The Parish Church of St Andrew

Parish Profile 2007 St Andrew’s

That every adult and child can experience the love of God through the actions of a diverse but united church.

Introduction focus on people. The administrative Our Vision We will continue to hold a number of team are both committed and hard outreach events per year of a social In this profile we have tried to be working. However, as most of them We will continue to provide a nature that provide non-church honest in showing our current are still in full-time employment, welcoming place for weekly worship, goers with an easy way in to church situation. We have not put an over- there is a limit to what can be and for celebrating the highs and membership. optimistic gloss on matters. We have achieved without help. comforting the lows of peoples lives. We aim to be a witness in the wider asked many people to contribute Whilst it would be nice if the angel We will continue to value our Anglican community by involvement in the from their area of responsibility and Gabriel applied for the post we are tradition and historical heritage activities of the village. we hope that this will enable the realistic and are seeking a person while at the same time finding new We will continue to play our part reader to gain an insight into our who will value us and what we are ways to express our Christian faith in working towards a world where church. We are a very welcoming trying to achieve; who will become that speak to the spiritual needs of all can share equally in God’s congregation whose churchmanship a valued member of our community our community within the context of good creation; and all will take is central with a significant proportion and be a team player; a person who 21st century life. responsibility for preserving it for keen to try new forms of worship. has enthusiasm and the ability to We want to seek ways to expand future generations. We acknowledge that in today’s draw our community forward. pastoral support for those who need We hope to find creative ways of using world we need to find new ways of As is always the case with village life it. our historical building in addition being church and recognise that we it is not easy to sit on the periphery We want to attract and sustain young to Sunday Services, especially by cannot stay as we are. Over the last observing from the sidelines and for people in our church. providing facilities for use by village ten years we have focused on the the person who is prepared to get We want to be a church community communities. building and its suitability to attract involved the rewards of friendship that values each individual as made in We are prepared to take risks and retain new people. We have and fellowship are worth the effort. the image of God, regardless of age, in becoming a gospel centred installed new heating and lighting gender, race or sexual orientation. community. and are in the process of upgrading See our church website for fuller We want to nurture the spiritual We will not be afraid to fail. the sound system. Now, we feel, is information. growth of members of our Vision Introduction the time to look outwards and to community. Page  www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk Page  The Role Person Profile To play an active part in the growth of St Andrew’s. To raise the church’s profile within the wider community and to help St Andrew’s find its place within the Local Ministry Group. Key Criteria Essential Desirable Qualifications and Continued theological Experience of the com- Job Specification opportunities as and when they are Training study mercial world prior to presented. ordination As part of the Locking Deanery plan Broad Churchmanship for Local Ministry Groups (LMG, Main Duties and responsibilities see page 7) the parish of St Andrew To take Sunday Services Banwell would eventually join with another parish and share a priest. To further our vision However, when this position became Competence Summary Strong spiritual leader- Good Preaching Skills vacant the diocese agreed that there Pastoral Visiting ship was a need for Banwell to continue Musical competence with its own priestly ministry. Others to be negotiated Good pastoral skills The position will be a House-for- Computer literacy Duty part-time post (6 Sessions) Keen Missioner lasting up to five years at which time it will be reviewed. It is a Ability and desire to position that is full of potential and encourage lay ministry is supported by an enthusiastic team and loyal congregation. The Enthusiasm for collabo- administration is efficiently organized rative ministry by a very capable lay team so that the incumbent will be free to concentrate Ability to delegate on spiritual matters and the outreach of the church. The position will suit someone who is a good listener, and a strong spiritual leader who enjoys Work-related Personal Good interpersonal Affirming debate. He or she will need to be a Requirements skills helpful communicator and support and encourage lay ministry. He or she Confidentiality will enjoy the practicality of working collaboratively and ecumenically. Good listener We see the future growth of our church coming out of pastoral care to the wider community and it is important to us that whoever accepts The Job the post can fully engage with these Profile Person

Page  www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk Page  Locking Deanery Puxton Redhill Congresbury Wrington Butcombe Churchill Langford Burrington Banwell Sandford

