The Evenlode Vale Benefice Adlestrop | Bledington | Broadwell | Evenlode | Icomb | Oddington | Westcote
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE seven parishes united for the the future Welcome to the Evenlode Vale Benefice
ur parishes nestle in an outstandingly beautiful part of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, in rolling Ocountryside close to the county border with Oxfordshire, and tucked between the pretty market towns of Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in- Marsh, and Chipping Norton. Our villages are mostly built from traditional honey-coloured Cotswold stone; the area is affluent, with good village pubs and many nearby cafes and restaurants, and there are excellent primary and secondary schools in both state and independent sectors. But it’s also an area with significant challenges: prosperity sometimes deafens our communities to the call of Jesus Christ, and pockets of rural deprivation, limited public transport in the villages, and issues with employment and affordability of housing stocks for younger residents can make daily living tough for some. As a church, we also recognise the specific challenges of developing our outreach in our villages, as well as enhancing the spiritual and prayer life of our regular congregations. It’s a very beautiful place to live, but presents no lack of opportunities as we minister to our communities and keep faithful to our Gospel imperative to go and make disciples of all nations. MATT 28:19
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 2 seven parishes united for the the future Recent history
venlode Vale Benefice was created in 2000, and comprises We are members of the North Cotswold Gospel Partnership, an informal seven villages and their associated hamlets along the upper grouping of evangelical churches in our locality from Gloucester, Oxford Ereaches of the Evenlode river, with eight well-maintained and Coventry dioceses, which exists to support clergy and their parishes church buildings. with resources on a range of topics. In recent years, we have been part of Passion for Life mission events organized within this partnership, with Our previous Rector, Richard Rendall, served the Benefice for 16 years further events planned for 2022. until his retirement, and during that time strengthened the commitment of our churches to Bible-based ministry through the Our Benefice enjoys the support of the Evenlode Vale Ministry Trust, an faithful preaching and exposition of scripture, Sunday-by-Sunday. independent Christian trust which works alongside the seven parishes. The Trust employs our Youth Minister and also funds a part-time We have also developed a hub and spoke model of ministry which placement worker from the Gloucestershire charity PSALMS (Putting aims to obey the Great Commission by fostering teaching and training Sports Alongside Local Ministry). through Holy Ascension church in Oddington, and by encouraging outreach and evangelism through the wider parishes. In order to The Benefice has strengthened ministry links over recent years with our facilitate this approach, a major reordering of the interior of Holy Methodist friends from Westcote Chapel. Together we hold regular joint Ascension was undertaken in 2012 to create a flexible meeting space services, Lent events and prayer groups, and an occasional evangelistic for combined services, training events, youth work and social Café Church. Under a joint agreement, and as part of the Diocesan activities, as well as an office for our Benefice Administrator. OneLife vision, the Methodist chapel also funds our youth minister, Mark Smallwood, to work one day per week in a growing housing Our parish churches normally hold Sunday services at least twice per development adjacent to our Benefice. We hope to develop this joint month (with the exception of Oddington), offering services in varied ministry further over the coming years. formats. There’s a monthly United Benefice Communion at Holy Ascension, and a further monthly contemporary worship service at Holy Ascension using iSing recordings, although this pattern is still evolving as Covid-19 restrictions come and go.
Holy Ascension is a flexible space for services, youth nights and Benefice events
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 3 seven parishes united for the the future Our values, vision and mission
As congregations we value: ‣ clear and energizing biblical preaching and teaching; ‣ regular worship in our individual village churches; ‣ our young people—our Sunday congregations are mostly mature in age, but we have an active children’s ministry in local schools and our villages; ‣ learning together through home groups and events such as Lent courses; ‣ praying together at our monthly benefice prayer meeting; and ‣ reaching out to our communities through our village churches and events. Our vision is to develop four facets of ministry—belonging, exploring, teaching and serving; we aim to: ‣ grow our village churches to be places where people feel they can belong, where they can explore faith issues safely, and where they can be taught and equipped in the faith; ‣ welcome people of all ages, especially families, and enable all to flourish and reach maturity in the faith; and ‣ be a group of parishes that can serve their communities confidently and bring the good news of Jesus Christ into people’s lives by deed as well as by word. Our mission is to go and make disciples of all nations: ‣ to go: to reach out to our communities in sharing the gospel of forgiveness and new life in Jesus Christ; and ‣ make disciples: to bring our congregations to maturity in the faith, equipped for every good work.
