Benefice of Westcote Barton with Steeple Barton, Duns Tew, Sandford St Martin and Over with Nether Worton Benefice Profile

Home , Chipping Norton, Duns Tew, Enstone, Eynsham, Great Tew, Hanborough

Benefice of Westcote Barton with

Steeple Barton, Duns Tew, Sandford St Martin and

Six Churches at the heart of the community

Benefice Profile Our Churches, Our Community, Our Vision

Table of Contents

Welcome to the Benefice 3 Statement from the Archdeacon of Dorchester 3 Introduction from the Area Dean and Lay Chair of the 4 Deanery of Woodstock Interregnum Prayer 5

Our Place in the World 6

Our churches in the communities that God loves 7 How we see ourselves 7 A closer look at how we feel we are doing 8

Looking forward – where next? 11 Mission and outreach 11 Leadership and working together 12 Worship and preaching 13 Pastoral care 13 Stewardship and Benefice organisation 14

Could you be our new Rector? 15

Supporting you 16

Your home - the Rectory 18

APPENDIX 1

The Benefice under the microscope 19 Our villages 19 Our congregations and churches 24 Organisation and finance 30

APPENDIX 2

Role Description 32

Welcome to the Benefice

Statement from the Archdeacon of Dorchester

As you will see from this profile, this role offers an exciting opportunity to be part of this benefice’s mission and ministry as it develops in the next few years. The PCCs and churches here have thought carefully about their future direction and what they are therefore looking for in their new incumbent. These parishes work well together, and are keen to appoint someone who can lead them in growing the church in this rural area. They have been refreshingly honest about their strengths and weaknesses, and what they see as the challenges and opportunities in Mission and Outreach, Leadership and Working Together, Worship and Preaching, Stewardship and Organisation, and Pastoral Care. They are particularly keen that their new incumbent will be able to delegate everyday administrative tasks in order to concentrate energy, time and gifts on the spiritual life and faith of the churches and communities of this benefice.

Alongside the development of mission and ministry in this benefice, the Diocese of Oxford is also exploring a common vision of what it means to be ‘A Christ-like Church, the Church of the Beatitudes’, to be 'contemplative, compassionate, courageous' in all we attempt together. It will be important for anyone taking up a post in the diocese to be able to engage with this vision as it develops and offer their own insights, ideas and energy as appropriate in their context. These are early days, and this is an excellent opportunity to be part of a transformative process across the diocese at every level, including parish and benefice. You will see from the person specification that this vision is beginning to be part of the thinking in this benefice.

A rural multi-parish like this offers a wonderful opportunity for a fulfilling ministry that can make a real difference in the local communities and enable more people to encounter the love of God. This is a fascinating time to lead this benefice into the next stage of its spiritual journey and we look forward to welcoming someone who will help these parishes fulfil their potential.

With every blessing as you discern where God may be calling you.

Judy French Archdeacon of Dorchester

Introduction from the Area Dean and Lay Chair of the Deanery of Woodstock

We are delighted that you are exploring the possibility of coming to minister here. We are one of the smallest deaneries in the Diocese of Oxford and, as a result, relationships are close. The deanery is essentially rural, but has the historic market town of Woodstock, and the larger villages of Eynsham and Hanborough, as well as Yarnton in the south. The compact nature of the deanery enables us to get to relate to one another well and encourages the sharing of ideas and ministry.

Deanery Chapter and Synod are well attended, and the Chapter in particular has a strong sense of fellowship, so there is a lot of support around.

As well as this, we offer an amazing location – transport links are excellent, and the new Oxford Parkway station, just 20 minutes by car from the Vicarage, serves London with trains that take less than an hour. Oxford is, of course, on the doorstep, with all the cultural, educational, and social richness for which it is famous.

We can say with conviction that this is a lovely part of the country in which to live. The people of these parishes are immensely friendly, great fun, and have high expectations of their clergy! So there are many challenges. The church families of these villages are raring to move forwards in collaboration with a new priest, who will have a deep love of God, a passion for the Gospel, and a heartfelt desire to grow churches.

Could that be you? If so, we do hope you’ll want to think about joining us.

Adrian Daffern Liz Whittle Area Dean Lay Chair

We are very pleased that you are reading this profile. Maybe God is calling you to be our new incumbent. We are using this prayer by Father Christopher Durrant during the vacancy.

Dear God, Your love for us is unchangeable.

You have welcomed each of us into the family of your Church;

in Jesus, you call us to be His Body in this place.

Send down your Holy Spirit upon us at this time of uncertainty and change

to fill us with vision and energy and faithfulness in prayer,

that we may be true to our common Baptism,

and bring new life to our community.

Guide with your heavenly wisdom those appointed to discern the way ahead

and a new Incumbent for this Benefice,

that we may receive the priest you have prepared for your people:

ready to serve us with joy, to build us up in faith, and lead us by example in loving obedience to your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen

Could you be

‘the priest that God has prepared for his people’?

Our place in the world

We think that this is a wonderful place to live, the best of all worlds. We are on the edge of the Cotswolds, but within striking distance of the North Oxfordshire towns of Chipping Norton, Banbury, Bicester and Woodstock with Milton Keynes to the east, Oxford to the south and Stratford-on-Avon to the north. There is easy access to the M40 and good rail links mean that London and Birmingham can be reached in about an hour.

Our Benefice comprises five rural parishes, with six churches:

• St Edward the Confessor, Westcote Barton • St Mary the Virgin, Steeple Barton • St Mary Magdalene, Duns Tew • St Martin in the parish of Sandford St Martin which includes the hamlet of Ledwell • Holy Trinity, Over Worton and, within the same parish, St James, a chapel of ease, in the hamlet of Nether Worton

‘When it is at its best the village church, within the context of a well-organised Benefice, is beautifully Anglican: patient, kind, spacious, quietly impressive and inclusive, steeped in prayer and history, yet with a smiling face.’