Winscombe

he Diocese of Bath and Wells that aims to run courses both at the endip Vale Local Ministry of Readers, Deacons, Elders and is one of 44 dioceses of the Old Deanery Office in Wells and Group (MVLMG) has been committed Christians. TChurch of England. locally in the parishes. The subjects Mformed as part of Locking We are at the start of an exciting There are 570 churches in the are both varied and interesting and Deanery’s response to Bishop new venture with the appointment of Diocese, organised into 490 parishes. it has become a much valued service Peter’s initiative ‘Changing Lives: Rev. Leigh Machell as half-time Priest- Some 830,000 people live in the by all who use it. Changing Churches for Changing in-Charge of Churchill and Langford area served by about 300 clergy and Communities’, which not only and half-time Youth Coordinator for other staff. It is divided into three Locking Deanery is part of the Bath addresses the reduction in stipendiary the MVLMG. It is hoped he will forge Archdeaconries – Bath, Taunton and Arcdeaconry and is situated in the clergy numbers but also encourages stronger connections with Churchill Wells. It is largely rural with a good northwest of the Diocese with a us to look at new ways of being Secondary School whose 1500 pupils mix of urban areas. It stretches population in excess of 120,000. This church. It promotes the sharing of come largely from the MVLMG area. from the rolling hills of Exmoor, The is concentrated in Weston-super- resources across a number churches Another new venture is Vine Quantocks and the Mendips to the Mare and Worle – over 100,000 where the advantages of scale can be Counselling – the brain child of St Levels and the coast, with the ancient – with the rest clustered in rural a benifit. Andrew’s Congresbury – which cities of Bath, Wells and Taunton. villages. Nowhere is very far from The group consists of the villages offers a professional counselling Wells is the administrative centre either a motorway junction or of Congresbury with Puxton and service to the local area and is being of the Diocese and the magnificent Bristol Airport and public transport Hewish; Wrington, with Butcombe well received by local GP’s. Bishops Palace the residence of The from W-s-M is adequate during non- and Redhill; Banwell, , Bishop of Bath and Wells the Rt. Rev. peak travel times Sandford, Churchill, Langford and Over the past three years, God has Peter Price. The Suffragan Bishop The Deanery is very ecumenically Burrington. These are at present been moving amongst us powerfully of Taunton Rt. Rev. Peter Maurice minded and has strong links with ministered to by four Anglican and new possibilities of spreading is also based in Wells. Support for the Methodists in particular plus clergy, one Methodist minister, one the love of God amongst our the parishes includes the School of a number of Local Ecumenical Roman Catholic priest and a Baptist communities are being enjoyed. Diocese Formation, an educational service Partnerships. minister together with a strong team LMG Vale Mendip Page 6 www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk Page  Banwell Village