Paws service at St Leonard’s, Bledington
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 4 seven parishes united for the the future The role and person specification
uch has been achieved under God’s gracious hand in the past Prayer: Our monthly Benefice prayer meeting usually attracts around couple of decades in Evenlode Vale. But there is much still to 10 participants. We need to develop our collective prayer life and Mbe done. We have identified a number of specific challenges increase attendance, that all we do might be undergirded in prayer. for the future: Mission focus: Our external mission focus is limited currently to Covid-19: Over the past year regular services have been disrupted three partners; Ibba Girls School, Long Lartin Prison, and Bible and church members have been absent through shielding and translation work, which we support in prayer at regular meetings and isolation. We need to recover the pattern of regular churchgoing. through limited fundraising and private donations. There is room to develop our mission focus, both centrally through Benefice events and Families: Our congregations are well-taught, and we have a lively in individual parishes, to develop a broader view of gospel work. children’s ministry in our local schools and villages through clubs and events, but very few families join us in Sunday worship. Worship styles: we enjoy a range of preferences across our congregations. The tension of managing preferences for traditional Festival services: Our churches are full on ‘high days’, such as against contemporary and informal styles of worship needs to be Christmas, Easter, Harvest and Remembrance, but we have a much carefully handled so that all feel they have a place in church life. smaller level of support on ‘ordinary’ Sundays, and in some areas these numbers have fallen. There is much local goodwill towards As we address these challenges together, we will require our new church, but we need to turn that into regular attendance. minister to be grounded in the scriptures and to be able to communicate biblical teaching faithfully, clearly and engagingly. So Mission and evangelism: We need to encourage our congregations we’re looking for a capable servant leader with the enthusiasm and in day-to-day outreach, as well as just in special events. We hope to energy to lead us forward. If you have a strong desire to see God’s join nearby churches in a joint mission planned for 2022. kingdom advanced through the power of the Word, the equipping of Midweek groups: Prior to the Covid-19 restrictions, we ran three the Holy Spirit, and through prayer, this may be for you. You’ll be part regular home Bible-study groups, attended by about 20 members, and of a benefice of seven parishes, with the encouragement of a further midweek activities during Lent. It would be good to grow our committed staff team and many faithful people supporting you in the groups, both in the number we offer as well as in attendance. life and work of the church.
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 5 seven parishes united for the the future We seek someone who…
In qualification and training ‣ is an ordained minister within the Church of England, and has In knowledge, skills and competencies satisfactorily completed Initial Ministerial Education; ‣ has the administrative and technology skills to work with and ‣ has a minimum of graduate level education; and through others; ‣ is up to date with Church of England safeguarding training and ‣ is able to train others to share in the ministry of the church; has a high regard for the importance of safeguarding across all ‣ is willing and able to delegate responsibility; and age groups. ‣ is a good communicator. In Christian life In general attributes ‣ has a deep love for the Lord, evidenced in life and ministry; ‣ is a person of truth and integrity, and has a confident but has a pattern of daily devotions; and ‣ humble personality; ‣ adheres to the supreme authority of the Bible. ‣ is hospitable, personable and approachable with good In experience interpersonal skills; and ‣ has helped people to come to faith and on to spiritual maturity; ‣ is able to maintain a healthy work-life balance. ‣ has held positions of leadership and management; and ‣ leads by example to motivate and facilitate the ministry of If you think God might be calling you to join us - read on! church members in outreach and living out their faith.
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 6 seven parishes united for the the future Our location
venlode Vale sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and most of our villages have designated Conservation Areas which preserve their traditional appearance. MORETON- E IN-MARSH The map opposite shows our seven villages of Evenlode, Adlestrop and Broadwell to the north, Oddington and Bledington in the centre, and Icomb and Westcote to the south west. A number of smaller hamlets cluster around these villages. The Benefice stretches roughly 9 miles from north to south, and about 4 miles from east to west. The Rectory is situated in Broadwell. Evenlode Historically, the area was a wealthy sheep-farming district. Farming is still an important aspect of both the economy and the landscape but, Broadwell while sheep farming still plays a part, the farming economy is now River Evenlode Adlestrop more diverse. It’s also an important area for equestrian and other traditional country pursuits. CHIPPING NORTON STOW-ON- The local economy has become considerably more mixed with THE-WOLD improved transport access, and a significant number commute to Oddington Oxford or down to London to work. There is a proportion of weekend residences (which varies greatly from village to village) and native- born and long-stay residents are probably now in the minority, but our villages still maintain a highly cohesive feel with newcomers generally being welcomed into village life. Bledington
The area is criss-crossed by footpaths and bridleways and there is very Icomb
good walking. There are five popular pubs in the Benefice, one post Foscot office and one village shop. There is good general shopping (including supermarkets) in Stow, Moreton and Chipping Norton, which from the BOURTON-ON- Westcote Rectory in Broadwell are 2, 4 and 8 miles distant, respectively. Oxford, THE-WATER Foxholes Stratford-upon-Avon and Cheltenham are each forty minute’s drive away. There is a Local Authority primary school in the Benefice at 1 km 2 km 3 km 1 m 2 m Bledington. Local children also attend primary schools in Kingham,
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 7 seven parishes united for the the future
BURFORD Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow and Moreton and move on to secondary There is a thriving rugby club at Stow, and cricket is played in nearby school at Bourton-on-the-Water (the Cotswold Academy), with others villages. Chipping Norton has a heated lido and the fitness centre at attending Chipping Campden, Chipping Norton or Burford schools. Kingham Hill School offers membership to local residents for its There are independent schools at Kitebrook (prep) and Kingham Hill swimming pool and gym. Lyneham Golf Club is also nearby. (boarding and day pupils), and a wealth of independent schools in We’re on the main Paddington to Hereford Great Western Railway Oxford and Cheltenham. line and Oxford is easily accessible by train (30 minutes from There are theatres in Stratford, Cheltenham and Oxford, and a small nearby Kingham station). The hourly fast train to and but renowned theatre and cinema in Chipping Norton, famous for its from London takes about 80 minutes. annual pantomime. Some of our villages are linked with the Arts in Rural Gloucestershire programme which subsidises regular professional live performances (plays and musical events) in village halls.