Taken from a report to the Oxfordshire Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee

Part of the Woodstock Deanery, the parishes of Westcote and Steeple Barton came together in 1960, Sandford St Martin joined the Benefice in 1975, followed by Duns Tew two years later. A re-arrangement of deanery boundaries added Over with Nether Worton in 2015. Even though there are no other churches of any other denominations in the Benefice area there is an ecumenical link with the local Roman Catholic church in Chipping Norton, which holds an annual service in Westcote Barton.

Our churches in the communities God loves

How we see ourselves

The five parishes are geographically close, but each has a unique and distinctive character. There is more about our villages and churches in ‘The Benefice under the microscope’ in Appendix 1.

This is what the Benefice as a whole and each congregation feel that they do well:

Across the Benefice we all share the same vision, to love and serve God in our different communities.

We are all welcoming and friendly. We meet together for worship on many occasions during the year for special services such as Remembrance Sunday and the All Souls’ service and, from time to time, for social events.

The five PCCs are working increasingly closely together, introducing common policies and systems.

St Edward the Confessor, Westcote Barton As a community we value rural life and the old traditions.

At Christmas time, our little church is filled with families for the children’s Crib Service with children taking an active part; later there is usually a full church for Midnight Mass.

St Mary the Virgin, Steeple Barton We have formed a close link with the Middle Barton Primary School and its staff and children, and, for example the School’s Christmas Carol Service is usually held in this church.

We try to ensure worshippers are offered lifts to, and from, the church if they need it, particularly in poor weather.

St Mary Magdalene, Duns Tew We are compassionate, providing financial support for a wide range of local, national and international charities.

Although our regular congregation is small, other villagers are very supportive: helping with the church cleaning, maintaining the churchyard, as well as attending special services and a rolling programme of fundraising events.

St Martin, Sandford St Martin Our congregation is faithful, warm and committed, and we look out for one another.

Regular parishioners and visitors appreciate the home-produced refreshments provided after the monthly family service, the Christingle and Ledwell Open Air service.

Many residents attend special services and support the church financially. Our church is well equipped and is open every day.

Holy Trinity and St James, Over with Nether Worton Whilst our regular congregation is small, it constitutes a significant 12.5% of our total parish population.

Many non-regulars are also happy to help with, or become involved in, various church activities from time to time. We excel in decorating the church for different festivals.

A closer look at how we feel we are doing

The following ‘SWOT’ analysis, designed to help us to understand where we are now and where God wants us to be, is based on input from all the PCCs and an Open Meeting for all villagers.

Strengths Weaknesses Benefice Benefice • Want to work with our new priest to • Current style of worship in some bring people to God services does not meet the needs • Value the traditions of the church but of young families or people with open and willing to consider change no church background • Want to work more closely together • Most churches have a small both spiritually and administratively attendance • Financially secure in the short- medium term Westcote and Steeple Barton • Enjoy being together • Considering the population of • Fundraising and social events open Middle Barton, attendance at to all services could be higher

Westcote Barton • Church provides an intimate Westcote Barton atmosphere • The size of the building limits its • Appreciate sacred music and biblical use for larger events, and there is scholarship no room inside for a w/c or • Enjoy Christian good fellowship of servery friends and families

Steeple Barton Steeple Barton • Largest church in the Benefice: can • The church lies some distance accommodate over 200 from Middle Barton

• Our church is always open

Duns Tew Duns Tew • Good links with other village groups • Fundraising needed to meet who all pull together current expenditure • Several people are willing to lead worship • Prepared to try new services

Sandford St Martin Sandford St Martin • Has a servery and w/c • Linear village, no pub or shop so • Six bells people want to ring little opportunity to meet informally Over and Nether Worton • The presence of our two churches Over and Nether Worton offers a degree of stability in today’s • The average age of our regular uncertain world attendees is high • Both churches are always open • Not good at outreach • Good at festivals, Easter, Harvest and Christmas

Opportunities Threats Benefice Benefice • Build on contact with families who • Ageing congregations and a bring their children for baptism missing generation of • Use the links with the school to run 21-50 year olds an after-school club • Day-to-day management of • Use our buildings for different churches relies on a small purposes to draw people into the number of people church community • Increasing governance and • Promote all the churches and administrative workload churchyards as a learning resource discourages volunteers for all • Increasing costs • Revise our welcome packs to new • The age profile of regular donors residents to include details of the may mean that our income will whole Benefice reduce in the future • Improving how we work, introducing best financial and administrative practice

Westcote Barton • Involve more of the congregation in the running of the church • Engage families who attend Family Eucharist and the young people who

have recently been confirmed

Steeple Barton

• Use the good links with the school as a starting point to bring young families into the church

Duns Tew • Reach out to non-churchgoers who

have asked for more meditative church services • Improve church facilities (lighting, kitchen, w/c) so social events would be easier

Sandford St Martin • Develop outreach in the village

Over and Nether Worton • Encourage residents and families with no connection to the church to become involved in some way

Looking forward: Where next?

Mission and Outreach

Pastoral Care Leadership and Working together

Stewardship and Worshipping and Benefice Organisation Preaching

Building on our analysis of our strengths and weaknesses. This is how we see the way forward in these five key areas.

Mission and outreach

We believe that there is opportunity and challenge in equal measure. We have been partially successful in bringing younger people into the church. Families bring their children for baptism; a few young adults are confirmed each year and children are regularly involved in our ‘special services’. Until recently we had a mid-week service for parents and toddlers (Little Tiddlers), and once a month a session for children during a Eucharist service (Minnows).

As a Benefice we need to do all we can to work together to:

• Take the church out into the community beyond the Sunday services • Involve young families in worship and the life of the church • Work with people who have busy lives and struggle to find time for God • Tackle the general problem of ‘relevance’ for people

Our biggest challenge is to reach out to young families. We also need to encourage others to get involved and to bring new skills and energy, in order to attract:

• Some of the missing generations between 21-50, professional people and newer arrivals • Those who are considering retirement jobs and looking for involvement in something fulfilling • Those who are enquiring about faith and the meaning of life • And, also to explore how our buildings could be used for worship by other denominations (Westcote Barton has traditionally hosted an annual Roman Catholic mass)

We hope that our new priest will work with us to involve young families in the life of the church.