anwell is the oldest sizeable accident of the `Abbey’, which is he population of 2923 Business community in the area and now several dwellings. ���������The Abbey (548 under 16) live in 1260 A range of small businesses are Bgoes back to well before was a Court House and residence Thouseholds, have an average placed throughout the parish with Roman times. Consequently it for Bishops until privately owned in age of 43 and those working mostly particular concentrations in the became a route centre, and that, of the later 1700’s and�������������� was certainly commute to Weston or Bristol. The village centre, at the two industrial course, is the curse of the place today. not an abbey as such. The tale is told housing consists of an old village sites (Knightcott and Wolvershill) From time to time the question of that Bishop Law built the tower in centre with seven small housing and at a small Business Park. relief roads and how to deal with the the 1840’s as a lookout and if the flag estates and a council estate placed traffic problem comes up. dipped on Wells cathedral tower, he either side of the main road to the Village Clubs The pure spring rising from the local was in his coach and four and off to west. The village has a wide range of limestone hills, giving Banwell its Wells! Actually it was part of an early interest groups name, to this day supplies the water amusement park built before the Facilities include Sport - Bowls, Short Mat Bowls, for Weston-super-Mare. trees grew up on the hill. Churches (x2), Library, Baby/Toddler Football, Cricket, Keep fit, Yoga, It does not go unnoticed that Banwell Group, Playgroup(3-5yr), Primary/ Sequence Dance, Judo The businesses here now (see next has a (faux) castle. It’s a battlemented Junior School, Doctors Surgery and Leisure - Gardening, Bridge page) quietly contribute to village country house of no particular age Pharmacy, Recreation Field, Halls History - Archaeology life. They tend not to manufacture or special architectural merit, but (x4) Social - Seniors Club, WI, Royal but to retail and serve in other ways. it’s ours and we would be lessened British Legion, Banwell-Potigny However, the wider parish includes without it. Services Include Twinning Assoc. the Knightcott trading estate and Newsagent, Grocer, Hairdresser(x2), Artistic - Mendip Art Group other scattered light industrial That Banwell has much to offer is the Post Office, Butcher, Indian Youth - Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, units. Banwell’s stupendous church experience of most people who take Restaurant/Takeaway, Chinese Beavers, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Youth building and the tower on the hill are the time to find out. Takeaway, Pubs(x2), English Club Village Parish a consequence of the ecclesiastical Restaurant(x2) Page  www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk Page 9 oth our Churchwardens, John the fabric of the church. ur Readers, Jenny Humphreys News. He is also the chairman of the Haynes and Rod Humphreys, and Dave Colbourne were Mendip Vale Local Ministry Group Bare long-standing members of Rod took early retirement from Oboth licensed in 1995, Jenny (MVLMG) Steering Committee that our congregation. NatWest Bank Property Department continued her theological training oversees and coordinates MVLMG where he worked initially as an at Wesley College gaining her B.A. events and issues. John, who is a retired furniture maker architect and latterly as a special in 2003. Dave, although continuing During our interregnum, in and college lecturer, also served duties project manager. He qualified his theological training at Wesley conjunction with a locum priest, many years as a chief examiner as a youth worker in the 70’s while College, did not pursue academic Jenny has taken responsibility for and external verifier with a leading running his church youth club. Moving accreditation. Awarding Body. About twenty-three to Banwell in 1980 he was asked to Baptism visits - of which there are a Jenny is employed by the Diocese growing number. years ago he and his family moved start the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as their World Mission Adviser with to The Caves – a country house and Scheme for the North Mendip area Dave runs a weekly house group special emphasis on the Diocesan folly built by the Bishop of Bath and and in 2006 celebrated the group’s whose emphasis is on Bible Study and link with the Anglican Church in Wells in the 1820s. As part of The Prayer. Both preach at the 10 a. m. twenty-fifth anniversary. Zambia. She also chairs our Mission Banwell Caves Heritage Group they service about once a month and Rod became a server in the early Committee and is a member of the open the grounds, the Banwell Bone divide the non-eucharistic evening 90’s and is currently our Sacristan. Worship Planning Group and the Cave and the many follies to the services between them. Elected as Churchwarden in 2006 he Ecumenical Committee. public. A regular worshipper at the currently takes care of the day to day They are both instrumental in 8 o’clock service John served for a Dave is a motor engineer and owns running of the church. organising and leading our monthly number of years as a PCC member his own business in Weston-super- Young at Heart Service – a non- and is now nearing the end of his John and Rod found that the Mare re-manufacturing and repairing eucharistic informal service once second year as churchwarden. He is churchwardens’ duties split naturally automatic transmissions. He chairs described as a ‘house group with chairman of the dedicated building between