communion Service, which each church hosts in turn.

Each parish and its church are described below.

BICKNOLLER

About Bicknoller and its church

Bicknoller is an attractive village resting on the western slopes of the Quantock Hills, which are designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.It is also home to the ‘Trendle Ring’ a two- acre Iron Age settlement.

Most of the houses are detached and property prices are well above the national average. The village offers a community run shop, a lively and popular pub, well used village hall, play areas and is on the local bus route. The parish has a population of approximately 375.

St. George’s Church dates from the 12th Century, when it was a manorial chapel for the Bishop of Bath and Wells. It is dominated by a 1000-year-old yew tree; it also holds a memorial to William Temple. The church community is very mission minded and not afraid to try different things. 2013 saw the opening of a newly designed Remembrance Garden. Major works in the church to provide a toilet and updated heating arrangements are almost complete.

Bicknoller is a vibrant village. There is a strong community spirit with an annual flower show and popular events linked to the church such as “Hymns of Praise in the Marquee” and “Carols Round the tree” at Christmas. We have created

‘Lighting up the Church’ allowing any one to have the Church lit in recognition of special anniversaries, of loved ones etc. Recently we have extended this to allow people to have the bells rung, by a band of enthusiastic ringers, for special events.

The congregation consists of people who on the whole reflect a broad evangelical tradition. The majority of the congregation have retired, mostly over 50 years of age, but some children attend the monthly Family Service. We are always pleased to see them and encourage them by making books and toys available for them. Attendance at church services typically numbers between 20 and 40 people. There are 59 names on the Electoral Roll. There is a contemplative prayer meeting held weekly at a parishioner’s home, and one of the benefice house groups is held in 9 this village. The Mothers Union has an active branch in the Benefice, which among other activities meets here for a well-supported prayer meeting once a month.

Our strengths

 Lay participation in services is extensive with a rota for sidespersons duties, bible reading, chalice bearing, conducting the prayers, music.  Our Churchwarden is shared with the neighbouring parish of Sampford Brett and so too the role of Treasurer. The service duties normally performed by a Churchwarden are often performed by members of the congregation who are happy to help out in services as much as they can.  Some of our members regularly undertake visits to sick, lonely or housebound villagers whether or not they are members of our Church.  As a congregation, we are usually receptive to new ideas, and keen to encompass constructive changes.  At the end of services the congregation usually gathers for coffee and biscuits, which adds to the strong sense of fellowship.  We like to think we make visitors welcome and indeed this is something that visitors have often commented on, this feeling of including all is important to us.  Members of this parish participate willingly in providing for benefice activities such as Lent Lunches, at which collections are made for charitable causes.

Our areas for development

As a parish we would wish to develop our pastoral care and mission - particularly amongst the younger families.

We are aware of the following:

 There is considerable scope for development of both pastoral care and mission.  There is no Sunday school or ‘structured’ children’s work at present.  There is scope for more church involvement in the formation of a youth club. There might be an opportunity to develop some form of outreach or fresh expression of church amongst the younger members of the parish or involving young married couples and/or families.  There is also the foundation for more of a team approach to pastoral care for the elderly and infirm.

Finance

Income 2012 2013 2014

Regular members income 13469 17793 15931 (cash /gift aid collections)

Legacies 1332 0 0

Other income 3926 7218 12009

Total 18727 25011 27940

10 Expenditure 2012 2013 2014

Parish Share / Benefice 11869 12582 13177 Expenses

Mission 440 530 250

Church repairs and 0 6852 100 improvements

Church expenses 7907 5506 6418

Total 20216 25470 19945

Overall yearly (2,129) (459) 7,995 Net surplus or (Deficit)

Church funds – including 48,933 50,332 45,017 restricted funds

The church is in the process of adding a toilet and replacing the boiler. Under pew heating in part of the church was completed on 2014. A sound system and loop is currently being installed.

CROWCOMBE

About Crowcombe and its church

This attractive village nestles on the western slopes of the Quantocks and includes several hamlets and isolated farms up hill and down the Doniford stream, amounting to a population of approximately 490. There are some small businesses, a local pub enjoyed by villagers and those exploring the Quantocks, a community run shop with surviving Post Office, and a relatively new village hall in a setting which includes sport pitches, a tennis court and adventure playground. Houses are a mix of very old and new and Crowcombe hosts one of our federated primary schools and a pre-school group. A toddler group meets in the village hall. It also has a station on the heritage West Somerset Steam Railway on the other side of the A358.

The Church of the Holy Ghost is a medieval gem; featuring in “Britain’s Thousand Best Churches” and its carved bench ends draw many tourists. It is situated at the end of the drive to the 18th century Crowcombe Court which, amongst other events, hosts weddings. The congregation is a mix of modern and traditional worshippers and has good connections with the local school. The Church has recently replaced the heating boiler, installed under pew heating and upgraded the sound system. An Alison Baby Grand piano has recently been given on loan to the Church and is well used for events and to accompany the local music group. The nineteenth century organ is due for a major restoration during 2016 and funds are being raised locally for the purpose.

The Church has six bells which were re-hung within the last decade and are rung regularly for services and events. 11 Opposite the Church stands a medieval Church House, one of only two remaining in Somerset, which provides another well-used venue for community events including weddings, receptions, WI meetings and soup kitchen, arts and crafts courses and exhibitions.

Crowcombe has a vibrant community with several societies and clubs. The Church is used to host the annual Crowcombe Flower show and fund raising concerts.