Leadership and working together

We have traditionally looked to our priest, supported by our lay ministers, to lead us in spiritual matters, and take a key role in organising services, prayer and further study. The churchwardens, secretaries and treasurers, supported by their PCCs, have taken the lead in the day-to-day running, maintenance and finances of our six churches. The Benefice Committee, made up of the officers of each PCC (churchwardens, treasurer and secretary) is developing an overview of these practical matters. More about this in the Stewardship and Benefice organisation section.

We need to:

• Empower people to take on a leadership role in spiritual matters, for example leading services and small group sessions • Make sure that all members of PCCs and congregations are kept fully informed of what is happening • Pull together in spreading the good news of God’s love

We hope that our new priest will be a dynamic and enthusiastic leader, helping us to move forward together in bringing God’s love to all the people in the Benefice.

Worship and preaching

During the vacancy we have chosen to maintain the existing pattern of Sunday worship and services to provide some reassurance for our congregations, many of whom, especially the older ones, prefer to worship in their own village church. Many take comfort and joy in services from the Book of Common Prayer. We recognise this service pattern is a heavy workload for the priest, but the lay ministers and retired clergy are willing to assist. All of us appreciate good preaching, with intelligent sermons based on texts involving the explanations of readings and historical background.

We need to:

• Engage more people in worship and be prepared to try different forms of worship which we hope will appeal to a wider congregation • Make sure that the worship style meets the different needs of everyone, especially, younger people • Satisfy the needs of those who prefer a more traditional approach to liturgy, while ensuring that services are relevant to others

We hope that our new priest will be courageous in working with us to develop Sunday worship and will inspire us with their preaching.

Pastoral care

Inevitably in all our villages there are preoccupations with health and the increasing numbers of all ages with mental health issues. There is a need to care for the carers. Currently, those in need are identified by church members in each parish and looked after as seems most appropriate. We have recently asked one of our retired clergy to visit someone who is seriously ill, for example. We have two home communion services a month for the housebound.

We need to:

• Explore the creation of a better pastoral visiting scheme • Look out for others and anticipate their need before things become critical

We hope that our new priest will be compassionate in their approach to individuals and especially those in special need.

Stewardship and Benefice organisation

The five autonomous PCCs organise the day-to-day running of their parishes. The Benefice Committee traditionally meets annually to review the previous year, to plan the next twelve months and to look at wider issues and events that affect us all. However, in the run up to and during the vacancy, this group and a small sub- committee are meeting more frequently. We are a fairly democratic group of people, with no ‘empire builders’, and we aim to be as transparent as possible in our decision- making.

The Benefice Treasurer and Benefice Secretary have done an enormous amount over the past few months to refine and redraft procedures and systems and to centralise these where possible in readiness for the appointment of a part-time administrator later this year.

We are very conscious that we are stewards of our six churches and need to keep them in good repair and sympathetically upgraded to be fit for purpose in the 21st century. We use the income available to us (investments, fund raising and donations) to achieve this end. We pay our parish share in full and all our churches are currently financially sound. We also raise money to support charities beyond our Benefice.

New Servery at Sandford St Martin

We need to:

• Consolidate the good working arrangements within the Benefice officers’ team in order to develop relationships further between PCCs and learn from each other • Build further on the good administrative practices developed during the vacancy to ensure the smooth running of the Benefice in the future • Enable treasurers to work closely together to understand Oxford Diocese Board of Finance procedures, work out an equitable parish share and to plan financially for the maintenance and improvement of our church buildings

We hope that our new priest will be happy to use the administrative resources made available to free up time to concentrate on the spiritual needs of the church and community.

Could you be our new Rector?

We are looking for someone who is:

Contemplative:

• A person who spends time alone with God and who will help us all in our journey of faith • A person who will guide and lead us gently to explore new depths of God’s love

Compassionate:

• A person who reaches out to others with Christ’s love • A person who is willing to listen to us as much as we would be willing to listen to them

Courageous:

• A person who is not afraid to lead our churches in serving God in the world • A person who will reach out to the wide range of people in our communities regardless of faith, background and life experiences • A person who will guide us gently to new possibilities • A person who will explore the ways to involve more villagers in church life

Our new Rector will have these skills and qualities

● A deep spirituality ● An understanding of, and sympathy with, rural ministry and who will feel at home engaging in a broad range of village activities ● An ability to preach well and stimulate thought ● An ability to relate sensitively and engage with people from all walks and stages of life ● An enthusiasm to inspire and lead the congregations to serve God in the world ● Is comfortable with modern technology ● Has a sense of humour

These are qualities that we would appreciate, but they are not essential:

● Good organisational skills ● An understanding of the importance of music in liturgy ● Willingness to lead discussion groups

Supporting you

Support of the Diocese The Dorchester Archdeaconry works on the basis that the parish and Benefice is the key area of mission, and that the deanery, archdeaconry and Diocese are there to provide focus, support and resources to help meet the needs of mission locally.

Support from our Ministers We have two licensed lay ministers in the Benefice:

Stephanie Lacey Susan Small has lived in Duns Tew for moved to Middle Barton over 30 years and has in 2017. She has an worshipped in, and been active role in the Diocese involved with, St Mary and is on the Patronage Magdalene for most of Board. She is becoming this time. Currently a increasingly involved churchwarden and Chair of the Benefice with the Benefice and is particularly Committee. interested in working with children.

Over many years she has provided a Licensed as an LLM in 2011, Susan great deal of support to the outgoing retired from full-time employment in incumbent and is now handling all 2012 and has been working part-time enquiries and general organisation in the field of education since then. during the vacancy. After retiring from her role in education she trained as a Licensed Lay Minister and was licensed in 2013.