Village fetes are important fundraisers for charities and village infrastructure such as the parish church and the village hall
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 8 seven parishes united for the the future Benefice-wide activities
oly Ascension church in Oddington was reconfigured upwards of 40 participants. We had planned to offer something internally in 2012 to provide a modern, flexible meeting space similar in 2020 but lockdown forced early closure. for the whole Benefice and to provide the ‘hub’ for our hub and H Prayer meetings spoke model of ministry in the Evenlode Vale. Its maintenance is supported by a Trust Deed which entitles each of the seven individual We have a monthly (Saturday) prayer meeting at Holy Ascension parishes to share the building. which has a small but faithful attendance to pray for the work of the Benefice. There was also (until Covid-19) a monthly prayer breakfast Benefice United Service shared with the Methodist chapel. Finally, a quarterly joint prayer meeting with partner churches in the North Cotswold Gospel Our largest monthly gathering, drawing a regular congregation of Partnership rotates around the Benefices. 60-70, is at a united Communion service held on the 1st Sunday at Holy Ascension, with children’s activities and a Benefice choir, and no Silver Service services that day in the other parishes. The service is ‘hosted’ by the A monthly lunch club has been run by church members for many individual parishes in rotation, providing flowers, welcomers, readers years, attracting some 40+ older guests from across the Benefice. It and refreshments after the service. It is an important time for has been hugely popular but is currently suspended under Covid-19 congregations to meet and worship together from across the Benefice, restrictions although support for this central service varies from parish to parish. Mission support Home groups We pray regularly for the work of Ibba Girls School (a girls’ Christian We currently have three Home Groups across the Benefice—two boarding school in Southern Sudan), as well as a New Zealand-based daytime groups in Bledington and one evening group in Westcote, and couple translating the Bible into a remote Chinese dialect. We also a ladies’ Christian book group meeting at Holy Ascension, although support the work of the Chaplaincy team at HMP Long Lartin, a long- Covid-19 restrictions have limited their activities in recent months. All stay prison in Worcestershire. All three of these mission partners are three Home Groups study bible books using appropriate study guides, linked to us through personal contacts and there is scope to develop and are mostly lay-led. Approximately 20 people are involved in Home our mission support and parish involvement more widely. Groups and would like to see this grow over time. During Lent this work expands considerably. Online outreach Lent activities We have an attractive and well-managed website which includes an extensive library of recorded sermons. You can find it at We regularly run a central Lent Course at Holy Ascension church— evenlodevalechurches.org. We also have an active Facebook page and usually exploring some aspect of discipleship. In 2019 we adapted this a YouTube channel featuring online services. There is also a Facebook to offer a wider variety of nine different options across the Benefice, and Instagram presence for our youth work. including bible studies, speaker events, meditations and Lent lunches (shared with our friends at Westcote Methodist chapel) attracting
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 9 seven parishes united for the the future Youth and children’s work
he Evenlode Vale Ministry Trust (EVMT) is a registered charity, restrictions, but previous activities (with the numbers attending) incorporated in 2006, to promote youth work in the Benefice. included: T Its initial purpose was to engage a dedicated youth worker to ‣ a lunchtime Good News club at Kitebrook prep school—essentially lead children’s evangelism and it provided housing and a salary. an evangelistic Christian Union (10-20 members); Subsequently, the Trust was instrumental in the reordering of Holy ‣ Friday night EVBGS at Holy Ascension—an evangelistic Ascension Church and later employed two curates, each for a separate youth club (5-10 members); period of three years. ‣ Boys’ bike ride on Saturday afternoons (1-4 members); The Trust remains independent of the parishes but works alongside ‣ Sunday night The Dojo for 11-18s at Holy them to promote youth work across the Benefice under the title Ascension—eating together and seeking to understand, Evenlode Vale Youth Foundation. EVMT currently employs our youth apply and obey the word of God (5-10 members); and worker and funds our placement worker. Trust income is primarily through donations, with some fund raising, including auctions of ‣ Wednesday Stepping Stones—an after-school club for promises in 2014 and 2020. primary children at Oddington Village Hall, with games and Bible stories (5-10 members). Our Youth and Children’s work is staffed by Mark Smallwood, supported by placement youth worker Laura Gardiner. The scope of youth work has necessarily slimmed down during Covid-19
Youth fundraising walk for Ibba school, Sudan
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 10 seven parishes united for the the future We expect to re-establish our pre-lockdown work in the Cotswold (secondary) School and the head of Bledington Primary School would like our involvement to strengthen. She wishes to continue with assemblies led by our Youth Minister and would like the Rector to teach about Christian festivals and special occasions, such as baptism and marriage, with visits to the church so that children can become familiar with it. Bledington After School Club remains popular.
