The BrookDean Benefice January 2018
Benefice Profile
Benefice Profile, Page 1 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 Welcome to the BrookDean Benefice (Parishes of Drybrook, Lydbrook & Ruardean)
The three Parishes of Drybrook, Lydbrook and Ruardean became one united Benefice in 2006. Each of the Parishes have their own respective Parochial Church Councils. The Benefice’s legal name is actually ‘The United Benefice of Drybrook, Lydbrook and Ruardean’. Recently all three PCCs, in an effort to redesign and make a more united Benefice chose an informal name of ‘The BrookDean Benefice’. This has yet to be made legal, but as you will see it has been referenced in this document. The BrookDean Benefice is located in the Forest of Dean, a geographical, historical and cultural region in the west of the County of Gloucestershire. It forms a roughly triangular area bounded by the River Wye to the west and northwest, Herefordshire to the north, the River Severn to the south, and the City of Gloucester to the east.
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Life and Worship ‘All the nations you have made will come and worship before you’ Psalm 86:9
The services provided in the three Churches across the Benefice follow an orthodox style & teaching within the Anglican tradition, although there is flexibility in the variety of services.
Currently, across the Benefice, services held include:
Holy Communion (including Said BCP) Sung Eucharist Family Communion Worship for All Evensong (BCP) Celtic Evening Prayer Healing
For more information as to the current pattern across the Benefice, please see Appendices.
The three Churches in the Benefice engage with the local communities through the following activities:
Mothers’ Union Branch – opened in 2014 & has representation from each Church. During term time members help monthly at Noah's Ark Mother and Toddler Group, support Gloucester Royal Hospital neo-natal unit & Eastwood Park Women's Prison. In addition, members fundraise for AFIA (Away From It All Holidays) for needy families and for Mothers' Union work overseas.
Benefice Profile, Page 3 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 SALT - Sharing and Learning Together – a group that meets with the purpose of helping members of all three congregations in “Growing deeper in our relationship with Jesus and each other”. A key element of this group is the sharing of food and exploring the scriptures.
The Shop on the Cross – a Registered Charity Shop selling both high quality new and used good. It is a source of Christian outreach for the community, with Christian books and literature given away. Children & Young People’s Outreach – includes a mother & toddler group, after-school & holiday groups, ‘Open the Book’ (in local Primary schools) & Sunday School. Hospitality – including Soup & Pudding, Café market, Light Lunches, Parish breakfasts and Sunday roasts across the three churches. Further detail of the life and current activities of the three churches is set out in the sections below. Communications with the congregations across the Benefice and with the wider community is provided through a comprehensive weekly Pew Sheet in addition to postings on the Benefice Web Site and Facebook page. Holy Trinity, Drybrook
A few statistics for our Parish:
Electoral Roll – this is in the process of revision, with an estimate of about 75. Around 50% of this number live outside the parish
Usual Sunday attendance – average around 55 adults and 8 children
Parish population - c 4000
Overseas link – the church sponsors a child in Burkina Faso with Plan UK
The church has a mix of both traditional and modern services. The focus is on catering for all parishioners, with particular attention paid to encouraging a family atmosphere – all are welcome - we are regularly joined by worshippers from Orchard Trust, and large print copies of hymns and services are available weekly for the partially sighted. Services reflect this healthy mix and are complemented by our outreach and the additional clubs we run.
SPECIAL SERVICES
Drybrook has a busy set of these throughout the year as outlined below - for these and other important events, the church is decorated by an enthusiastic group with flower arrangements, thought-provoking prayer stations etc.:
Christingle Service – Christmas Eve 4 p.m. The service is led by our children’s, youth and families outreach officer, Jonathan Kear, and is usually attended by about 200 local people of all ages. Carols are led by a regular music group of keyboard, guitars and drums.
Midnight Holy Eucharist – Christmas Eve 11.30 p.m. A well-attended service of around 60-80 parishioners
At the Mothering Sunday service posies are presented to all the ladies present, and on Palm Sunday we have been joined by a donkey who parades around the churchyard. On Good Friday a Walk of Witness takes place between the three churches carrying a cross. Easter Day starts with a dawn service on Pan Tod Beacon (the highest point in the Forest) Benefice Profile, Page 4 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 The main Eucharist service is attended by over 100 parishioners.
Trinity Sunday 2017 saw the church celebrate its 200th anniversary with a barbecue after the special service, and an exhibition and activities in the schoolroom. Further events are planned for later in the year.