Both see their roles in the future as supporting the Rector in their work.

There are several local retired priests who have taken services over the years and are now providing cover during the interregnum.

The Benefice will support you in:

Prayer • We will pray for you, that God will guide you and support you as you work with us

Friendship • We will offer you our friendship

Practical help • We will support you with the administration of the Benefice so that you can concentrate on the spiritual needs of the church and community. By the time that you join us, we will have refined the administrative systems that we currently operate. We have funding available for a new part-time administrator, but have decided to wait to make this appointment, so that you can be involved.

We will also:

• Ensure that you have a sensible work/life balance

• Encourage you to take days off, have holidays and make enough time for your family, friends and recreation

• Support your professional and self-development

• Encourage you to undertake further study

• Fully reimburse your legitimately incurred expenses

• Provide you with a manual which includes a ‘Who’s Who’ with contact details and a calendar of events

Your home – The Rectory

Westcote Barton Rectory lies between the church and the Fox Inn on Enstone Road. Built in the 1960s, it is detached. Surrounded by fields, there is a lovely view to the rear over Glebe and Trust land, currently grazed by sheep, across to the River Dorn. Following discussions with the Diocese the opportunity is being taken to make several improvements to the property. It is anticipated that these will be completed by September.

Ground floor: Entrance hallway with access to a study and new disabled cloakroom. Glazed door to inner hall with steps down to a cloakroom/utility room with plumbing for washing machine and fitted kitchen (new Shaker style cupboards). The large, dual aspect, dining/sitting room has a wood burning stove. Steps from two large patio windows lead onto a paved area and into the garden.

Upstairs: There are four bedrooms, one located up two steps, all with fitted wardrobes. Updated shower room and a newly created bathroom with bath and separate shower. Large storeroom with sloping ceiling. Access to the loft.

The house benefits from solar panels, all windows are UPVC double-glazed, and there is full gas fired central heating. The new boiler is located in the attached single garage which has a personnel door and additional space for storage. Log store outside the kitchen. Garden shed. Ample parking for several cars in the front drive. Help will be available, if wanted, to mow the large garden.

Distance from the Rectory to the Churches (miles):

Westcote Barton Steeple Barton Duns Tew Sandford St Martin Over Worton Nether Worton .01 1.4 2.8 0.9 2.6 3.4

APPENDIX 1 The Benefice under the microscope

Our Villages

Our villages are geographically adjacent and lie in the centre of a triangle with Chipping Norton, Banbury and Bicester at the three points. All are in the District Council area of West Oxfordshire except for Duns Tew which is in Cherwell.

2011 Census Population

Middle Barton (including Westcote & Steeple Barton) 1,768

Duns Tew 478

Sandford St Martin & Ledwell 209

Over & Nether Worton 68

Westcote Barton and Steeple Barton The churches stand at either end of the village of Middle Barton, which is neither an ecclesiastical nor a civil parish, but which defines the rapidly increasing community where the majority of people live. There is a primary school and pre-school, newly expanded village store with post office and tea room, a sports and social club, playing fields, tennis courts, a pub and a Lebanese restaurant.

The original hamlet of Steeple Barton, which is in a conservation area, has escaped any major modern housing developments. It has a few cottages and old farmhouses along its lanes. Traces of earlier dwellings and fishponds can be seen in the fields. After the Black Death, most of the remaining population moved west and settled in the area that became known as Middle Barton, a mile from Steeple Barton church.

Westcote Barton is located at the western end with the parish boundary just to the east of the Fox Inn. Westcote Barton still retains an identity of its own with about 100 households, including two farms. There are several older houses along Fox Lane either side of the ford, and along Enstone Road.

North Street, Middle Barton Westcote Barton Village Store

Duns Tew The origins of the name are believed to date back to Anglo-Saxon times, where a “Tiewe” was a ridge of land. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, the village was owned by the Dashwood family from the 18th century until the estate was broken up in 1948. It is now a desirable dormitory village with an active, small, friendly and caring community of circa 500 people. A few have always lived here, some for decades, but newcomers, including weekenders are all made welcome. The three focal points are the church, the village hall and the pub. Website: www.dunstew.com

The White Horse Inn Village Hall Main Street

Sandford St Martin and Ledwell Residents value the Grade II* listed church and Parish Hall as well as the attractive buildings set in conservation areas. The community consists of home workers, people who work locally, commute to Oxford and London, and those who are retired. In recent years several young families have moved in and there are now over 40 children.

Sandford St Martin Parish Hall Ledwell

Over with Nether Worton A small and friendly community, of approximately 38 households, with several families having been here for over 35 years.

Set in idyllic countryside our two churches, which are lovingly cared for and maintained, have regular services and make up the focal point of our village life. There are no other commercial or organised social activities in the Wortons.

Over Worton Nether Worton Nether Worton House

Employment, housing and transport

The area is relatively prosperous with low unemployment. There have been significant changes in agriculture in the last 30 years or so and there are now no longer so many villagers engaged in farming. With very few working farms in our villages most farmhouses and barns have been converted into residential or business properties. Most working people commute to London, Oxford and local towns, with a number working from home. Faster broadband speeds in some of our villages have made this possible.

The housing stock is very wide ranging, both in age and size. Sandford St Martin, Ledwell and the Wortons have no recent new housing and there are limited opportunities for new people to move in or families to move to larger houses. Middle Barton expanded between 1960 and 1980, with more recent small developments. In Duns Tew there are 17th and 18th century cottages, Victorian houses and infills in the centre of the village and a small 1960s housing estate at the eastern end.

There is no longer a public bus service to the villages, but volunteers run a bus, Our Bus Bartons, which connects with the S4 bus service along the main A4260 between Oxford and Banbury. The nearest rail station is at Lower Heyford, which links to Oxford and Banbury. Many people drive to Oxford Parkway, Bicester North or Bicester Village stations to catch the fast trains to London or Birmingham.