them and enjoy working the Worship Planning Group and Readers Churchwardens songs’. committee which helps to maintain together. edits and typesets the Banwell Parish Page 10 www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk Page 11 Worship Planning their choice they seek to reflect the theme of the service concerned and Purpose the mood of its liturgy. The aim is to To oversee and coordinate the have as wide a variety and as large worship in St Andrew’s, taking special a repertoire as possible so that the responsibility for festivals and extra same hymns are not repeated too services, and to draw together the often. The congregation is invited to elements that enable worship to write requests on a list left in church, take place. To hear and take note of and these are incorporated when the congregational feedback. opportunity arises. Families bringing children for baptism are invited to Members choose a favourite hymn for inclusion Representatives include Readers, at the service. It is hoped that the Sacristan, Choir coordinator, either new priest will continue in this way. Church warden and a representative from the congregation of each of our The choir leader, Dinah Harrison, services. has enough musicality to direct the choir and together with the organist Worship enables it to keep going in default of • 8 a. m Holy Communion (with The Choir the appointment of a choir director. or without sermon) Common The lack of a choir director is felt as, Worship. Attendance 5-11. At present the choir numbers nine; six in the past, the choir has burgeoned • 10 a. m Eucharist. Common women and three men, aged between under skilled direction. Worship. Growing attendance 25 the late 50s and the 70s. It has proved - 40 with slow return of young to be very committed and loyal to At present the choir has no robes. people. Good lay involvement the church and congregation. with Bible readings, intercessions Women wear black skirts and white blouses sometimes with a black top and the administration of the The choir sings mostly in unison; two or jumper. Men wear black trousers Chalice being lay led and with the may sing alto and efforts are made and white shirts with red ties. The Lay Readers leading part of the to sing in harmony for special events. choir members would probably service. A Nave Altar is used once Projects Since its main function is to lead the prefer to wear robes, if they were to a month. • Introduction and evolution of a singing of the congregation, unison be offered. • 3.30 p. m. BCP Evensong. Once Baptism Service booklet based is, generally speaking, the most a month BCP Eucharist. Loyal on Common Worship. appropriate form. Areas of need in order of priority attendance 4 – 9. • Looking at the practicality of • 7.15 p. m. Monthly Young at Heart introducing managed silences in The responsibility of the choir is to are as follows: informal worship. Lay led. Growing the 10 a. m. service. lead sung worship at 10 a. m service attendance 10 – 20. • Village Carnival Songs of Praise on Sundays, at main festivals and 1 to recruit more voices. and Pentecost Praise. to sing at weddings and funerals if 2 to recruit young members. • There are between 12 and 20 • The introduction of a Prayer asked. 3 training. occasional offices per year and, Diary. as we practice an open Baptism • The practicality of introducing a Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings As a church we are affiliated to the policy we are now averaging weekly service book. except for the 2nd one in the month. RSCM and from time to time some about 14 per year. These are seen • Lent House Groups. members may attend regional training very much as opportunities for • Festival services During the interregnum two days run by the RSCM. This is on a outreach. members are responsible for voluntary basis and at the member’s Choir Worship choosing the hymns. When making own expense. Page 12 www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk Page 13 Pastoral Care Occasional retiring collections are taken, and are always well supported Objectives & responsibilities: by the generous and caring members • Within our church family, to care of a small and mainly elderly for one another and to seek to congregation. meet any practical needs arising Christian Aid Week. We cover from illness, brief hospital stays most of Banwell with collectors from etc. St Andrew’s & Methodist Church. • To keep our leader(s) informed of situations of need so that the Jubilee Debt Campaign Banwell church can be encouraged to Ecumenical Group joined Jubilee pray and visits can be made when 2000 in the run-up to the Millennium. appropriate We attended the first ‘human chain’ • Where a situation requires more around G8 in Birmingham in 1998, practical or professional help Cologne in 1999, Genoa in 2001 and than we can offer, to refer the Edinburgh in 2005 for Make Poverty matter to someone or some History. We hope to become a “Jubilee Congregation” as part of organization qualified and able to Bereavement Follow-up Mission Committee “Set all Free” the 200th Anniversary help We try to deliver flowers or a plant of the Abolition of The Transatlantic • Whenever we can, both as to the next-of-kin, if resident in the Aims: raising awareness of our individuals and as a church, to village, soon after the funeral. This is Slave Trade. place in the worldwide church, and extend our care and concern to sent on behalf of both St. Andrew’s encouraging initiatives reaching out anyone in our village community and Banwell Methodist Church, as a Ecumenical. Joint services often to local community. who is in need