At the All Souls’ Service all who have had a family funeral during the past year are invited to attend, and the names of the deceased are read out. Refreshments are provided after the service for the bereaved.
Church in the Forest
Three or four times a year a Celtic evening Eucharist is held outdoors at Woorgreen Lake on a midweek summer evening. A lovely tranquil hour spent in peaceful prayer in a beautiful setting – sometimes accompanied by the ducks!
CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH WORK All the activities listed below are led by our Children’s, Youth and Families Outreach officer, Jonathan Kear.
Noah’s Ark Baby and Toddler group was set up 7 years ago and provides a warm and welcoming environment on a Wednesday morning for parents, grandparents and carers of local pre-school children with the provision of numerous toys and activities for the children in a safe setting, whilst at the same time developing further links between the community and the church. Noah’s Ark Toddler Group Facebook page has proved a great forum, and now boasts over 60 members.
Benefice Profile, Page 5 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 Friday Kings Kidz The after-school group takes place on a Friday for up to Year 4 at Drybrook School. There is a regular attendance of over 20 children a week. They learn about the Bible through stories, craft, worksheets and songs. Some children have attended for the last 4 years.
Kingdom Kidz Some 15 – 20 9 -11-year-olds attend most Fridays in the Schoolroom from 5 – 6.30 p.m. Teaching is through a DVD series called ‘What’s in the Bible’. With outdoor activities in the summer months, the children have energetic fun, whilst gaining a basic knowledge of the Bible.
Kaos carries on from Kingdom Kidz on a Friday evening in the schoolroom, and is for secondary school young people, providing a seamless progression as they mature. They are further challenged on their Christian faith and values. The timeslot following a DVD promotes a question and answer session.
Holiday Club The 4-day holiday club runs each year for around 50 7-11 year olds. Last year’s was entitled ‘Guardians of Anchora’ where the children learnt that God’s love is far wider, longer, higher and deeper than they could ever imagine, and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. The whole event was masterminded by 2 of our own young people, who did a superb job, supported by a regular band of volunteers. Each of the six teams was led by an adult through the various activities of craft, music, prayer, ending with a superb lunch.
Third Sunday Service Third Sunday Worship is an informal service designed to encourage individuals and families less familiar with the structured Sunday services. The service is led by the Children's Youth and Families Outreach officer, Jonathan, supported by the music group.
Benefice Profile, Page 6 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 Sunday: Kings Kidz - Led by two couples with children who regularly attend, this Sunday School group is held on 2nd and 4th Sundays and is aimed at 3 – 11-year olds. During each session the Bible is studied using song, craft, Bible readings and videos. It connects the youth work more closely with the church and acts as a stepping stone for both children and family members on their journey with Christ.
Light Party and Activity mornings The Light Party provides a positive event on 31st October, All Saints’ Eve. This is a popular event with games, food, Bible story and craft. Throughout the year various themed craft activity mornings are held, where children can enjoy making and decorating items, cooking, painting etc., designed to provide stepping stones for families in a warm, loving, family environment.
OUTREACH
The Local Ministry Team regularly take Communion to the housebound and a local nursing home and prepare baptism families. They also run a course for wedding couples.
The Holy Trinity Open the Book team regularly visit three local Primary Schools: Drybrook, Steam Mills and Ruardean Woodside, using the materials provided by the Bible Society. The children enjoy our visits very much, especially when they can dress up and participate as soldiers, servants and followers.
The Shop on the Cross A Friendship Café and a Prayer Group are held on a monthly basis at The Shop on The Cross. This Charity shop in the village is run by Trustees who are members of the church family. Over the past 7 years it has donated over £50,000 to good causes and to further the Christian faith locally. The Trust also donates a Bible to all who are baptised at Forest Church.
People’s Breakfast On the fourth Saturday of each month our outreach officer and Churchwarden have prepared a full cooked breakfast for the men in the community. This has been followed by a talk from a Christian on his life and journey in faith where the Holy Spirit has been in abundance.
Holy Roast During the winter months several members of Drybrook PCC have provided a wonderful 2-course meal in the Schoolroom following the 11.00 a.m. Sunday service. It has been aptly called the ‘Holy Roast’, and the atmosphere created has been one of love and fellowship amongst the guests. Typically, we have Benefice Profile, Page 7 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 reached out to those in the community who would be on their own and otherwise not have a hot meal, with transport provided if required. Usually around 25 – 30 people attend.