Some younger views on church, youth work and a new Rector: Be nice, not too dull or boring, be sporty, not too old. Someone who will engage with us guys, and be willing to help others in their faith. We'd like someone who has a sense of humour and is understanding. We want to keep doing the activities we are already doing ... but with more food! We need someone that is kind, passionate, and knows what they are talking about. We want to keep up the walking and cycling activities, and put on more events. We need someone who is interesting and kind - someone who will interact with the youth, make sermons exciting, have their own family, and be funny.
Oddington fete
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 11 seven parishes united for the the future Coronavirus and lockdown
ockdown during the pandemic has been a testing time for all parishes, with a significant number of parishioners needing to L ‘shield’ in the early stages. It was also, however, a time that brought out the best in the Benefice, as parishioners gave time to look after neighbours and work together on specific projects. We rapidly established our own YouTube channel and streamed weekly services, greatly enhanced by the services of a parishioner highly skilled in video and audio editing. Our services were of high quality and very professional in appearance and were hugely appreciated by parishioners and beyond, regularly attracting upwards of 170-200 viewings weekly and earning many plaudits. We also supplied recorded copies on DVD for those without internet access, as well as service and sermon transcripts. All these services can still be viewed by searching for the Evenlode Vale Benefice YouTube channel. We also published a series of Daily Readings, Seven Days for Seven Parishes, from May to November 2020, featuring a simple and pithy reflection with a graphic on a different bible verse each day, aimed specially at those who might be isolated and new to devotional bible readings. Our churches reopened for private prayer at the earliest opportunity as lockdown eased, and we produced a take-home leaflet of prayers and readings to help visitors with their prayers in each church. Services have now resumed in most of our parishes, although some folk are still nervous to venture out so we continue to publish audio recordings of sermons on our website to be accessed online if not in person. We have also added a short and encouraging Thought for the Week to our regular news email that reaches most of our parishioners.
Rev Helkias Mapimhidze records a lockdown service in St Leonard’s
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 12 seven parishes united for the the future Our parishes
he population of the Evenlode Vale Benefice was just under good order, and parish finances are likewise in good shape. Every year 2,000 in 2018. Just under a quarter were pre-school and our PCCs pledge and achieve a combined Parish Share of c.£70k, T school-aged, and just over a quarter were of retirement age. though this falls short of the £74k requested by the Diocese. Our Bledington is the largest village, with 237 households, and Adlestrop buildings have seen improvements over the centuries, but others the smallest with only 44. Population and service attendance statistics retain features first seen 1,000 years ago or more. All our churches are are given in the table below. Our church buildings are currently in beautiful in their different ways, as you will discover as you read on.