gesture of outreach to show that the held at Easter, Pentecost, OWW, churches care. A card with contact CA Week, and Christian Unity Zambia Link. We have a link with Activities tel. no. accompanies the flowers. Week. Committee recently re- A letter and prayer card are sent St Francis & St Clare congregations established to plan activities. People General to the next of kin before the first in Chililabombwe, as part of the Bath are encouraged to join Lent Groups A group called the Pastoral Care anniversary saying that their loved & Wells/Zambia Link. Jenny & Rod ecumenically. An ecumenical LMG Team have agreed to each be one will be remembered at the Humphreys have made three visits cycle ride was organised for MPH. responsible for keeping contact 10 a. m. service on [date], the nearest to Chililabombwe, and numerous A flower arranging group was begun with a small number of their fellow Sunday following the anniversary. Zambians have visited St Andrew’s. as an ecumenical activity. members of St. Andrew’s Church, There is scope for a parish/LMG visit so that everyone has a designated Needs to Chililabombwe. School. A good relationship exists pastoral care contact. In case of • To recruit more help, especially with the Primary School. A carol extended unexplained absence, the younger people. Fairtrade. We have a Fairtrade service & nativity play were held in contact will seek to find out what is • Leadership and encouragement Church certificate, and a Fairtrade the church and several classes have wrong and take appropriate action. from our new priest. stall after the 10 a. m Service once visited the church this year. Those involved in Pastoral Care aim • Training (although some have a month. Fairtrade Fortnight & to meet once a year. done basic courses in how One World Week events happen New issues. There is a need for new to listen sensitively, and in regularly. members as those involved tend to Baptism Follow-up Mothers’ bereavement visiting) be the committed ones who are also Union cards are sent to the children Charitable Giving. 10% of on the PCC, choir etc. Increasing on the anniversary of baptisms, and unrestricted income is divided opportunities for local mission will be also a card for Mothering Sunday, for between local, national and a priority. Environmental sustainability four years following the baptism of international charities. Speakers are & tackling climate change is an area Pastoral Care Pastoral a child. Mission invited and information displayed. that has not yet been addressed. Page 14 www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk Page 15 Social Mens Breakfast We feel fellowship and outreach Successful and well supported, the are very important in our lives as Mens Fellowship Breakfast begun in Christians and do all we can to January 2003 continues to provide promote it. food, fellowship and discussion for There are six full time members of those prepared to rise early. our social group aided by others when needed. Apart from our traditional The aims are annual events of a Strawberry Tea and that over a good plate of eggs and a Barbecue, in the last few years we bacon we provide an opportunity for have worked towards outreach with a the men of Banwell and their friends, monthly Soup Lunch (to complement both churched and unchurched and the regular Lenten luncheons run by at all stages in their journey with the Mothers’ Union). We have been Christ, to come together; instrumental in introducing a very to provide a forum to listen to popular Burns Night supper in the speakers; village, and some of our team are to discuss local, national and involved in the preparation of the international issues of the day; monthly Men’s Breakfast. Recently to build a deeper sense of we have introduced a well-received companionship. Sunday luncheon, and a church breakfast between the 8 a. m. and Whether it is due to the speakers, 10 a. m. Sunday services, (these two the friendship or the chance to have events to be repeated). that “British breakfast”, this format for a men’s group has proven to be We are hoping to introduce other a great success. activities into our church building, The group currently meets at the the first of which is a concert by a Scout and Guide Hut on the third gospel folk group. We would also like Saturday of each month 10 times to revive our annual Christmas fair. a year, arriving at 8.15 a. m. for As a group of ladies who fall into the 8.30 a. m. breakfasts. more senior age group we feel the way forward would be to bring younger The breakfast is prepared by a members into our congregation member of the congregation and her who would be able to take up the small team of helpers. So far we have reins when we are no longer able to managed to find a guest speaker at Archdeacon and a sense of the continue. We would hope that our every meeting who, once breakfast is ‘other’ with a Buddhist. priest would be happy to join in and finished, speaks for about 20/30mins Membership is open to anyone who attend our social events and by his or leaving time for questions before we wishes to join us and it is hoped her participation raise the profile of all leave promptly at 10 a. m. that our new priest will become a St Andrew’s, thus aiding outreach and We have enjoyed such topics as member and help us to grow, enabling hopefully increasing our congregation the rebuilding of Dresden, drugs the church to reach out and minister by attracting younger people. rehabilitation, the life of a curate, to those who find church difficult. Rising Water Levels & Noah’s Flood. We are always happy to receive new We have discussed homosexuality