Alpha Course The first section of this course is planned to be held in May, run by our Families Outreach Officer.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Pre-Christmas Extravaganza After preparing for several months the day is always a great success. Much of this is due to the excellent PR push by the PCC who flood the whole area with leaflets, and on the day, this certainly pays off with good crowds attending. Delicious lunches are served by the Trinity Café, ably managed by a great team, and wonderful volunteer kitchen staff. The day usually raises over £2000 towards the work of Forest Church
The Christmas Concert has been a fixture on the local calendar for over 40 years and is well attended by the whole community with over 300 people, the biggest event of the year. Music is provided by a local brass band, Drybrook and District Ladies’ choir, Drybrook Male Voice choir and Drybrook School choir. Many local people see this event as the start of their Christmas celebrations.
The Churchwarden and his band ‘Suburbia’ have entertained a packed schoolroom on a Saturday night, including a buffet supper enjoyed by all.
Regular Quiz nights have been held during the year, followed by a fish and chip supper.
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The Church of the Holy Jesus, Lydbrook
The Parish Mission and Vision Statement
To know and reveal the love of Christ to Upper, Central and Lower Lydbrook, Worrall Hill, Hangerberry, Joys Green, Hawsley, Stowfield and all the other surrounding communities.
Our Church has acted as a centre of the Christian faith for almost 160 years. We acknowledge our past and we eagerly look forward to our future. We will endeavour to provide a wide range of different types of worship and outreach to our village and local communities. We offer a place of caring support, prayer and peace. We will remain open to change and direction of the Holy Spirit, while retaining our links with tradition. We commit to revealing the love of Christ in its many forms to our parish.
Brief History and outline of the Church in Lydbrook
Lydbrook (pop2192) consists of several little communities which date back to 1282. The current parish of Lydbrook is therefore made up of eight separate areas, as you can see from the Parish Mission Statement. In 1850 the foundation stone for the current building was laid, just after the feast of the Name of Jesus. The dedication thus became “The Holy Jesus,” one of three churches with that title in the UK. The Church is a Grade Two listed building and we are currently applying for a Heritage Lottery funding grant for repairs to the Tower and the Roof. We have successfully gone through Round One and are starting the second part.
The Present Situation
We are also fundraising to carry out work to update the Toilets, Kitchen and most importantly the heating system. We have currently raised £23,000 for this project and hope to begin work as soon as possible. Part of this project is to make the church accessible for people with disabilities, this has meant the redesigning of the access into the church to enable wheelchair users, and also people who are less sure footed, a level easy access. We have had new lighting fitted in the Chancel. We continue to carry out work on this beautiful church for the use of future generations. The Village has two football teams, two social clubs, and two pubs. One of our church’s main links is with Lydbrook Primary School. The school use the church as a part of their curriculum, regularly
Benefice Profile, Page 9 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 visiting with different year groups. They also take an active part in both our Christmas Tree and Flower Festivals, and in our community carol service with the Lydbrook Silver Band training band. They hold a “Christingle” service for some of the Children. These two events fill the church, providing a lively opening to our Christmas celebrations each year. The Church has strong links with the following organisations, Benefice Mothers Union, the Benefice charity shop, the Women’s Institute, Lydbrook Playgroup, Lydbrook Players, the Youth Theatre, the Royal British Legion, some local businesses, Cub Scouts and the Forest of Dean District Council’s Community Transport. We also have links with the Orchard Trust, an organisation which provides training and education for people with disabilities,
Lydbrook Church at present has a regular service at 9.30am. Traditionally we are Low Church, quietly evangelical with a relatively simple style of service although parts of it are sung. We are, however, hoping that when the new kitchen is installed we may be able to offer Cafe style worship once a month in order to attract the families we have contact with through Baptism visits & the strong links with the school.
The Church has 88 people on the electoral role with attendances from 20 to 50. We also have a number of people who have lived in the village and moved away but still return to the Church. The Church runs two very successful festivals during the year. A Christmas Tree Festival, which this year had more than 50 decorated trees, and our Flower Festival, which we are currently planning. The Church ran a Music Festival with Lydbrook Silver Band in 2017 which was very successful, and we hope to run again in the future. All these events enable us to pay our portion of the benefice share. We have always been willing to meet all reasonable expenses claims. We need to increase the number of people attending our church services. We used to have a service called “Church and Tea at Three” but unfortunately the attendance diminished. The Rev Adsetts has helped us to rethink our approach to attracting afternoon audiences, with “Woof and Worship” and we get a great turn out. The PCC and all the members of the congregation believe that we need to develop more links with the people of Lydbrook. We need to try and make services more attractive to encourage the people in Lydbrook to attend the services. We run a Lunch club at the social club in the centre of Lydbrook once a month which attracts up to forty people every month, including the The Village Agent. This is a chance for outreach to people who may not otherwise have contact with the church. We need to build closer links across the Benefice. The New Rector moving to Ruardean, almost exactly mid-way between our other two church communities of Lydbrook and Drybrook, would be a step in the right direction. Developing the Benefice services would also help this.