Rail Stations Lower Heyford (3.5m) to Banbury and Oxford Bicester (10m) to London Marylebone, Birmingham and the north Oxford Parkway (10m) to London Marylebone and Oxford Oxford (17m) to London Paddington, Reading – linking with Great Western and Cross Country

Bus Service S4 runs hourly, passing from Banbury through Deddington, Steeple Aston and Tackley, and then on to Oxford

Education and health facilities

Schools: We have one primary school within the Benefice – Middle Barton Primary School. This is not a church school, but the incumbent is invited to take assemblies six times a year and the school choir sings at some of our special services. www.middlebartonschool.co.uk/

Middle Barton Pre-School for children aged 2.5 to 5 years would like to continue the link with the church enjoyed with the previous incumbent. www.middlebartonpreschool.co.uk

There is a church school in Steeple Aston, Dr Radcliffe’s CE Primary School, which accepts the children who live in Duns Tew and some from Sandford St Martin: www.dr-radcliffes.org.uk

Some of our children go to these primary schools: Great Tew Primary, includes Pre-School: www.greattewschool.co.uk Deddington Primary: www.deddingtonprimaryschool.co.uk

The following secondary schools serve our villages: Chipping Norton School: www.chipping-norton.oxon.sch.uk The Warriner School, Bloxham: www.thewarrinerschool.co.uk Heyford Park Free School: www.heyfordparkfreeschool.org

A few children travel further afield to secondary schools in Banbury and Woodstock, and some go to private schools, such as: Tudor Hall, Banbury: www.tudorhallschool.com (Junior dept: Carrdus School) www.carrdusschool.co.uk Bloxham School, Bloxham: www.bloxhamschool.com St Edward’s, Oxford: www.stedwardsoxford.org Oxford High School, Oxford: www.oxfordhigh.gdst.net Magdalen College School, Oxford: www.mcsoxford.org Headington Girls’ School, Oxford: www.headington.org

Health Provision: Deddington Health Centre and Pharmacy (6m) www.deddingtonsurgery.co.uk Woodstock Surgery (7.5m) www.woodstocksurgery.co.uk Hospitals in Chipping Norton, Banbury and Oxford

Shopping and other facilities

Middle Barton: Village shop with Post Office, Hairdresser Deddington: Co-op and a range of small shops and monthly Farmers market. Library, Dentist Chipping Norton: Theatre - light entertainment, cinema including livestreaming of theatrical productions in London Oxford: For shopping and culture Cinemas: Bicester, Banbury and Witney Supermarkets/DIY: Bicester, Banbury and Witney Sports & Hobbies: Golf, football, rugby, swimming and leisure facilities all available within approx 10m radius. Riding stable in Ledwell

Middle Barton

Primary School Sports & Social Club Bowls Club

Village Organisations and Societies

Middle Barton Duns Tew Steeple Barton Parish Council Parish Council www.steeplebartonpc.org.uk/index.php Westcote Barton Parish Meeting

Sports & Social Club - facilities for Drama Group (donated £1,000 to tennis, netball, football and bowls. church in 2017 and in 2018) Clubhouse used for meetings and Book Group and Gardening Club private functions Village Hall Committee: Profits from Alice Marshall Hall - regular classes eg monthly coffee mornings (often ballet, toddlers group, keep fit organised by PCC) shared with Charity of the Month.

Cricket Club at Barton Abbey WI (inc members from Middle Barton) Scouts, Cubs, Guides, Brownies and Yoga class Beavers and Trefoil Guild Mothers and Toddlers: due to restart Chess, History and Drama Groups mid 2018 Allotment society Walking group – monthly walks Bel Canto and Benefice choirs

Sandford St Martin Over and Nether Worton Parish Council Parish Meeting

Sandford St Martin Parish Hall - owned Worton Recreational Charity – The WRC by the PCC with day-to-day owns the site on which the former village management the responsibility of a hall stood and is maintained as a separate management committee (PCC grassed area. This is in the centre of the representative is ex-officio member). village and is held for any future practical Well used by several groups for dance or amenity use. classes, yoga, private parties etc.

Cricket Club has two senior teams in the Cherwell Cricket League and also runs a junior league for three age groups.

Duns Tew Drama Group Over Worton celebration Alice Marshall Hall

Our congregations and churches

Benefice Map

St James

Holy Trinity

St Martin St Mary Magdalene

St Edward St Mary the Virgin the Confessor

2017 Church Electoral Rolls

Westcote Barton 22 Steeple Barton 19 Duns Tew 48 Sandford St Martin 33 Over and Nether Worton 19

Website: www.dornandridgebenefice.org.uk

Churches

Westcote Barton

In the borderlands of Mercia, Anglia and Wessex, in the 8th century AD, a little church stood at the top of a slope down to the River Dorn. The foundations of this Saxon church were discovered when new floors were installed a few decades ago. The present stone church on the site dates from the 12th century with major rebuilding in the 15th, and some internal restoration in the mid-19th century. It is still a very small church with an intimate family atmosphere. Formerly consecrated to Saint Edmund, the 9th century Christian martyr, it was later re-consecrated to St Edward the Confessor, and is the only church in Oxfordshire to bear Islip-born Edward’s name. Thus, our tiny Grade II* rural church has had associations with two saints who, some would claim, should be considered as patron saints of England. We are very happy to have Edward the Confessor as our own patron saint: a king who preferred peace to war, and who truly did ‘do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with his God’.

Steeple Barton

The Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Steeple Barton is the largest of the six churches in the Benefice. It has stood on its present site in the old, rural area of Steeple Barton since the 12th century. It is possible that there may have been an even earlier church on, or near, the same site. Most of what is now visible belongs to later rebuilding and additions made in the 14th, 15th and mid-19th centuries. It is Grade II* listed.

Duns Tew

The Grade II St Mary Magdalene Church has 12th century origins with 13th and 14th century additions. It was rebuilt in 1664-67 using some original materials after the collapse of part of the tower. Between 1861-1862 it was restored to designs by Sir George Gilbert Scott at the expense of Sir Henry Dashwood and was reroofed just over twenty years ago.