Social Group ideas in order to extend our range. with a Bishop, ministry with an Mens Breakfast

Page 16 www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk Page 17 positive demeanour. Their aim is The Building simple: to do what they can for the well-being of this structure which The Church of St Andrew is a was built, and is kept, to further the glorious Grade 1* listed building, glory of God known locally and with good reason as the ‘Cathedral of the Mendips’. It There is an efficient and effective features in the ‘1,000 Best Churches’ team of dedicated people who publication and, architecturally, puts undertake a weekly cleaning of the the whole village on the map. There interior of the church and care of the is a fine stand of ancient black yew altar linen so as to keep the church trees in the churchyard, which itself fit for the worship of the Lord. is surrounded by cottages of the The south porch greets one with the pneumatic by electronic action is medieval village. This makes a setting the remains of the rare external favoured. Our Health & Safety Officer has which is unique in the locality. priest’s gallery. The west wall of the carried out the required risk tower is lightened by a rare surviving The churchyard was closed in assessments, provided the relevant The main structure of the present Annunciation with a lily in relief. 1979 and is maintained by North documentation and given the church is in the Decorative to early Somerset Council. Burials now take appropriate training to those people Perpendicular transitional style, The church clock is regularly place in the village cemetery, access who will be on duty when the church probably built in the early 15th maintained, providing accurate to which is through the churchyard. is in use. century although, on much earlier timekeeping. Council has foundations with Saxon origins. The recently resurfaced the paths within statue of St. Andrew on the interior Extensive structural repairs were the churchyard, trimmed the trees wall of the tower originally looked undertaken in 1812-13, adding tie bars and paid for the rebuilding of the out over the roof until the clerestory in the clerestory, and strengthening gate piers. The main wrought iron and side aisles were built. Many of and re-leading the roof. The late gates were made in the 1920s and at the interior furnishings and some 20th century saw the installation of present these are being repaired by a of the stained glass survive from the an efficient gas-fired heating system local blacksmith. Middle Ages. In 1522 the elaborate and complete rewiring and refitting and spectacular chancel screen was of the electrical lighting. There is a The quinquennial inspection of the added. It features deep cornices and sound system with a hearing loop building is due in August this year and fan vault coving on both faces. which the PCC has recently agreed we are aware that our architect will to upgrade. In the base of the tower, identify a number of items needing Many of the 16th century bench pews and of relatively recent construction, specialist attention. These include survive. The Victorian chancel choir are a separate lavatory and a small lead work on the north slope of the stalls have been removed and the kitchen area sufficient to provide nave roof, replacement of the rusting chancel has recently been enhanced light refreshments. iron window bars, probably some to provide a welcoming atmosphere stone repairs and attention to the for small worship groups. The organ is a 1935 replacement ends of the clerestory tie bars. for an earlier small one. It had a new bank of (choir) pipes added in The small Building Committee 1961. It is of traditional reed and pipe undertakes minor maintenance operation powered by an electric of the building, supported, where air pump. The console’s action is appropriate, by our architect and the original pneumatic system. The outside contractors. The members instrument now requires general all love their church building and do repair and overhaul. Replacement of what they can with a cheerful and Building Building