Whilst Crowcombe shares many of the strengths and weaknesses of the other Parishes in the Benefice, each village has its own subtly different character. Crowcombe, with its balance of private and rented accommodation, has a wide cross-section of age groups and a warm-hearted mixture of locals and newcomers to the village.

Our strengths

Church-goers are actively involved in the wide range of village activities, from village school to village shop and from adventure playground to Scottish dancing.

The challenge for the Church is to get a wider cross-section of the village to become involved in the regular activities of the Church and to review its range of worship and liturgy.

Finance

INCOME 2012 2013 2014

Regular members income 14353 14634 15634 (cash /gift aid collections)

Legacies - - -

Other income 8564 4326 5385

Total Income 22917 18960 21019

EXPENDITURE 2012 2013 2014

Parish Share/ Benefice 13592 14401 14661 expenses

Mission 1293 1342 3142

Church repairs and 19655 5182 4164 improvements

Church expenses 4008 3959 4020

Total Expenditure 38548 24884 25987

Net surplus/(Deficit) (15631) (5924) (4968)

12 In each of the past three years Crowcombe's payments have exceeded its receipts, very largely because of major repairs or improvements, some planned, others forced upon us by events. Planned items include re-pointing the west face of the tower, under-pew heaters and a new sound system (all in 2012). Unavoidable repairs and replacements were caused by dry rot in the chancel (2013) and the failure of the central heating boiler (2014). We are working to increase our income, which has not kept pace with the increases in Parish Share and other costs.

MONKSILVER

About Monksilver and its church

Monksilver is a very attractive village of about 100 inhabitants on the edge of Exmoor, surrounded by farmland and woodlands. The village has a good mixture of retired people and those of working age, with a few younger families. The housing is varied, with two working farms, ancient cottages, modern homes, and social housing; altogether there are 57 houses.

The community is close-knit, with the pub, the church and the village hall at the centre of village life. There is a new website, www.monksilver.org, linking the parish, church, pub and hall. There is unfortunately no public transport in the village, and the nearest post office is two miles away; however, there are plans to build a village shop as part of an extension of the Notley Arms. Parishioners have recently successfully fought to keep the mobile library service calling at Monksilver once a month.

There is a lively social life in the village, with traditional events including the annual church fete, harvest supper, and in some years, a barn dance, as well as recent innovations like the murder mystery evening, all held at the EMN (Elworthy, Monksilver and Nettlecombe) Hall. A Christmas fair and spring fayre, held in the pub, raises funds for the church. There is a regular ladies’ coffee morning in the pub, often attended by parish councilors, and, in the past, by the Rector. The village hall hosts the Monksilver horticultural society, art classes, a popular monthly lunch club, short-mat bowls, Pilates classes, lectures and concerts.

Monksilver has a strong culture of volunteering. The parish council (which we understand is the smallest in the country), parochial church council, and village hall are run by committees of villagers. All social events depend on an army of organisers, cooks, stall-holders, parking stewards, and so on. A produce stall in the pub car-park, selling villagers’ fruit, vegetables, eggs, preserves and plants, has raised significant sums for the church. A rota of parishioners tends the churchyard lawns, and a team of flower-arrangers keeps the church looking beautiful all year.

The much-loved C12th church is admired for its peace and tranquility. The recently-created Coleridge Way runs through the churchyard, forming a gateway into Exmoor National Park. Elworthy church (pictured) is maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust and is in good but basic condition with no electricity. Monksilver P.C.C. is responsible for maintaining the churchyard and currently 2 - 4 services a year in this redundant church. Elworthy is a small hamlet, approximately

13 two miles from Monksilver and the church, possibly because of its remoteness, gives a great feeling of peacefulness.

The electoral roll stands at 22. Regular services are held on Sundays with more attending at major festivals and other special services during the year.

A major programme to restore the roof, tower and drainage of the church has recently been completed, with funds raised in the village; further work is in the pipeline. The church has five bells but no resident ringers at present.

Our strengths • A strong community, which organises and supports church and village activities and fund- raisers. • Younger PCC members give a fresh energy to church life; newly elected Parish Councilors bring wider representation, and new EMN Hall members offer many talents. • Genuine friendship amongst the parishioners. • People moving into the village are sure of a warm welcome.

Our areas for development • Regular church attendance is relatively small and elderly. • Such a small and working population makes it difficult to maintain attendance. • It is not always easy for retired people, farmers and those with professional careers to find common ground. • No school or public transport. • To have more special services and introduce new church activities, such as bell-ringing, to involve more parishioners • To encourage more Gift Aid or regular giving. • Spreading responsibilities, which currently lie with persons who have a lot of additional commitments, and supporting those persons taking on new roles. . Finance

INCOME 2012 2013 2014

Regular members income 2,674 2,521 2,417 (Cash/Gift aid collections)

Legacies - - -

All other income 21,060 10,215 12,512

Total Income 23,734 12,736 15,029

Parish Share / Benefice 3,545 3,484 3,922 expenses Mission 134 115 214

Church repairs and 15 7,693 20,798 improvements

14 Church expenses 4,250 2,427 2,994

Total Expenditure 7,944 13,719 27,928

Overall yearly 15,848 973 12,742 Net surplus or (Deficit)

1) Our church expenses were especially high in 2012 due to the cost of the Quinquennial Inspection (£720) and further architect’s fees of £135. We were also asked to pay £400 in Benefice fees for 2013 at the end of 2012, due to a Benefice shortfall.

2) A church restoration project has been ongoing since 2006, and following huge fundraising efforts, improvements to the church building and the churchyard were made in 2013 and 2014. In addition, a church loop system was installed and a ramp purchased in 2013.