Population Electoral Easter / Parish Statistics 2019 Sundays Services per month Baptisms Weddings Funerals (2018 est.) Roll Christmas Adlestrop: St Mary Magdalene 110 14 14 35 / 20 1 HC (CW), 1 MP (BCP) 1 0 0 Bledington: St Leonard 489 38 16 100 / 185 1 HC (BCP), 1 EP (BCP), 1 Family Service 3 0 5 Broadwell: St Paul 384 42 10 82 / 100 1 HC (CW), 1 MP (BCP) 2 1 5 Evenlode: St Edward 147 47 15 50 / 165 1 HC (BCP), 1 MP (BCP) 0 0 2 Icomb: St Mary 212 39 15 74 / 85 2 MP (BCP), 1 HC (BCP) 1 0 0
Oddington: Holy Ascension ⎫ ⎫ 23 – 1 HC (CW), 1 Informal Service 1 0 1 ⎬ 379 ⎬ 30 St Nicholas ⎭ ⎭ 23 – / 135 1 MP (BCP) (Summer only) 0 1 5 Westcote: St Mary the Virgin 226 17 11 52 / 94 2 MP (CW), 1 HC (CW) 0 1 4 Benefice-wide Services (HAO) - - 60-70 - 1 HC (CW) - - -
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 13 seven parishes united for the the future Adlestrop: St Mary Magdalene
dlestrop largely belongs to the Adlestrop Estate, owned by the Leigh family for generations. It comprises some forty-odd A households. Adlestrop has considerable literary connections, and as a result is much visited. Jane Austen was closely related to the Leigh family, and stayed in the village three times. It is thought Adlestrop Park provided the inspiration for Mansfield Park. The American and Australian Jane Austen Societies visit regularly. Edward Thomas wrote his greatly beloved poem Adlestrop, “Yes, I remember Adlestrop…”, and as a result many visitors meander through the lovely village lanes. Edward Thomas celebrations are occasionally held, attracting many. The village has a cottage shop and post office, and a thriving village hall. The village hosts an annual open day, directed inspirationally in the past by the village race horse trainer, Richard Phillips. It raises large sums for charity, the church and the village hall. The whole village pulls together on this occasion.
The church The church, dedicated to St Mary Magdalene, is Grade II listed. It is idyllically situated by Adlestrop Park and Adlestrop House, both formerly inhabited by members of the Leigh family, which supplied several Rectors of Adlestrop over the generations. The church dates back to the thirteenth century, though this is only evidenced in the chancel arch and the nave arch. The tower is mainly fourteenth century. The Church was rebuilt in the 1750s and then restored in 1856-60. St Mary’s is in good condition, with no major work required in the imminent future. A new peal of bells was installed in 2016. Adlestrop village
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 14 seven parishes united for the the future Adlestrop: St Mary Magdalene
Services There are normally two services a month, Holy Communion on the second Sunday and Morning Prayer on the fourth Sunday, both commencing at 9.30. Additionally the highlights of the Church year are celebrated; Advent, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and Harvest. The services are from the Book of Common Prayer and also from Common Worship. Hitherto, refreshments have been provided after the service to encourage everyone to stay and chat. Although there are no refreshments at the moment, there is still plenty of chatting!
St Mary Magdalene, Adlestrop, is in good condition—as are all our churches
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 15 seven parishes united for the the future Bledington: St Leonard
ledington sits 4 miles south-east of Stow-on-the-Wold and a mile from Kingham station (direct trains to Paddington taking B80 minutes). At its centre is an open green, surrounded by former farmhouses and other typical Cotswold stone buildings, including a village hall and the King’s Head pub. The core of the village is a conservation area and towards the south- eastern end are two housing developments built in the early 1950s and late 1960s. The village also features a county primary school and a new community village shop. The village has some 220 houses, but Bledington is linked to three hamlets, Foscot and Foxholes to the south and Icomb Turn to the north-west, with between them a further 40 houses. One way or another, around 100 people in the village support the church—although monthly attendance is significantly lower. Until this Covid-19 year, Bledington had a rich panoply of village activities including the Spring and Summer flower shows, a Summer fete on the Green, a three-day music festival in the church, a Fish’n Chip Quiz evening and a range of other events in the village hall. Hopefully they will all be back in 2021. The Church St Leonard’s, at the south of the village and dedicated to a Norman saint, is a lovely Grade I listed 12th century church with a 15th century tower and clerestory. It can seat around 120 including an overflow on the upper storey bell-ringing chamber. Some windows have 15th century stained glass but others are clear, making the church bright, airy and welcoming. Features include a Norman tub font near the door, a squint from the south aisle directly through a tiny chantry, and a 15-minute sermon timer near the pulpit. St Leonard’s is a fine Grade I building, simply furnished
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 16 seven parishes united for the the future Bledington - St Leonard
Uncovered wall paintings include a charming rose pattern in the and 5th Sundays. Our 4th Sunday mid-morning Common Worship chancel, faded figures behind the pulpit and a late Queen Anne royal Holy Communion was, until recently, a Family Service. coat of arms. The regular congregation is mainly elderly, but the Crib Service and The fabric is in good order following a turn of the century Carol Service are well attended, as is the Remembrance Service. Other refurbishment programme, despite the theft of its roof lead in 2018 special services include Easter, Harvest and an occasional Pet service. (since replaced with stainless steel). The village has two Bible Study groups, and the Benefice youth Church Services worker, Mark Smallwood, has been running a weekly Brightlights club at the primary school. St Leonard’s holds Book of Common Prayer services on the 2nd Sunday in the evening and early morning Holy Communion on the 3rd
Father Christmas arrives at Bledington Village Hall—there are families in all villages which have minimal or no contact with the Church
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 17 seven parishes united for the the future Broadwell: St Paul
roadwell is a picturesque village in close proximity to Stow-on- There is a good community spirit which is especially evident in June the-Wold. The village has a mix of large country houses, rows of when the Annual Fete is held. An amazing amount of money is raised Bpretty cottages, two more recent modern developments and a and distributed to the Church, the Village Hall and other good causes. small area of social housing, together with some holiday cottages. The Village Hall has excellent facilities and is a popular hub for clubs, There are three working farms; Broadwell Hill, Redhill Farm and coffee mornings, fundraising events and harvest suppers. The Fox Inn Quinmoor. The Rectory, a detached four-bedroom house, is located on fulfils the traditional role of a village pub by dispensing hospitality to the edge of the village and offers far-reaching views. villagers and visitors, and as an exchange for local news and views.