We feel that the new Rector should have the strong pastoral skills needed to build on the work already done to encourage closer links across the Benefice. They should also be empathetic, and possess good management, financial, negotiating and people skills. The area the Benefice covers should also be taken into account as this can present a challenge
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Benefice Profile, Page 11 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018
St John the Baptist, Ruardean
St John the Baptist is situated in the village of Ruardean to the west of the nearest town, Cinderford. The church is located on a hillside with commanding views to the west of the Wye Valley and Welsh Mountains. The church is the centrepiece of the village and a prominent landmark.
The church itself is the oldest by far within the Benefice, with its origins dating from the year 1111. More about the church building can be found further in this document. The church holds regular services throughout the week. These include: - Worship for All - Sung Eucharist - Family Communion - Sung Eucharist and Healing - Full Benefice Service - Morning Prayer - Celtic Worship
The Parish, as laid out on the previous section is quite large and contains many more villages and hamlets. Because of this the Parish does have a number of different social groups and events. These include: - Women’s Institute - A local Youth Club - Friendly Circle - senior citizens social group - Uniformed Organisations, such as Brownies, Cubs, etc. - Carnival Committee - Ruardean Village Hall Committee - The Pludds Village Hall Committee
Benefice Profile, Page 12 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 The village also benefits from having its own Church of England Primary School, which currently has approximately 90 students from the local area. The school itself is pioneering with its new state of the art Communication and Interaction Centre, which is purposely designed to assist children with severe to profound communication and interaction difficulties. Clergy and Local Ministry Team Members regularly attend the school to conduct assemblies and also perform ‘Open the Book’, much to the amusement of the children. The school also regularly uses the church for concerts, services and other events.
The church has a number of different services on Sundays which include:
- Worship For All - children take part in the worship and there is no Communion, any baptisms take place during this service - Sung Eucharist - Family Communion - Sung Eucharist and Healing
Vestments are worn at most services, and the Sacrament is reserved for the sick.
The church attempts to make itself as family friendly as possible, with a carpeted area for children towards the rear of the nave, with toys and books. Refreshments are served after every service.
Throughout the year the church holds a number of festival services which include:
- Christmas Services include a Carol Service, Christingle, Crib Service, Midnight Mass, Said Communion on Christmas morning and Candlemas
- Lent - Ash Wednesday Service recently led by students from the village school
- Easter - Holy Week and Easter services and events include a Palm Sunday walk from the Village Hall to Church; Maundy Thursday Service and, recently, an Agape gathering in the “Upper Room” at the local pub; a Good Friday morning Walk of Witness and a Last Hour at The Cross Meditation; a Holy Saturday Vigil and Easter Day Service
- Ascension Day The village holds its annual Remembrance Services in Church and at the recently installed War Memorial near the Village Hall. Some of the other activities in church include a Tea Party to celebrate the 90th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, the Patronal Festival, Beetle Drives, a Ukulele Concert, and a village Quiz
Benefice Profile, Page 13 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 Evening. The church is used for displays on Carnival day and an annual Christmas Bazaar is held in the village hall. The church is also used to sell papers on a Sunday morning prior to the service.
Benefice Profile, Page 14 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 Current Ministry And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15
The current Ministry team comprises:
Rt. Rev. Christopher Hill – Assistant Bishop of Gloucester (& Retired Bishop of Guildford)
Rev. Marilyn Adsetts - Retired
Rev. Roger Minson - Retired
Rev. Rosie Finch – Retired, also hospital chaplain at GRH
Anthony Hughes – Reader
Jonathan Kear – Youth & Families Outreach Officer
Lay Members including the Local Ministry Team
Benefice Mothers’ Union Branch
The team is supported by a part-time Benefice Administrator, Georgina Lewis.
The Ministry Team aims to contribute to the growth of the Christian family both spiritually and numerically and to share the good news as widely as possible.