A Lychgate was built to mark the Millennium. In 2012-14 the organ was relocated and a meeting room made in the old organ room. We hope to upgrade to 21st century standards and install a w/c and running water to the kitchen facilities, improve the lighting and glaze-in the meeting room. Open daily 9.00am until dusk.

Sandford St Martin

St Martin’s occupies a pivotal position within the conservation area. Dedicated in 1273, its historical and architectural importance is reflected by Grade II* status. Interesting features include: 12th century font with zigzag carving, Arms of Elizabeth I, local monuments and hatchments, and fine oak west tower screen. Repaired in the 1840s, the chancel was rebuilt in 1856. There is a fine two manual organ by W G Knowles of Bristol (c1901). Open, unobstructed space in front of the chancel arch is perfect for performances by the choir and small concerts. Recent developments include a window by John Piper, and a new vestry, servery and disabled WC installed in 2017.

Ledwell, the village to the north, no longer has a church. In July an Open-Air Service is held on the green, as near as possible to the Feast of St Mary Magdalene to whom the church was dedicated.

Over with Nether Worton

In 1843 the Wilson family dismantled much of the medieval Over Worton church and rebuilt the present church of Holy Trinity. Its massive tower was constructed as a base for a future spire. In 1824 John H Newman preached his first sermon here.

The Chapel of St James remains largely as it was built in the 14th century. The interior was refurbished after WW2. A restoration/conservation scheme for the external fabric, including specialist work to the two bells, is proposed for 2018.

Churchyards All Churchyards are open.

During 2014-17 the Oxfordshire Family History Society undertook surveys to record all the monumental inscriptions inside the churches and churchyards of Duns Tew, Over and Nether Worton and

Sandford St Martin.

Worship Currently we have a mix of styles and types of service in order to try to meet the needs of our congregations. Our rota allows for four or five services each Sunday, but the Rector does not have to take them all! We use the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and Common Worship (CW). Evensong times change when the clocks change.

Monthly overview 1st Sunday 2nd Sunday 3rd Sunday 4th Sunday Westcote Barton Eucharist (CW) Matins + HC Evensong 9.30am (BCP) 11am (BCP) 5/6pm

Steeple Barton HC (BCP) Eucharist Eucharist 8.30am (CW) 9.30am (CW) 11am Duns Tew Evensong or Matins (BCP) Eucharist Eucharist service of the (Lay led) (CW) 9.30am (CW) 11am word (BCP or 11am CW) 5/6 pm Sandford St Martin Matins (BCP) Evensong HC (BCP) Eucharist 11am (BCP) 5/6 pm 8.30am (CW) 9.30am Over with Nether Eucharist (CW) HC (BCP) Matins (BCP) HC (BCP) Worton 11am 8.30am 11am 8.30am 5th Sunday: Combined Benefice service

Members of the congregations read the lessons and a few occasionally lead services. About six people attend the two mid-week communions held each month in the homes of older people, one in Middle Barton and one in Duns Tew.

We use a range of hymn books: Hymns Ancient and Modern New Standard version at Over Worton, Westcote Barton and Sandford St Martin Common Praise at Duns Tew Ancient and Modern Standard Version and Hymns Old and New at Nether Worton

We have a number of ‘special’ services during the year when the whole Benefice meets together and these are well supported. 2017 congregation numbers shown.

Candlemas (28) Mothering Sunday (64) Palm Sunday (72) Crib Service (120) Remembrance (265) Harvest (87) Songs of Praise (53) Confirmation (94) Christingle (170) All Souls (70) Advent Carols (68), Open Air Pet Service (43 + animals!) Benefice Carol Service (despite snow 120)

Across the Benefice, in addition to the above services the total number of people at Easter Services was 230, Carol Services 198, Christmas Eve attendance 122 and Christmas Day attendance 212.

Christingle Open Air Pets’ Service Palm Sunday

Baptisms, weddings and funerals Many villagers turn to the church for these important milestones.

Baptisms Weddings/ Funerals/Burials Cremations Interment Blessings of ashes 2015 16 6/1 16/13 7 10 2016 15 4/2 15 7 15 2017 13 6/2 14 11 13

Life of church There is an active, well-established Benefice Choir, which rehearses once a week in Middle Barton and sings at most ‘special’ and Eucharistic services. We run mid-week groups during Lent. Last year, for example, we looked at the saints associated with our different churches.

Bell ringers: meet once a week in Sandford St Martin to practise and regularly ring at all churches other than the Wortons.

Organists: we have several organists, who play at weddings and funerals as well as our Sunday services.

Events A range of church-related events take place in our villages. The majority are to raise funds for the churches or another charity. The following are planned this year:

Benefice OHCT Ride and Stride Westcote Barton Fête Concert Steeple Barton Barton Chase (Fun Run) Barton Abbey Open Gardens + tea and cakes Duns Tew Fête Open Gardens + tea and cakes Progressive supper Harvest lunch for retired villagers Advent supper, Charity coffee mornings in association with the village hall Sandford St Martin Coffee morning Over with Nether Harvest lunch Worton Harvest flowers

OHCT Ride & Stride Duns Tew Fete Steeple Barton Chase

Priest and Churchwardens? Over Worton Harvest Flowers

Concerts in Church Coffee Mornings Jubilee Flower Festival

Organisation and Finance

Details of our organisation structure are included in the Stewardship and Benefice organisation section.