The Green at the centre of Broadwell is used for football kick-abouts led by our Youth Team
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 18 seven parishes united for the the future Broadwell: St Paul
The Church The Parish Church of St Paul is well maintained with financial help given by The Friends of St. Paul’s for any necessary repairs. The finances are reasonably sound and the Parish Share is usually achieved. The earliest building on the site was Saxon, though all that remains of this is a carved stone preserved in the porch—the church was important enough to be recorded in the Domesday Book along with its priest. The Norman church that replaced the early foundation was probably built in the 12th century. The south aisle was added later with the battlemented Tower in the 15th century. During the 19th century, considerable alterations were made to the church inside and out. In 1977, the church was presented with a sixth bell to add to its existing peal of five. A dedicated team of flower arrangers and cleaners keep the church looking clean and tidy. A magnificent yew tree can be found in the churchyard which has survived for over 1300 years. Church Services St Paul’s Church serves the villages of Broadwell and Donnington. Regular services are held with Holy Communion on the second Sunday of the month, Evening Prayer on the fourth Sunday in the summer, and Morning Praise in the winter months. Together with the major festivals, many special services take place including Mothering Sunday, Harvest, Plough Sunday, Remembrance, and a Dog and Pet service. A gathering around the Village War Memorial on 11th November is held to remember those fallen in past campaigns. A ‘Family Service on the Green’ is especially popular, held on the Sunday morning following the Annual Fete in June. ‘Carols at The Fox’ is very well-attended, involving village children reading the Christmas story between Carols. St Paul’s is well-supported financially
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 19 seven parishes united for the the future Evenlode: St Edward, King & Martyr
venlode is a popular small Cotswold village of some 60 houses or approximately 120 people. It consists mainly of village Ehouses, cottages, some of which are holiday homes or lets, outlying farms and equestrian facilities. There are no amenities except a bus service into Moreton-in-Marsh twice a week. It does have a church and village hall, both of which are actively used for church and social purposes. It still retains a lively community spirit even with the transience of holiday homes and weekenders. The Church The church of St. Edward dates mainly from the 14th century with a 12th century Norman transitional chancel arch. It originally came under the auspices of Evesham Abbey in the Diocese of Worcester. It has a choir, nave and south aisle with a vestry and tower with all the glass recently replaced with clear to give it a light feel. It has a rare pre-reformation ‘goblet’ pulpit with carvings, a sedilia, aumbrey, and rood screen steps. There may be a medieval Nativity wall painting above the chancel arch and under the plaster. It has a 5-bell ring system suitable for adults and children alike. In the churchyard are two listed table-top tombs. Overall, the church and yard is well maintained although, prompted by the most recent quinquennial, the tower is currently being repaired and strengthened and the roof over the chancel will soon need replacing. Fortunately, the PCC has the means to pay for this. Church Services Regular services are held on second and fourth Sundays; we traditionally use Book of Common Prayer but have recently veered away from BCP format for Morning Prayer in an attempt to be more inclusive, especially of families. Special services are also held, with the Carol Service and Nativity on Christmas Eve being the main draw, ensuring a full church with a drinks party afterwards. Evenlode is a typical quiet Cotswold village
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 20 seven parishes united for the the future Evenlode: St Edward, King & Martyr
A Plough Sunday service was held for the first time this year which typically up to 20 persons including a few visitors but mainly from was much enjoyed. Other services include Christmas Day with the village and elderly. We are conscious of the need to extend the Blessing the Crib, Easter Day with the Easter garden, Harvest Festival reach of the church in to our little community, particularly with and an Advent Candle Lighting service. There are plenty of young regard to families and children. Our thinking is to have a regular families with children in the village but we don’t see them often service aimed specifically at them in future. Our seven-parish enough, either because the children are away at boarding school or benefice seems to work quite well, but only a handful of Evenlode’s they simply choose not to come to church. Our congregation is regular churchgoers attend the Benefice Service held each month.