Benefice Profile, Page 15 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 The Buildings
‘and on this rock I will build My church’ Matthew 16:18
Holy Trinity, Drybrook
Holy Trinity has been nestling at the northern gateway to the Forest of Dean, as a focus of Anglican worship since 1817, however, the story of Forest Church began when Rev. Henry Berkin began work among the foresters c1809. Adjacent to the Church, is the ‘School room’ which is used by community groups as well as the Church.
Further details on the history of Grade II listed Holy Trinity can be found on the Parish website.
Both the church and the school room have been well maintained over the years with regular maintenance and minor works projects being completed on an annual basis. Most recently an internal repaint of the school room was completed. Plaster works were also undertaken in the Nave and Chancel, mostly paid for by Grant Aid.
The PCC regularly review the work needed for both buildings and prioritise accordingly including external guttering and coping stone replacement works.
Holy Trinity has a good set of accounts and is financially viable with sufficient contingency funds held. As with many churches the contributions and donations only just cover the running costs so ongoing fundraising events are essential to help improve the church and grow its outreach work.
Benefice Profile, Page 16 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 The Church of the Holy Jesus, Lydbrook
The Grade II Church dates from the 1850’s and is built from Grit Stone on the exterior to match its surroundings whilst the inside is decorated with Bath Stone. Sitting high above the village, current building consists of a large and open chancel and nave, choir vestry, south porch and west tower; the saddle back roof of the tower is an unusual feature for the Forest, but quite common elsewhere in Gloucestershire.
The church has benefitted from the removal of its original pews, which were over 20 feet in length, and now has comfortable seating for 250. The visual effect has been to make the church look brighter and larger.
The PCC is applying for funding to repair the tower and roof. Fundraising is also well underway to refurbish the WC, kitchen, heating and lighting system
Benefice Profile, Page 17 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 St John the Baptist, Ruardean
The church, dating from the year 1111, is the village’s centrepiece and a prominent landmark. It includes a chancel, nave, south aisle, west tower (which contains a peal of 8 bells) and a 180ft spire that was added in the 14th century. The church is listed Grade II* and stands in its own churchyard which is still used for burials. Pews have been removed from the back of the nave to enable the church to be used for other community events.
The church is in a good state of repair, although as with any building of its age there are things that constantly need attention. There is a project underway to restore the church’s bells, re-instate a ringer’s gallery and fit kitchen and WC facilities.
In 2011 the church benefitted from an English Heritage Grant for essential roof, tower and spire repairs. One of the requirements of the grant was that the church should be open for the benefit of the local community for at least 40 days a year. This fitted in well with the ongoing regular Café and Soup and Pudding lunches, especially after the rearrangement of the rear of the church to allow greater flexibility of use.
The church also benefits from a stewardship scheme.
Benefice Profile, Page 18 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 Looking to the future Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3
What are the PCCs and congregation hoping for?
Ensuring effective pastoral care and outreach Enabling the Benefice to function well with a strong sense of common purpose, developing patterns of Ministry that are sustainable and will enable growth Developing links with schools and finding new ways to share the Christian faith with younger generations Developing a range of worship styles Put the Benefice at the heart of the community by developing new ways of engaging and collaborating with the wider public Establish a flourishing Benefice which is relevant to the worshipping community and outward looking beyond each of its villages for future generations. Involve more uniformed organisations into the life of the churches Whilst creating togetherness within the Benefice, also understanding that each church has its own identity
What is going well?
Youth work and outreach teams The wide variety of services that are offered between our three churches The wide range of social activities
What could be better?
Cooperation and collaboration across the Benefice Communication across the Benefice What is the vision? To reach out further into the community and to enable growth through faith and worship.
Benefice Profile, Page 19 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 The new incumbent: gifts, skills and experiences
The Benefice is looking for an incumbent who will be:
A supportive team player with a track record of releasing the gifts and experience of other ministerial colleagues and of congregations; someone not afraid to entrust responsibility to others Able to lead and manage change sensitively and effectively, caring for the communities that they serve A good communicator of the Gospel, able to relate well to different age groups, audiences and contexts Willing to listen to the needs and hopes of both the congregations and wider community, but who also brings a vision and passion for rural, multi-parish ministry.
The Benefice: what we offer
Building on the benefice’s strengths and addressing its challenges and weaknesses, we offer:
Supportive and committed colleagues, PCCs and congregations who look forward to welcoming our new incumbent and working with them A readiness to see a broader mix of services and events that enable the church to engage with the community. A willingness to review and adapt existing patterns of worship, ministry and meetings to free up time and energy for trying new things in line with the diocesan vision for Effective Ministry in Every Parish.