NETTLECOMBE

About Nettlecombe and its church

Nettlecombe lies at the northeast corner of Exmoor National Park and comprises several hamlets, isolated farms and houses, but unlike all the other parishes in the Benefice, no village. The population is currently around 175. The largest building is Nettlecombe Court, situated next to the church and home of the de Ralegh, Trevelyan and Wolseley family since 1150. It is now leased by the Field Studies Council (an Educational Charity) and run as a residential Field Centre. It is the largest employer in the Parish and is supportive towards the church. Otherwise, the principle activities are agriculture and forestry; there is a cider farm and fish farm. Several artists and craftsmen live and work in the Parish. Few members of the population are native to this area and there are a considerable number of retired persons. There is a wide range of incomes. There is no Council housing, public transport, school, shop or Post Office within the parish but the well-equipped and well used EMN Hall is situated about a couple of miles away in Monksilver. The Church and Court are built of the same local Old Red Sandstone and both date from the late 12th Century. There is a comprehensive Church guide; one notable artefact is the seven sacrament font which is unusual for the area. The C15th Nettlecombe chalice and paten - the oldest known pieces of hall-marked church plate in the UK - are now kept in the Victoria & Albert Museum.

To maintain the church various fund raising activities, including the very popular annual Fête and concerts, are held. There are no benches in the side Aisles of the Nave, thus leaving useful open spaces for refreshments, exhibitions and concerts. Whilst a wonderful setting in the warmer months, adequate heating in a cold winter is limited. The last Quinquennial inspection (2013) highlighted no major concerns and we have completed phase 1 of the recommended improved drainage around the church. The plans are now to raise funds to restore the notable 15 mediaeval effigies, by applying for grants as this is too expensive to be financed from normal church funds. We enjoy good relations with Nettlecombe Court and use their land for church parking and general access. In turn their students use the Church building and the churchyard stream for their studies. The centre and church are surrounded by a site of special scientific interest. A small but committed congregation regularly attends (11-15) with high congregation attendance at festivals and for special services (60-80). This is a traditional and friendly church community that cares about its scattered community. The vast majority of the regular congregation is over 50, and a fair proportion lives outside the parish/benefice, few live within walking distance of the church. The electoral roll is 24. The church is supported by local teams of committed and talented flower arrangers and needlewomen and embroiderers who maintain the fabrics. There is regular church cleaning and all in the community are encouraged to help decorate the church for festivals. There is “children’s corner” for use during services.

Our strengths

 We feel we are a friendly welcoming church but recognise entering a church can be a hurdle for some. Whilst supporting those who like the BCP services we try very hard to encourage those who are less familiar with church to attend by making services relevant and enjoyable.  We work well together as a team and receive many positive comments about our support of those organising weddings, baptisms and funerals.  We have a well-established practice of collecting for charities throughout the year; we support the Deanery Missionary project and one more local charity each year.  We deliver a church newsletter to the whole parish 3 times a year.  Many of our church members support local activities and groups within the wider community.  The congregation size for regular services is essentially stable.  We are well supported by the wider parish (and beyond) for events such as the fete and music concerts. To thank our regular supporters, we hold an annual “thank you” Pimms’ and cake party.

 There is an urgent need to recruit younger people to our congregation who will be available to assume leadership roles in due course of time.  There is a lack of children and young people who attend on a regular basis (even when more modern wording of services was used more frequently) and numbers are unpredictable for special events / services.  Access to the church for wheelchair users can be arranged but is not easy. 16  The church can be cold in winter.  Engaging or reaching out to those with differing needs or lifestyles and identifying needs within the parish.  Improve the links with the Parish Council.  Consider ways to develop our relationship with our neighbour, Nettlecombe Court e.g. holding events or services at times residents could attend.

 Create a welcome pack and good early contact with new residents.

Finance

INCOME 2012 2013 2014

Regular members income 5,310 6,020 6,359 (cash /gift aid collections)

Legacies 0 0 0

All Other income 6,394 9,254 6,510

Total Income 11,704 15,274 12,869

Parish Share / Benefice 4,439 / 540 4,357 / 990 4,894 / 540 expenses

Mission 300 200 113*

Church repairs and 444 1,100 878 improvements

Church expenses 2,160 2,661 2,362

Other expenditure 2,081 4,254 1,736

Net surplus (Deficit) for year 1,740 1,712 2,346

*separate fundraising event for Somerset Flood relief monies, separate to church accounts.

 Other income comes from the fete and various concerts and is dependent on good weather / attendance, etc. An unusual number of weddings in 2013/4 improved income.  Most of our regular givers are retired, although we try to maximise gift aid when possible.  Around £15,000 was spent on the drainage project in 2015.

17 SAMPFORD BRETT About Sampford Brett and its church Sampford Brett is a small, attractive rural village approximately one mile from the shopping village of Williton. The population is around 265, with a mixture of older properties, two small closes of bungalows and a ribbon development on the A358; all properties are privately owned. The parish also encompasses the hamlet of Capton. There are four working farms and some holiday homes. This is a village with a strong community spirit with many Clubs and Societies; there is a well-appointed village hall which is in almost constant use. There is an annual fete which is well supported by the community.

Sampford Brett is the birthplace of Richard Le Breton, who was one of the four knights who

murdered St. Thomas Beckett.

The Church of St. George dates from the 13th century and stands in the centre of the village. It is a well maintained church with a recently successful re-ordering of the chancel to create a better prayer space. The congregation has diminished recently as families have moved away and averages about 20, almost exclusively over 65 years of age. The Electoral Roll currently stands at 35.