Page 18 www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk Page 19 Finance excellent Flower Festival and Bryda Corless established the series of Lent The church is financially sound Lunches. We held a garden party and able to meet its commitments. to raise funds for the restoration The responsibility for day to day of our Banner in time for our 90th accounting and financial management Anniversary Celebrations. For the is undertaken by the Treasurer, last ten years we have visited local with assistance from the Assistant churches for guided tours and learnt Treasurer and Covenant Secretary. a great deal about the variety of In addition, there is a Finance organization throughout the Deanery. Committee, which at present We held a well-attended celebratory consists of these three persons luncheon for our 90th Anniversary at plus the two Churchwardens. The the Mooseheart with a PowerPoint Committee aims to meet at least presentation of Banwell MU. Our twice a year to review half-yearly and Lay Reader, Jenny Humphreys, who is year-end accounts and also to review the Diocesan World Mission Adviser, its forecasts for future financial became a Diocesan member of the commitments. MU in 2006. Accounts St Andrew’s has been very fortunate The Way Forward to have been left substantial legacies Our current membership (2006) is over a number of years with the result 17 with 2 members expecting to be that the total net assets are now in enrolled in 2007. We hold monthly the region of £470,000. Although Mothers’ Union meetings with visiting speakers in the Village Hall. We are involved some of these funds are restricted The formation of a branch of the for specific purposes, sound and in the MU Deanery Prayer Circle, Mothers’ Union in Banwell was first Deanery and Diocesan MU Services sensible investment in a wide range suggested in 1909 by the Bishop and events, monthly visits to the local of companies by the PCC’s retained during his visit to the village. This Cheshire Home, hospital visiting, Stockbrokers has resulted in a was taken up by Mrs Foll who had pastoral care, the baby clinic and sizeable annual investment income. much experience of the MU in stewardship duties at the Bishop’s Over recent years, this source of Barrow-in-Furness. The vicar at this Palace. Members are involved in income has helped the PCC to time was the Revd. Samuel Taylor. St. church cleaning, flower arranging, meet in full its annual Parish Share Andrew’s Branch was established (currently £21,337) and all normal four years later in 1913. intercessions, lesson-reading, verger recurring outgoings. However, there At the Golden Jubilee of the MU in duties and also serving the wine at are never sufficient funds to meet 1926 a Mary Sumner House Banner Holy Communion. Some of our major refurbishment and repairs, and was dedicated in Westminster Abbey. members are involved in catering for this may inevitably require the sale of Banwell thought this a good idea and the Men’s Breakfast meetings, monthly investments to meet such costs. by 1932 our own Banner was ready soup lunches and experimental The accounts also include the for dedication. We celebrated our Sunday Lunches etc. Annual visits income and costs of producing and own Golden Jubilee at a special Lady to local churches are followed by a circulating the Parish News. This is a Day Service in 1963, entertaining 120 lunch at a local hostelry. Lent lunches most important vehicle for keeping for supper afterwards. are held to raise funds for the Branch everyone informed of what is going and MU charities and we have an on in Banwell and at present covers History 1997-2006 annual Christmas Charity Luncheon Finance its costs from advertising revenue. 1997 Mrs Jones organized an at the Mooseheart International. Mothers’ Union Page 20 www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk Page 21 Bell Ringers The Fish Scheme St Andrew’s Church has 10 bells hung This is a scheme backed and fostered for full circle ringing with the tenor by all the churches and supported by weighing approximately 23cwt. The anyone interested, whether with a bells are rung from a glass-fronted faith or with none. gallery chamber on the first floor of the tower, overlooking the centre Objectives aisle. • Care of the villagers through practical help when required. Tower membership currently stands Each road has a steward who at 20 full members but, of these, introduces newcomers to the only 12 ring at Banwell on a regular scheme. basis. Ringing practice is held every • Weekly prayers are said in the Wednesday evening (7.30 - 9 p. m.). churches for a road and its Additional to the above, we currently steward. have five ringers under training, all female and three of whom are Nature minors. All are making excellent before Ash Wednesday) at which • Non-contributory transport progress and, at this stage, showing members receive reports from the to doctors, hospitals, dentists, promise and a real commitment to elected officers, the current financial opticians etc. when needed. the exercise. We are hoping, and statement is considered, and the Donations are accepted and have a need, to attract one or two officers elected for the coming year. mileage will be paid to drivers on male learners in the near future, to The meeting is conducted by an request. balance up the numbers capable of invited chair and the incumbent or his • Meetings are held twice a year: ringing the heavier bells. representative is invited to attend. an Annual General Meeting with There has always been a very relaxed a speaker on subjects pertaining Objectives to care and a social meeting in • to ring, as requested and agreed atmosphere in the tower with a good social diary. A bus ringing tour is the form of a Fish Supper (fish & with the incumbent or his lawful chips). representative, the bells for divine held annually and other ringing tours Services (including weddings are arranged on an ad hoc basis. Informal gatherings are also held as Membership and funerals) and other special • Voluntary road stewards, drivers occasions appropriate (e.g. to bid farewell to retiring ringers). A party of ringers and persons willing to help with • to attempt, as appropriate, peals other requirements. and quarter peals, and enter will often make up a table at a village gathering (e.g. Harvest Home). • Members are mainly retired. striking competitions, with a view Recruits are urgently required to improving Members ringing The Banwell Ringers seek nothing for driving and for the post of skills more in a new priest than that he road steward in some areas. • to encourage and train to an or she be fully cognisant of the time acceptable standard of proficiency and effort they put in to maintain the Our aim is to give help and care for new ringers wishing to become fine British tradition of Church Bell all age groups in the community. tower Members, as required Ringers, and that he or she take a Visits by the new priest to our Banwell Ringers have a written general interest in their activities and meetings would support the work of constitution and hold their own visit them in the tower from time to the scheme and help him or her to bank account. An AGM is held time. Were he or she also to be a get to know the people and the work fine ringer of Spliced Surprise Royal, that is being done. Fish Scheme Bell Ringers annually (usually on the Wednesday that would be the icing on the cake! Page 22 www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk Page 23 Maps