The Rectory, a 4-bedroom purpose-built home, is located in the Parish of Ruardean. This is because it is located equidistant from the other two churches and in close proximity to the only Church of England school within the Benefice.
These are some suggestions given from the congregations of all three churches:
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Benefice Profile, Page 22 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 Appendices
The Rectory
Benefice Services
Geographical Information
Benefice Profile, Page 23 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 The Rectory
The Rectory is a 2-storey detached property situated within the heart of the village of Ruardean and has ample off-road parking, garage and gardens.
The accommodation comprises entrance hall, cloakroom, study, lounge, dining room, kitchen and utility. To the first floor is 4 bedrooms, bathroom and shower room. Benefits include oil-fired central heating (new boiler installed January 2018) and double glazing.
ENTRANCE VIA Double glazed door to:
ENTRANCE HALL Comprising storage area, doors to:
STUDY 4m x 4m
CLOAKROOM WC and wash hand basin
LOUNGE 4m x 6m Open fire, patio doors leading to rear garden
DINING ROOM 4m x 4m Rear aspect window.
KITCHEN 7m x 3m Range of wall and base units, worktop, rear aspect.
Leading to
UTILITY ROOM 3m x 3m Sink unit, plumbing for washing machine, central heating boiler. Door leading to further storage and external space.
Benefice Profile, Page 24 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 From Entrance Hall, stairs to:
BEDROOM ONE 4m x 3m Rear aspect
BEDROOM TWO 4m x 3.5m Rear aspect with double fitted wardrobe
BEDROOM THREE 4m x 4m Rear aspect with fitted wardrobe
BEDROOM FOUR 3.5m x 3m Rear aspect. Access to boarded loft space at floor level.
BATHROOM WC, bath, hand basin
SHOWER ROOM WC, shower, hand basin
OUTSIDE Tarmac driveway with parking for numerous vehicles, lawned area, access around to the side/rear of the property. The substantial rear garden has a number of trees and shrubs as well as lawn.
GARAGE 6m x 4m Up and over door, power and lighting and cold water tap.
STORE ROOM
Benefice Profile, Page 25 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 Benefice Services
Currently, weekly Sunday services taking place across the Benefice are:
Drybrook Lydbrook Ruardean 8am 11am 6pm 9.30am 3pm 10am 1st Said BCP Family BCP Sung Worship for Sunday Communion Communion Evensong Communion All 2nd Said BCP Sung BCP Sung Sung Sunday Communion Communion Evensong Communion Communion with Healing 3rd Said Informal Communion Sung Informal Family Sunday Communion Family Communion Family Communion Service Service 4th Said Sung BCP Sung Sung Sunday Communion Communion Evensong Communion Communion 5th Benefice Service – location rotated across the Parishes Sunday
Currently, weekday services taking place across the Benefice are: Drybrook Lydbrook Ruardean 10am 11am 2.15pm 8am 6.30pm Monday Morning Prayer Tuesday Service of Morning Prayer Prayer Wednesday Said Communion Morning Communion at local Prayer Nursing home (1st only) Thursday Morning Celtic Evening Prayer Prayer Friday Morning Prayer
Benefice Profile, Page 26 The BrookDean Benefice January 2018 Geographical Information
The area is one of the most fascinating regions of Britain. Its relative isolation created by the valleys of two great tidal rivers, the Severn known widely for the Severn Bore and the Wye, together with its hilly terrain have helped preserve a pattern of land use, culture and heritage unlike anywhere else in the whole of England.
The stunning landscapes and spectacular scenery have inspired artists, craftspeople, inventors, poets and playwrights, as well as the many visitors who return year after year.
Arriving at the forest in April and May is also the time of year when the woodlands transform themselves into a soft carpet of bluebells. The heady smell combined with the visual feast, never fails to draw visitors, photographers and artists to the wooded areas.
Arrive in the summer and celebrate the beauty with a cruise along the River Wye from Symonds Yat or visit the nearby Yat Rock and watch the peregrine falcons, which have been nesting successfully for the last twenty years under the watchful eye of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
The Forest is at its best in the autumn when the majestic oaks, beeches and larches turn golden and russet. It is a great time to enjoy walks around the Sculpture Trail and visit the Cyril Hart Arboretum near Speech House, which has over two-hundred varieties of trees.
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