Our strengths

There is an annual Christmas Sale in support of church funds which is well supported. We have organized several children’s parties/services and are now working in conjunction with Bicknoller to encourage younger families to joint events. There are two long-standing Home Groups based in the village plus a ‘post Alpha’ group who meet up socially once a month. The church is viewed by the community as a warm and welcoming place with most of the congregation actively involved in the many village clubs and activities. Hosting Harvest lunches, special meals as fund raisers and post- service coffee and goodies are well received.

A recent parish wide questionnaire has raised areas for development which the PCC is addressing, specifically working with younger people; including people from the outreaches of the parish and better communications with the non-church members of our community to make the church appear relevant to them.

Finance

Income 2012 2013 2014

Regular members income 12048 14382 12075 (cash /gift aid collections) Legacies 0 500 0

Other income 6284 6954 6859

Total 18332 21836 18934 18 Expenditure 2012 2013 2014

Parish Share/benefice expenses 9477 10899 11478

Mission 80 164 0

Church repairs and 627 4240 4846 improvements Church expenses 6048 6561 9327

Total 16232 21864 25651

Overall yearly 2,160 389 (6,715) Net surplus or (Deficit)

 No major projects planned at the moment. A future project is to upgrade the lighting in the church.  Finances are reduced following the loss of several prominent (and generous) members of the congregation who have moved away.

STOGUMBER

About Stogumber and its church

The Parish of Stogumber, with a little over 600 people, centres in the village itself with the Church of St. Mary, the village shop and the White Horse pub. The Parish measures approximately 4.5 miles north to south and 2.5 miles east to west.

A number of small outlying clusters of houses and farms (Preston, Vexford, Vellow, Escott, Kingswood, Culverhayes, Weacombe, Halsway and Ashbeer) complete the Parish.

The village is active with many societies, various activities in the village hall and a magnificent three day music festival in September which aims to raise funds for the church fabric, to assist with the reordering project (see page 20). There are regular “village breakfasts”, a village Christmas dinner, dances and a village magazine. Stogumber Cricket Club is one of the best village sides in Somerset, and regularly wins the West Somerset Division 1. Howzat!

The parish supports infirm and lonely members of the community with a well developed voluntary transport arrangement (StoGo) and a monthly lunch and social in the village hall.

Crime in the Parish is low, but there is some poverty with a few families receiving food bank donations. Most housing is privately owned, but about 50 social housing units belong to Magna Housing Association; Stogumber has a broader social mix than other QTB parishes.

19 The church is built of local red sandstone, dates from the fourteenth century and has a capacity for a 200 congregation. The flamboyant nineteenth century decoration of the Chancel is in the William Morris style.

Fundraising events, with some receipts going to the Church, include ‘Gardens Open’ in June, Safari lunches, Plant sales and a monthly market and coffee morning in the Church. A keen group of campanologists ring every week.

Within the church itself, the choir has about fifteen members (including 3-4 from other QTB parishes) and the tower has about ten active bell ringers. The usual attendance at a service is between 25 and 30. There are 63 people on the electoral roll.

Recent restoration completed of extremely fine William Morris style church furnishings – Burse, Chalice Veil, Lectern and Pulpit Falls. This has been worked by some of the Heritage Volunteers of the West Somerset Decorative and Fine Arts Society through a generous grant from the Society of Antiquaries of the Royal Academy.

An integral part of the Parish is the C of E Village School which is federated with Crowcombe and with around 35 pupils.

Our strengths  The strong sense of community and dedication among those who are actively involved in organising or helping with church activities and fundraising events.  There is a sense of solidarity and determination to work together on the PCC.  Parishioners treat each other with warmth and respect.  Those moving into the area are made to feel part of community if they choose to be.  Led by our organist and choirmaster Nigel Cavey, there is a fine musical tradition in Stogumber, with the choir singing at all Sunday services and a growing number of choral and organ concerts.  Catering: Stogumber prides itself on the food and fun at its many parties.

Our areas for development  To expand our regular congregation, in size and range of ages, in order to bring that message to many more, including those who believe we reject them.  We do not have provision for welcoming families and children and providing a form of worship which is relevant for them.  There are many in the village who perceive those who support the church as unwilling to engage with those who do not fit middle-class stereotypes.  We have no active outreach.  It is nearly always the same small group of people on whom we rely for fundraising and organising activities.  We have to operate on a tight budget but manage to fulfil our obligations.  To deepen our relationship with Jesus and His message.  To involve more young families in Church activity.  To increase the Christian relationship within the benefice.  To increase the amount of money gifted regularly.

20  We have begun the lengthy process of trying to obtain a faculty and raise the funds in order to re-order the church, to improve its potential and meet the needs of the church and worship today, including: creating an open area near the door for a meeting area/messy church and servery, provision of toilets and improve the flow from the vestry to support processions.  Maintain choir numbers and music tradition. . Finance

INCOME 2012 2013 2014

Regular members income 13,374 13,518 12,754 (cash /gift aid collections) Legacies 20,000 - -

All other income 11,790 17,878 11,652

Total Income 45,164 31,395 24,405

Parish Share / Benefice 16,627 17,695 19,106 expenses Mission 100 1,113 641

Church repairs and 10,127 2,621 2,757 improvements

Church expenses 5,842 6,133 5,047

Overall yearly 12,462 3,833 (3,145) Net surplus or (Deficit)

Tax for 2102 and 2013 was reclaimed in 2013 hence apparent rise in income.