Bristol

tarted in 1978 as an eight page Weston-super-Mare A5 church newsletter that Banwell Swas distributed to about 280 church-goers the Parish News has now grown into a colour 20 - 28 page magazine distributed free to 1500 homes by a loyal band of volunteers. It has become a much- loved magazine as is evidenced by the complaints when it is late! Taunton

It has a mixture of humour, local news and photographs of local events, plus commercial advertising that Bristol 17m covers the cost of production – the advertising is mainly short classifieds with a few block ads.

It is edited and typeset by a member of St Andrew’s and printed commercially. A monthly article is provided by each of the local churches in turn and it is Weston-super-Mare 6m hoped that any future priest would continue the tradition. There is also a website – www.banwellparishnews.org.uk St Andrew’s – where the current issue can be viewed and downloaded together with an archive of past issues and photographs. The editorial policy rests with the editor who is responsible to St Andrew’s PCC.

For the future it would be encouraging if, under the leadership of the new priest, the church became so effective that there was always Maps Parish News Parish plenty to report. Taunton 40m Page 24 www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk Page 25 • There are good shopping centres school for the Performing Arts Useful Websites at Weston-super-Mare and and is held in high regard for the ‘Mall’ complex at Cribbs music, drama and dance. Causeway just off the M5 at • For further Education the Baby and Toddler Group – www.geocities.com/banwellbabytoddlers Bristol. Universities of both Bristol and Banwell Parish News - www.banwellparishnews.org.uk/ Bath have the highest reputations Banwell Village – www.banwell.info • Weston General Hospital is and are easily reached from Bowling Club – www.geocities.com/johnnyamos2002 about six miles from Banwell. Banwell. Churchill School www.churchill.n-somerset.sch.uk • Banwell has Broadband. • Bristol Airport is less than 15 Diocese of Bath & Wells - www.bathandwells.org.uk miles from Banwell. Mendip Vale LMG - www.mendipvale.org.uk/ • Being less than seven miles from the M5 motorway there is easy • There are a number of very good North Somerset Council - www.n-somerset.gov.uk access to the Southwest, Wales golf courses locally. Parish Council – www.banwell.org and London. School - www.banwellschool.org.uk/ • Churchill Music in co-operation • The are within with Churchill School attracts St Andrew’s Church – www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk minutes of Banwell and provide world class musicians to give The Friends of Banwell Primary School – www.banwell.info/friends good walking, climbing and caving concerts in St John’s Churchill. for those that enjoy such things. • Theatres at Bristol and Bath are • The schools in the local area both nationally acclaimed. are very good. Banwell Primary school has recently won an • Wells and Glastonbury, both award for excellency and has exceptional heritage sites, are a brand new sports hall that is easily reached from Banwell. being made available to the wider community. • Churchill Community School & Sixth Form Centre serves the Mendip Vale LMG area. It is rightly noted for its high levels of achievement, and its high standards. • Churchill is also a specialist Appendix II Appendix I

Page 26 www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk www.standrewsbanwell.org.uk Page 27 Contents

Introduction 2 Vision 3 The Job 4 Person Profile 5 Diocese 6 Mendip Vale LMG 7 Parish 8 Village 9 Churchwardens 10 Readers 11 Worship 12 Choir 13 Pastoral Care 14 Mission 15 Social Group 16 Mens Breakfast 17 Building 18 Finance 20 Mothers’ Union 21 Bell Ringers 22 Parish News 24 Maps 25 Appendix I 26

Contents Appendix II 27

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