We are just entering a round of annual meetings, and so our PCCs could change, but our current church officers are shown below:

Westcote Barton Steeple Barton Duns Tew Sandford St The Wortons Martin Church Kate Carter- Richard Chris Drake Sheila Lye Malcolm Axtell Warden Windle Samuelson Stephanie Luke Ponsonby Jennie Schuster Carol Lister David Weighell Lacey* Secretary Sally Stubbs Christine Jones Maria Coonick Sara Bristow*** Chris Garbett Treasurer Carol Lister Ann Weighell Carol Rigby** Raymond Lye Richard Schuster

* Also Benefice Chair ** Also Benefice Treasurer ***Also Benefice Secretary

Finance The total Parish Share for the Benefice in 2018 will be £40,665, reduced from £50,160 in 2015 due to the phased introduction of Rural Relief. For the last two years this has been paid in full. However, it is our largest single outgoing and restricts our ability to maintain the existing church fabric, let alone invest in improvements. The Benefice share apportionment was agreed in 2015, but a review is planned later this year.

Giving and money Income is received through regular giving (bank transfer, envelope, CAF), through the plate, from grants and sundry donations. Duns Tew and Steeple Barton rely heavily on fund raising activities to support day-to-day expenditure (with the added benefits that these bring to the village communities). Gift aid is received on all applicable gifts. By and large in all our churches income is at least equal to annual expenditure.

Some parishes are better off than others not necessarily commensurate with the electoral roll or attendance numbers. The Schuster Charitable Trust has historically supported the running costs of St James, Nether Worton and will be adding to the reserves for the forthcoming tower repairs at Nether Worton. As part of the reordering of the vestry at Sandford St Martin a new screen and cupboard for altar hangings was funded by a donation from a parishioner.

2017 Westcote Steeple Duns Tew Sandford Over/Nether Barton Barton St Martin* Worton Unrestricted Income 12,956 20,166 28,420 18,802 15,761 Fundraising 32% 32% 38% 9% 0% Fees 711 3,545 2,099 773 602 Unrestricted 12,635 17,371 23,703 21,306* 13,981 Expenditure Surplus/(Deficit) 321 2,795 4,717 (2504) 1,780 Unrestricted 4,232 9,249 52,420 10,262 24,519 Revenue Reserves Significant Restricted 26,049 52,301 9,730 7,801 32,500 Reserves Trust Funds Church/church- Repairs and Repairs Repairs NW yard upkeep Improvements *Sandford St Martin: Unrestricted expenditure excludes £1,000 transferred to the repair fund in anticipation of the costs of Quinquennial repairs. Closure of church for 15 weeks for building works reduced collection income by approx. 25%. Restricted repair fund income £101,851 and corresponding expenditure £106,597 to re-order vestry, install w/c and create a servery.

Excludes Parish Hall - £37,615. Represents contributions from the community through the PCC, towards the cost of renovating and restoring the Parish Hall in 2002-2004. The Hall is owned by the PCC and is dedicated to the use by the Parish as a community building.

Charitable Trusts Several villages have one or more charitable trust and/or historical bequest. The Rector is an ex-officio member of many of these, though these are links which the new priest could look at.

Charitable giving The PCCs and various church members have links with a number of local, national and international charities. Donations to all charities in 2017 are shown below. £ Westcote Barton 500 Steeple Barton 485 Duns Tew 3,842 (including £400 from the Wortons) Sandford St Martin 575 The Wortons 1,374

Carol Singing in aid of Children’s Society Coffee Morning for Polly who supports the homeless in Banbury Safeguarding We have adopted the Diocese safeguarding policy and are developing a timetable to ensure that the PCCs and volunteers have undertaken training. Our Benefice Safeguarding Officer is Stephanie Lacey.

APPENDIX 2 ROLE DESCRIPTION

SECTION ONE: DETAILS OF POST

Role title: Rector

Type of role: Full time stipendiary

Name of Benefice: Westcote Barton with Steeple Barton, Duns Tew, Sandford St Martin and Over with Nether Worton

Episcopal area: Dorchester

Deanery: Woodstock

Archdeaconry: Dorchester

Conditions of Service: Please refer to Statements of Particulars document in conjunction with this role description.

Key contact for Clergy: Archdeacon of Dorchester

Terms of Service: This role falls within the Clergy Terms of Service formally known as Common Tenure. The Archdeacon of Dorchester is the designated person by the Bishop of Oxford to issue a Statement of Particulars for the post holder.

Accountability: Priests share with the Bishop in the oversight of the church.

Whilst, as an office holder, the individual is expected to lead and prioritise work in line with the purpose of the role, they are encouraged to inform the incumbent (in case of assistant priests) and Archdeacon and Church Warden/s (in case of incumbents) about any issues exceptional or otherwise that have the potential to affect ongoing delivery of ministry.

Additional Responsibility: N/A

SECTION TWO: CONTEXT

Wider Context

The Diocese and Deanery The Diocese of Oxford serves the mission of the Church in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. A large, complex Diocese with a population of 2.2m covering 2,200 miles. It is divided into 626 parishes with 815 churches, in all types of settings from small rural villages to market towns, suburbs and urban areas, including the vastly different cities of Oxford and Milton Keynes.

The Diocese is divided into four smaller ‘episcopal Areas’, each overseen by their own Area Bishop. The Dorchester Episcopal Area, headed by the Bishop, Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, covers a great deal of Oxfordshire, apart from the City of Oxford, extending from the Cotswolds in the west to Henley-on-Thames. Within the Dorchester Area there are 12 deaneries including Woodstock.

Alongside the emerging diocesan vision, the priorities and principles for the Dorchester Archdeaconry are set out in the Dorchester Mission Action Plan (see https://www.oxford.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Archdeaconry-Plan-for- Dorchester-BC.SCO-15.11.pdf

It is expected that all clergy appointed into the Archdeaconry of Dorchester will want to commit themselves to the Diocesan vision and Archdeaconry MAP and their strategic directions.

With the appointment of the new Bishop of Oxford the Rt Revd Steven Croft in 2016 a new Common Vision is emerging for the Diocese of Oxford.

The vision addresses what kind of church we are called to be – a Christ-like Church.