Finance for the large project of altering the internal configuration of the church will hopefully be assisted by grants but likely some monies from funds required. The Ministry Team

If you would like to lead us, you would have support from:

Revd Jon Rose, Associate Priest and Quantock Rural Dean:

21 Our Associate Priest, the Revd. Jon, who works part-time for us in a self-supported capacity and who is also our Quantock Rural Dean.

Revd Ben Flenley, Associate Vicar:

Revd Ben works part-time with us as a House for Duty priest having joined the Benefice, from an incumbency in the Winchester Diocese in October 2015.

Other Clergy – holding the Bishop of Bath and Wells’ permission to officiate:

The Revd Kathryn Flenley and occasional Sunday service support from the Right Revd Nigel Stock, the Bishop at Lambeth.

Readers:

Our Benefice has presently six readers who offer a wide range of experience.

They are:

 Rita Butterworth (who also provides part-time clerical support to the Benefice)

 Bridget Capewell

 John Crothers

 David Gover

 Michael Pulvermacher

 Gill Southwood

Church Wardens:

Church Church Warden Church Warden

Bicknoller, St George’s Martin Blazey Vacancy

Crowcombe, Church of the Geoffrey Billson Melville Trimble Holy Ghost Monksilver, All Saints David Vere-Hodge Shirley Wallace

Nettlecombe, St Mary the Jane Wynne Carol Warren Virgin Sampford Brett, St George’s Martin Blazey Brenda Mandziej

Stogumber, St Mary’s Tom Vesey David Yates

22 Benefice Finances

Benefice Treasurer Dr John Crothers

Faced with the prospect of making separate expenses claims from six PCC treasurers, the first Incumbent established a Benefice Account and made a single claim each month. The PCCs contribute to this account according to an agreed formula, supplemented by the surplus generated by the Benefice magazine, “Pathways.”. It was quickly realised that the account had other uses and it currently pays all Ministry Team expenses and acts as a clearing house for fee income. The Benefice Treasurer issues wedding invoices and receives payment for these, funerals, and monuments in churchyards. He subsequently disburses funds to the Diocesan Board of Finance, PCCs, Bell-ringers and Organists; choir fees are transferred to a separate fund.

All our churches have stable finances although they face the pressures that many Anglican churches experience currently. All the churches are historic buildings which puts demands on resources.

The parish shares are fully paid up to 2015 for all six churches in the benefice.

The local communities have a history of responding well to fund-raising for specific building repairs or projects, often arising out of the quinquennial inspections. There is also a committed group of individuals and families who regularly give to the churches work.

While all the churches continue to trust in God’s wonderful provision and are in reasonable financial positions, the PCCs do have budgetary challenges, which they work on proactively and positively. Benefice Services

Churchmanship varies somewhat between the six parishes and is seen as a strength. Customised booklets or cards for the forms of service in regular use (including both BCP and CW communion and occasionally by extension) have been produced along with texts of the psalms and readings appointed for Sundays. The Benefice has a daily prayer diary focusing on the Parish, Deanery and wider world, referred to in intercessions.

Usual Sunday rota across the Benefice:

TIME 1st Sunday 2nd and 5th 3rd Sunday 4th Sunday Sundays

8.00am BCP Holy Communion @ Crowcombe

9.30am CW Morning Prayer BCP Holy Communion BCP Morning Prayer @Monksilver @Monksilver @Monksilver CW/BCP Holy Communion BCP Morning Prayer** BCP /CW Holy Communion @Bicknoller @ Nettlecombe @Nettlecombe 11am Family Service 10.30am Family Service CW Morning Prayer @Crowcombe CW Benefice Holy @ Bicknoller @ Bicknoller CW Holy Communion Communion CW Morning Prayer/Family @Sampford Brett (all churches host Service BCP Matins by rota) @ Sampford Brett @Stogumber CW / BCP Holy Communion @Stogumber 6/6.30pm BCP Evensong* 8pm May-Oct BCP Evensong BCP Evening Prayer*** 23 @ Nettlecombe Compline @Stogumber @Crowcombe Benefice Praise @Nettlecombe † BCP Evening Prayer @Sampford Brett Village @Sampford Brett (4pm in Hall winter) Key

*Nov-March 9.30am BCP Morning Prayer **Nov – March 11am BCP Morning Prayer *** Nov-March 9.30am Morning Prayer †Second Sundays only and not when the Benefice service is at Nettlecombe There are also weekday services on a rota basis involving all churches.

Parish service details

Bicknoller

We have a broad evangelical background and each month a variety of services is provided at Bicknoller. Vestments are not generally worn at present although are available. Congregational input into services is extensive and positively encouraged with a rota for sidespersons duties, bible reading, chalice bearing, conducting the prayers, music. Hymn book used is the Complete Anglican Hymns Old & New. The Music Group plays for the Family Service. There is no resident organist, although two parishioners will play occasionally.

In the last four years there have been two baptisms, two weddings and 13 funerals. Popular events linked to the church are “Hymns of Praise in the Marquee” and “Carols round the tree” at Christmas. A Christmas tree festival is planned for 2015.

Crowcombe

The fairly recently introduced weekday said communion is proving popular and has brought in a different congregation. Family service, which used to have children attending, has declined but the schools come for services twice a year when the church is packed with family members.

The small number of regular members play a part in Sunday worship, for example reading lessons. Vestments are worn except for Family Service.

An organist plays for most services and the Music Group for the Family service. Hymns are from Mission Praise, with Ancient and Modern being used at some BCP services.

Numbers over the last 3 years; baptisms 2-7; weddings 3-6 and funerals 1-4.