St Edward’s looks simple, but has some unusual medieval features
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 21 seven parishes united for the the future Icomb: St Mary
t used to be said of Icomb that the population (of about 130) divided into approximate thirds; those born in the village (or who had lived there for Isome considerable time), those who had retired more recently to the village, and those who only spent the weekend there. Sadly now the number of longer term residents has diminished, but the upside has been an influx of younger families—and a greater number of children in the village. The village hall, the only other ‘community’ building beside the church, provides a useful venue for village events, which include summer BBQ’s, fireworks and bangers, a Christmas party and auction, Harvest lunch, quiz nights and ‘pub nights’—all well-attended.
The village has also participated in the NGS Open Gardens for a number of years when up to ten gardens are open to the public, and wonderful teas are served in the hall. Although a separate entity from the church, the Hall also provides a focal point after Sunday services when coffee, delicious cookies and lively debate are the order of the day. The war memorial at the centre of Icomb, a small village with a strong sense of identity
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 22 seven parishes united for the the future Icomb: St Mary
The Church Our Remembrance service each year—gathered around the War Memorial in the centre of the village—is also a highlight and attracts St Mary’s has been around for nearly 900 years, but thanks to care and those who otherwise don’t come into church. Weddings, funerals and attention (and good financial management) over recent years it is in baptisms are a rarity, perhaps not unsurprisingly for such a small excellent repair. It benefits from a ‘hands-on’ PCC who are not shy of parish, but very welcome additions to the life of the village when they rolling up their sleeves and arranging a ‘clean-up’ of the churchyard, do occur and bring the village together in celebration. or of the church, on regular occasions. The removal of some very large, gloomy and over-bearing trees from the churchyard in recent years has both opened up the vista and made the church both ‘warmer’ and lighter. The church wears its age lightly —but revels in its history, of which Icombites are very proud. Church Services Although, in Benefice terms, one of the smaller churches, St Mary’s has a ‘beating heart’ and the regular congregation, numbering on average between 15 and 25, enjoy having a minimum of three services each month–one of which is Holy Communion. The preference tends to be for a more traditional service, but a wide-range of preaching styles and slightly ‘off-beat’ services have also been enjoyed. All of the major festivals are celebrated, when the excellent flower-arranging team ensure the church is bedecked in festive splendour.
Sir John Blacket is believed to have fought at Agincourt St Mary’s is a compact and friendly building
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 23 seven parishes united for the the future Oddington: Holy Ascension and St Nicholas
ddington is an affluent village of two halves, Upper and Lower, running parallel to the main Chipping Norton to Stow-on-the- OWold road and built mostly of Cotswold stone. There is no shop, but each half of the village enjoys its own popular public house. The original village was gathered around St Nicolas church in Lower Oddington, but medieval plague led to the village moving further up the hill and extending westwards. The Churches St Nicholas church was built in Saxon times and belonged to St Peter’s Abbey in Gloucester, but was ceded to the See of York in 1157. The Archbishop of York was also Lord of the Manor of Oddington and King Henry III often stayed here. Henry’s visits led an expansion of the church by building a new nave and chancel. The north wall features a doom painting dating from the 1340s which is one of the largest and best in the country. St Nicholas is written up in Simon Jenkins England’s Thousand Best Churches and receives many visitors. In 1852 a new parish church, Holy Ascension, was built and a few years later St Nicholas was mainly used for burials. It was restored in the first part of the 20th century and is now maintained by the Friends of St Nicholas. It is open every day for visitors and has regular summer services, but having no electricity or heating activities in winter are limited to two candlelight services in December. Holy Ascension became the hub church of the new Benefice when alterations were completed in 2012. The church was completely reordered with a new stone floor with underfloor heating, and chairs replacing pews to give a great deal of flexibility to hold both services and Benefice events. It is also the centre of the youth work, the Benefice office and the central location of Benefice services and events such as Prayer meetings. St Nicholas’ is a unique building which attracts many visitors
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 24 seven parishes united for the the future Oddington: Holy Ascension and St Nicholas
Church Services One drawback of the changing role of Holy Ascension church has been the feeling amongst some of the villagers that it is now the Benefice church and not the village parish church. There is now only one ‘village’ service monthly, on a third Sunday—an informal contemporary Morning Praise service designed with a younger congregation in mind, but also intended to appeal across the Benefice; the other regular service is the well-attended monthly Benefice Communion service.