What are the marks of a Christ-like Church? To be the Church of the Beatitudes: ● Contemplative ● Compassionate ● Courageous

It also asks what we are therefore called to do together. This is currently a work in progress, but is likely to cover some of the following strategic priorities: ● Make a difference in the world ● Support and grow the local church ● Establish new churches and congregations ● Serve our schools ● Renew discipleship and ministry

These priorities will be supported centrally by resources, training, conferences, workshops, and much more. The Diocese is inviting Benefices and their priests to share a vision rather than demanding a response. It wants all its priests to flourish in ministry and to deepen their enjoyment of God.

Local Context

We are a Benefice of five parishes with six churches, located at the northern tip of the Woodstock Deanery. We all share the same vision to love and serve God in our different communities.

SECTION THREE: ROLE PURPOSE AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

General: A. To exercise the cure of souls shared with the bishop in this Benefice in collaboration with colleagues including the praying of the Daily Office, the administration of the sacraments and preaching

B. To have regard to the calling and responsibilities of the clergy (as described in the Canons, the Ordinal, the Code of Professional Conduct for the Clergy) and other relevant legislation including:

● bringing the grace and truth of Christ to this generation and making him known to those in your care. ● instructing the parishioners in the Christian faith ● preparing candidates for confirmation ● diligently visiting the parishioners of the Benefice, particularly those who are sick and infirm ● providing spiritual counsel and advice. ● consulting with the parochial church council on matters of general concern and importance to the Benefice ● bringing the needs of the world before God in intercession ● calling your hearers to repentance and declaring in Christ's name the absolution and forgiveness of their sins2 ● blessing people in God’s name2 ● preparing people for their death ● discerning and fostering the gifts of all God’s people ● being faithful in prayer, expectant and watchful for the signs of God’s presence, as he reveals his kingdom among us ∙ C. To share in the wider work of the deanery and Diocese as appropriate, for the building up of the whole Body Christ

Key responsibilities specific to the local situation

We hope that our new priest will

● Mission and Outreach Work with us to involve young families in the life of the church ● Leadership and working collaboratively Be a dynamic and enthusiastic leader, helping us to move forward together in bringing God’s love to all the people in the Benefice ● Worship and preaching Be courageous in working with us to develop Sunday worship and will inspire us with their preaching ● Pastoral Care Be compassionate in their approach to individuals and especially those in special need ● Stewardship and Benefice organisation Use the administrative resources made available to free up time to concentrate on the spiritual needs of the church and community

● Personal development and spirituality Spend time alone with God each day, will undertake regular study to deepen his understanding and knowledge of theological matters and take at least a whole day away each week from Benefice matters

The key responsibilities listed above may be supported by long and short-term objectives to be agreed between the post holder and the incumbent (in the case of an assistant priest) or the Archdeacon and Church Wardens (in the case of incumbents).

Other responsibilities ● Participate in the Bishop’s Ministerial Development Review scheme and engage in Continuing Ministerial Development ● Carry out any other duties and responsibilities as required in line with the Benefice needs. ● Take care for their wellbeing including health and safety and building a good repertoire of spiritual and psychological strategies

SECTION FOUR: BENEFICE SUMMARY

The Benefice of: Westcote with Steeple Barton, Duns Tew, Sandford St Martin and Over with Nether Worton

Patrons: The Bishop of Oxford The Oxford Diocesan Board of Patronage His Grace the Duke of Marlborough The Executors of the late Mrs S C Rittson-Thomas Mr R D Schuster Mr D C Webb PCCs: Westcote Barton (4), Steeple Barton (8), Duns Tew (9), Sandford St Martin (10), Over with Nether Worton (8)

Churchwardens: St Edward the Confessor, Westcote Barton: Kate Carter-Windle, Carol Lister St Mary’s, Steeple Barton: Richard Samuelson, David Weighell St Mary Magdalene, Duns Tew: Chris Drake, Stephanie Lacey St Martin’s, Sandford St Martin: Sheila Lye, Luke Ponsonby Holy Trinity, and St James, Over with Nether Worton: Malcolm Axtell, Jennie Schuster

Ministers: None

Benefice paid staff: Part-time Administrator (to be appointed)

Benefice unpaid staff: Stephanie Lacey (LLM), Susan Small (LLM), Sara Bristow (Benefice Secretary), Carol Rigby (Benefice Treasurer)

Volunteers (numbers): Westcote Barton (6) Steeple Barton (12), Duns Tew (40), Sandford St Martin (16) and Over with Nether Worton (12)

Church Buildings: St Edward’s Church Westcote Barton, St Mary’s Church Steeple Barton, St Mary Magdalene Church Duns Tew, St Martin’s Church Sandford St Martin, Holy Trinity Church Over Worton, St James Church Nether Worton

Churchyards: open churchyard at every church.

Resolution A, B, C: Church Tradition: Central (with vestments) with some churches leaning towards liberal Anglo-Catholic and others preferring a simple service.

Pastoral Reorganisation proposals: None

For more detailed information, please refer to the Benefice Profile.

SECTION FIVE: KEY CONTACTS FOR THE ROLE Generic and specific to the role

Groups and committees • The PCCs • Deanery Chapter • Deanery Synod • Deanery Pastoral Committee

In the Benefice • Churchwardens • Benefice committee • Head teacher Middle Barton Primary School • Chair of various trusts

Support structures Area Dean: Revd Adrian Daffern Archdeacon: Ven. Judy French Staff at The Diocesan Office with key responsibilities for various aspects of supporting parochial ministry Area Bishop: Rt Revd Colin Fletcher

SECTION SIX: OTHER Relevant Documentation

This role description is issued alongside and should be read in conjunction with the following documents:

The Ordinal The Canons of the Church of England Guidance for the Professional Conduct of Clergy Bishop’s Licence Statement of Particulars issued to the office‐holder on successful appointment Diocesan Clergy Handbook Benefice Profile Ministry Action Plans (MAPs) Any objectives discussed and agreed between the post holder and the supervising minister

Role description signed off by: Date: To be reviewed next on: The Venerable [insert name] Archdeacon of [insert area] ______XX.20XX XX.20