Special services are very well attended, especially the village carol service and the annual Village Thanksgiving (allied to the Parish Council AGM), and all major festivals attract larger congregations. Crowcombe usually has a steady number of weddings because Crowcombe Court is a popular wedding venue.

Monksilver (with Elworthy)

Each month, services are held using the BCP and CW formats. Vestments can be worn. We celebrate all the major festivals and in addition hold special services for Mothering Sunday, Rogation (All creation), All Souls and at Christmas hold a Carol service and Christmas tree decorating service.

24 Congregation members assist with lesson reading, bell ringing and chalice bearing.

Monksilver church has a good organ, and we try to have live music for special services; for regular services, we use a set of CDs with hymns. Hymn books used are Mission Praise and A&M Revised New Standard. Over the last 3 years we have had; 1 baptism, 2 weddings, and 4 funerals.

At Elworthy, as there is no electricity, a portable key board provides music and lighting is by candles. At least one service during the summer is held there as well as an Advent Carol service.

Nettlecombe

BCP is preferred for regular services and as a result we attract worshippers from outside the Parish. However, we recognise that for services that have wider appeal the form of worship has to be appropriate. Vestments are worn. The members of the regular congregation read many of the lessons and several are chalice bearers, sidespersons and provide after service refreshments. There is no choir but many of the regular congregation enjoy singing, including psalms and canticles, and we have an organist for all services. The hymn book used is Hymns Ancient and Modern New Standard. The West Somerset Brass Band is frequently invited to Easter and Harvest services. There is also a Bechstein grand piano available. The number of weddings, baptisms and funerals varies from year to year (0-3). Compline services are held at 8:00pm in the summer on those second Sundays when no other service is held in the church. We are willing to try different forms of service and have held animal and Teddy Bear picnic services. Due to our situation, good reputation for catering and the possibility of easy parking we have held occasional larger special services, e.g. Deanery based services.

Sampford Brett We offer a range of services from Common Worship to BCP and there is a small robed ladies choir. The monthly Benefice Praise is lay led. Vestments are worn at all services except the bi-monthly Family Service

Regular attendees participate in reading lessons, leading prayers, serving after service coffee and acting as welcomers/ sidespersons. Hymn book used is Common Praise. A small music group plays at the Family Service.There is no resident organist; we ‘borrow’ from other villages!

Over the last four years we have had four funerals, four baptisms and no weddings. For the last two years we have organized a ‘Thank You’ service and free meal for the many volunteers (60) who help run and maintain the church; a special ‘Stir Up’ Sunday service and a ‘Songs of Praise’ with invitees choosing their favourite hymn.

Stogumber

25 Regular weekly services are a mix of BCP and CW. The regular members play an active part in services as sidespersons, readers of lessons, making and providing coffee and biscuits after services. A variety of hymn books is used; Ancient and Modern, English Hymnal and Mission Praise. Chants, Anthems and vespers are sung by the choir.

In the last year we have held 5 baptisms, 4 weddings and 10 funerals.

Several additional services are held; the Nativity tableau, Stogumber celebratory Songs of Praise, Candlelit carol service, School services (Harvest festival, carols, end of year leavers service), End of Music Festival Evensong.

Parochial Church Councils (PCCs)

Each church has its own PCC with its own secretary and treasurer. They meet 5 times a year (including the Annual Parish Church Council meeting / Vestry meeting) at regular intervals. The dates are set well in advance to allow all to plan ahead and additional/extraordinary meetings are called as required. In recent years, it has been customary for the (lay) chairperson to chair PCC meetings.

The PCCs within the Benefice come together annually, to share developmental ideas, problem solve together and discuss Benefice mission planning.

PCC SECRETARY Treasurer Deanery Synod Representative

Bicknoller Belinda Mountain David Gover Jean Pennington-Ridge

Crowcombe Michele Rose Joe Butterworth Joe Butterworth

Monksilver Kate Adams Frances Vere Hodge David Vere Hodge

Nettlecombe John Crothers Richard Lewis Lucy Devitt

Sampford Brett Patricia Watson-Gandy David Gover Sue Jenkins Brenda Mandziej

Stogumber Bridget Weir Alan Weir Mary Batten

Crowcombe and Stogumber primary schools: from Mrs Julie Norman, Head Teacher

Crowcombe and Stogumber C of E Schools are two small village primary schools who have federated together to create a lovely amalgamation of families and children from ages 2-11. We like to consider ourselves one big happy family using two sites. Our KS1 and early years enjoy learning

26 outdoors, through play and in an open plan setting to maximise friendships, social skills and personalised learning. Our KS2 enjoy forest school, top of the range technology skills and purposeful learning, appreciating our community as well as our world. We value all our local residents and all they can teach us, share with us, celebrate with us and care for us. Over the two villages our families are diverse in their skills, values and attitudes but without exception are fully committed to our children’s education.

Many families appreciate the children’s religious education offered by school but probably most do not partake in worship activities and events themselves – although will willingly attend the joint- school Christmas, Easter, Harvest and end of term services held in either Crowcombe or Stogumber Churches.. Our children are very spiritually focussed and enjoy learning about the Christian Values every week along with traditional hymns, although our parents are not at present overly involved in school worship. We share in ‘Philosophy for children’ lessons and we hold ‘leadership skills for children’ and enterprise in high regard, as do the children. We celebrate weekly those children who show Christian Values on a daily basis and appreciate how they can be very difficult at times such as Courage and Forgiveness. We would appreciate support and guidance from the Church to help us build a bridge between school and Church bringing our parents on our journey with us.