Holy Ascension can be set out for traditional or informal services The doom painting at St Nicholas is one of the finest in the country
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 25 seven parishes united for the the future Westcote: St Mary the Virgin
estcote is a hill village of around 200 inhabitants just within the Gloucestershire border and about half-way between W Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold. At nearly 700 feet, we have outstanding views across the Benefice in the Evenlode valley below, but winters can be cold when the east wind blows. The village is a linear development, with the two main settlements of Church and Nether Westcote divided by an area of common land. There are three other small settlements that form part of the Parish, including Gawcombe in the valley below. There are no shops, but Nether Westcote has a well-attended Methodist Chapel and a fine Public House where 10 to 15 men from the village meet for a beer or two every Monday between 6 and 7.30pm.
The Church The parish church of St Mary’s is in Church Westcote. It is a small church seating between 70 and 90, if extra chairs are used, and was completely re-roofed recently. It was heavily restored in the late 19th century and, although some interesting features may have been lost, it now has a wide chancel arch giving good visibility into the chancel and towards the table. This alteration has made the church into an excellent venue for concerts and shows. For a period Westcote church had an Anglo-Catholic orientation, in part due to the presence of an Anglican Nunnery in Church Westcote during the first half of the 20th century. However, the villagers have always been Low Church and this tradition has been strengthened over the past few decades with a strong Evangelical emphasis.
Westcote is another active community
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 26 seven parishes united for the the future Westcote: St Mary the Virgin
Church Services There are three Sunday services per month: two Morning Prayer, with one Holy Communion service. All services are taken from Common Worship. Though we have big congregations on Holy Days and Festivals, our weekly average is 12, but they are friendly, mature Christians and our reputation for being welcoming has spread throughout the Benefice. This welcoming aspect is also seen in our House Group, which meets every month. Serious study of the Bible is mixed with good humour and warm fellowship. We have very close links with our Methodist brothers and sisters from Nether Westcote, increasingly sharing joint services, particularly major festivals. The Wesley brothers were frequent visitors to Westcote in the early 18th Century, being friends with the then Curate, and Charles Wesley preached four times in St Mary’s in 1739. Recently we’ve instituted together a regular Café Church, which has proved very popular and encourages younger parishioners and less regular attenders. To this end we are excited that our Youth Workers are reaching out to the increasing numbers of young children within the Benefice. We want others to experience the joy and friendship that we have through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and to reach out to those in our community who, as yet, don’t know of this wonderful gift.
Remembrance service, but not there, at St Mary’s, Westcote
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 27 seven parishes united for the the future The Rectory
he Rectory is an attractive stone-built Cotswold detached house The central heating system has been recently upgraded with the on the edge of Broadwell village, approached through a five-bar addition of a new oil fired boiler and log burning stoves in the sitting T gate and gravel drive with parking for several cars. It provides room and both studies. comfortable family accommodation with four bedrooms, a sitting room, garden/dining room, two studies, a large kitchen, pantry and There is a second Diocesan-owned house in Bledington—a former utility room. Rectory, previously used for house-for-duty clergy and currently housing our curate and his family. In the past it has also Outside there is a good-sized garden laid to lawn with flowerbeds and accommodated EVMT-funded youth workers and curates. We hope to a raised vegetable bed, a garage, workshop/storage, and eating area retain this valuable facility, in negotiation with the Diocese, once our with pergola. present Curate moves on.
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 28 seven parishes united for the the future Appendix
Who’s Who Evenlode Vale Ministry Trust Curate (2017 -2021): Rev’d Helkias Mapimhidze Chair of Trustees: Tim Royle Associate Minister: Rev’d Dr Stephen Blake The North Cotswold Gospel Partnership Retired Clergy: Rev’d Peter Goodwin Hudson Canon Tim Sedgley For further details see ncgp.org.uk Canon David Cook Benefice Office Lay Ministers: Dilys Neill Holy Ascension Church Anita Ferrero Oddington, Moreton-in-Marsh Tim Royle (emeritus) Gloucestershire GL56 0XA Youth Minister: Mark Smallwood 01451 831424 Attached Youth worker: Laura Gardiner email: [email protected] Benefice Administrator: Kirsten Turner Benefice Treasurer: Barry Way website: evenlodevalechurches.org
Initial Point of Contact Kirsten Turner, Benefice Administrator: 01451 831424 or Peter Davis, Selection Committee Chair: 01451 830224
Evenlode Vale is a rural benefice with beautiful traditional villages surrounded by bustling market towns.
VENLODE VALE BENEFICE 29 seven parishes united for the the future