We have worked hard this last year to improve our academic progress, and with the commitment of our teachers, children and families we achieved the highest rate of progress for all subject areas last year in the whole of Somerset. We are very driven and ambitious and have every intention of keeping the title next year! We look forward to welcoming you into our family.

Children and Youth Work

We have the services of a Deanery Children and Youth Adviser, Patrick Weld, whose salary is paid by contributions from each PCC across the Deanery.

The Crowcombe and Stogumber Primary Schools make use of the Crowcombe and Stogumber churches for a variety of services during the school year as previously mentioned; and there is a good engagement with children and young people in the annual Stogumber Christmas Village Nativity.

The schools have recently established a choir, which is contributing to some of our special services, including a recent County Council Civic Thanksgiving Service held at Crowcombe Church and Christmas carol services. Incumbents serve on the Crowcombe and Stogumber federated Primary School Governing Body; and our Associate Vicar has recently become a foundation governor.

There is emerging a growing variety of services and events directed at children and families across the Benefice. But this is an area for further development and encouragement

Serving our communities

27 Listed below are some of the activities in which we are involved or connected throughout the year, to bring God’s love into the heart of our communities:

 Bell ringing: All but Nettlecombe church have a peal of bells. The bells are rung regularly for services. There are 4 enthusiastic teams of campanologists which hold regular practice sessions at Bicknoller, Crowcombe, Sampford Brett and Stogumber.

 Coffee mornings: Many are held throughout the benefice some in aid of church funds but many for the Deanery Missionary project and other charities local and national.

 Concerts: Concerts are held regularly across the Benefice either in the church, village hall or other venues. Performers may be local or from further afield. The Stogumber Music festival has been held for several years now and has a programme of music over several days in a variety of venues ending with a choral evensong.

 Fairs and fetes: Every parish is linked to a village hall. In addition to a range of events, each parish holds an annual fete, often involving raising money for the church, which is supported by the whole community. Stogumber’s “Gardens Open” event attracts visitors from far and wide, raising large sums of money for the church and local hospices.

 Public houses: Most parishes have a public house and we try to forge good links: for example the recently reopened pub in Monksilver has formed very good relationship with the Church and this is true also with the Carew Arms in Crowcombe

 School governors/Parish Councillors. Regular church members are active within these roles across the Benefice.

 Monthly soup kitchen: : Crowcombe’s is run in Church House by the WI and the Sampford Brett’s soup club is held in the Village Hall.

 Valley Luncheon Club – held monthly in the EMN Hall to bring Benefice people together; and also the monthly Stogumber Community Lunch.

 The Farming Community and local Hunts: Situated in this rural area we try to maintain links with the farming community but realise both church and farming has changed over the years. We remain open to ideas that will make the church relevant for today’s farmers. Crowcombe is a hunting village.

 Other local Groups – many church members take an active part in the life of other societies including the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society; the West Somerset Decorative and Fine Arts Society – a member society of NADFAS; the West Somerset Village History Society; and the West Somerset Heritage Railway – the trains of which can be heard ‘hooting’ occasionally during church services!

 Transport – Several of the villages have volunteer transport for those in need.

Other incumbent responsibilities:

The incumbent is an ex-oficio school governor; a commitment which involves about 6 evenings a year, twice termly committee meetings, weekly assemblies and school church services.

The incumbent is a trustee of the Almshouses in Woolston (situated between Sampford Brett and Bicknoller) and of Crowcombe’s medieval Church House. The incumbent is also expected to attend

28 generally meetings of small local charities including the Wyndham charity and the Carew charity. Meetings are usually held annually or biennially.

Organisations and activities Missionary and charity support

The Quantock Deanery supports a different missionary project each year, to which the Benefice contributes actively. In 2015, the Deanery supported the Kenyan Project “Kill the Jigger” and raised £5,300. In 2016, the Deanery is supporting a Ugandan Special School. In addition, each Benefice parish supports its own chosen charities.

Most of our churches host a food box for those in need and these plus the harvest gifts go to the Taunton or Minehead food distribution centres.

Lent lunches are arranged throughout the Benefice which raises money either for the Deanery Missionary project or another specific charity.

There is a small fund available to the incumbent to offer swift and confidential relief to any parishioner in need.

Shoebox Gift collections at Christmas provide presents for children in other countries who are in need. As a Deanery in 2015 we gathered some 855 shoeboxes. Pathways

The Quantock Towers Benefice publishes a monthly magazine: “Pathways”, which informs and links the six parishes. Copies are delivered to subscribers and additional copies are available for reference in each church. About 600 copies are produced and cover events, activities and prayerful thought. It is self-funded by selling advertising space and charging a small annual fee and makes a significant contribution to Benefice funds. Newsletters

Some parishes distribute their own newsletter in addition to Pathways.

House Groups

There are informal house groups which meet on different days of the week. Membership crosses Parishes and Benefice boundaries, they are lay led and individual leaders determine the subjects to be studied. Mother’s Union

The Benefice has a lively and active Mother’s Union, which meets regularly for prayer and events with speakers.

29 Prayer group

A group meets weekly in a parishioner’s home for Contemplative Prayer. There is also a Prayer Breakfast held in a Crowcombe home once a month. Music

The diversity of our churches is reflected in the music we enjoy. Stogumber choir attends the Benefice Communion service once a month and is available for weddings and funerals throughout the Benefice. More contemporary services can be led musically by the Benefice “Music Group”, and includes a keyboard or piano, guitar, clarinet, cello and recorder.

All of our churches have a sound system. A projector and screen can be made available. Benefice Weekend

A weekend residential gathering has taken place for well over 20 years at the Brunel Manor Christian Conference Centre, near Torquay, for fellowship, study, prayer and recreation. It has provided a wonderful opportunity for spiritual refreshment and inspiration, with an average attendance rate of around 40 or more people. The weekend’s future direction is currently under review by the Committee responsible for its planning; but a weekend is scheduled for the weekend of 29 April to 1 May, 2016 Flower Arrangements

There are always flowers in our churches except during Lent and Advent and these are much appreciated. Specific arrangements are made for special occasions and festivals which the communities greatly enjoy.

Working within the Deanery and Diocese

The Quantock Deanery of five Benefices is essentially in two halves, separated by the Quantock Hills. On the western side of the hills we have our Benefice of the Quantock Towers and to the northwest of us are the townships of Watchet and Williton which together form a single Benefice. Watchet is an historic port town and Williton, adjoining Watchet inland, is a bustling small town with a village feel where the West Somerset Council principal offices are situated. To the east of the Quantocks are three further Benefices of which two are somewhat aptly named the coastal plain Quantock ‘Coast’ Benefice and further inshore is the Quantock ‘Villages’ Benefice. All fourteen parishes in these two rural Benefices have lovely views of the Quantock Hills or the Bristol Channel. And, fifthly, moving closer to Bridgwater and the River Parrett estuary, there are the combined parishes which form the Cannington Benefice. This Benefice also has within its boundaries, the Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station.

30 Taken together then the Quantock Deanery has some 25 parishes and each is represented on the Quantock Deanery Synod which meets in different Deanery parishes four times a year. It is chaired by either the Lay Chair or the Rural Dean. All licensed clergy attend and some with PTOs. We tend to have lively and interesting meetings, with full agendas and usually a presentation of some sort relevant to our calling and service. Recently, we have had one of the Parish teams presenting the Scripture Union ‘Open the Book’ scheme for primary schools; and also earlier in 2015 one of our Diocesan members of General Synod came along and stimulated us to take a deeper interest in the debates which take place when General Synod meets.

The Clergy Chapter meets monthly usually at the Holy Cross Chapel on the Watchet Harbour quayside. This is a homely setting just right for quiet discussion on matters affecting us as clergy locally and nationally. At least once a year the Deanery Readers are invited to join us. We are currently beginning to consider how we might shape up and develop a Deanery Pastoral and Mission Plan; and also oversee and manage more effectively our work with young people across the Deanery. One of the challenges which face any essentially rural Deanery like ours is how we sustain a whole Deanery awareness as opposed to being a series of Benefices and Parishes each getting on with their own agendas. We are fortunate inasmuch that for many years now we have come together as a Deanery to raise funds for overseas missionary projects – with considerable sums of money raised by us as a Deanery.

There are two things of particular interest at Diocesan level to bring to your attention – one is the Bath and Wells Diocese’s School of Formation continuing ministerial programme in which all licensed clergy are expected to take part per annum. Course costs (mainly one day courses) are met through an annual grant to clergy which the Diocese makes available – travel costs come from the Benefice. However, the programme put on for clergy, readers and lay leaders are for the most part really excellent and very responsive to our local needs. In recent years much has been done to encourage and train clergy working in small rural Parishes in often quite isolated circumstances. It is always good to see how we can support each other – since we all face common problems as well as the joys of ministry which so often come quite unexpectedly! The second is the first-rate provision the Diocese makes for clergy well-being. The confidential counselling offered sympathetically to support clergy and families in times of personal difficulties is very well received and the staff offering the service are second to none. The same staff also run reflective practice groups across the Diocese.

The Quantock Towers Benefice is within the Taunton Archdeaconry, with the Venerable John Reed as our Archdeacon.

The Bath and Wells Diocesan Headquarters are based in the beautiful medieval cathedral City of Wells. The Quantock Towers Benefice is about 38 miles from Wells. The following link may be useful: www. bathandwells .org.uk Appendix 1: Associated websites and hyperlinks

Diocese of Bath and Wells: www. bathandwells .org.uk

Quantock Towers Benefice: www. quantocktowers benefice.org.uk

31 Bicknoller: http://www.bicknoller.com

Crowcombe: http://www.crowcombe.org.uk

Monksilver: www.monksilver.org.uk

Nettlecombe: www.nettlecombewestsomerset.co.uk Sampford Brett: http://www.sampfordbrett.org.uk

Stogumber: www. stogumber .org.uk

A Church Near You: www.a churchnearyou .com

Crowcombe and Stogumber primary schools: www. crowcombe andstogumberprimary schools .co.uk

Kingsmead Community School: www. kingsmead - school .com

Danesfield Church of England Middle school, Williton: www.danesfieldcofemiddleschool.co.uk

The West Somerset Community College, Minehead: www.westsomersetcollege.org.uk

Williton/Watchet Surgery: www.westsomersethealthcare.co.uk

Dunster /Porlock Surgery: www.dunsterandporlocksurgeries.co.uk

Williton and Minehead Community Hospitals: www.sompar.nhs.uk

Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton: www.musgroveparkhospital.nhs.uk

West Somerset Council: www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk

Somerset Information Offices: www.visitsomerset.co.uk

Exmoor National Park: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

32 Please join us in prayer for the Quantock Towers Benefice as we face the future:

Lord, give us the courage to push past the boundaries set by the world,

Give us strength to keep going when the journey gets tough.

Give us the patience to wait upon you.

Give up the wisdom to recognise and use our gifts.

Give us the grace to work together.

Give us the guidance to go where you want us to go.