Brochure for
The Benefice of Clapham with Keasden and Austwick and Eldroth
Austwick Church Clapham Church
Eldroth Church Keasden Church
Loving, Living, Learning: that’s what we are about as a Diocese. Priest-in-Charge The Benefice of Clapham With Keasden and Austwick & Eldroth
Bishop’s statement The united Benifice of Clapham with Keasden and Austwick and Eldroth is situated in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Forest of Bowland in the northwest of the Diocese. This area is of outstanding natural beauty and comprises small rural villages, scattered dwellings and generational farming communities.
It is important that the new priest will become immersed in the rural context and quickly become conversant in the socio-political dynamics so that he/she can relate effectively to the people they are ministering among. The priest will need to be a visible presence in the communities and a confident communicator of the Gospel across a wide social spectrum. Training in rural ministry is offered through Germinate (Arthur Rank Centre) and participation in this is a mandatory requirement for all new appointments.
It is envisaged that the development in Clapham of 22 new houses will provide housing to young professionals and families and bring a fresh vitality to the schools and community. This will simultaneously offer fresh opportunities for positive engagement for ministry and mission.
Our Diocesan vision is for confident clergy to equip confident Christians to live and tell the good news of Jesus Christ. In appointing to this post, we are looking for someone who is joyful and confident in faith, which can touch and inspire growth in rural communities. (S)he will want to engage with the two local VC and VA primary schools at Clapham and Austwick respectively and to the strengthen the relationship between church and school. (S)he will be energetic and resilient and have the leadership skills to help shape and cohere the ministry and mission of the churches with a vision for and commitment to the future wider Team Ministry.
The Benefice’s close proximity to the market town of Settle and neighbouring parishes brings opportunities for a informal working relationship which we would want the new priest to develop. In the past 12 months consultations have taken place across the parishes of Settle, Giggleswick and Rathmell with Wigglesworth; and the parishes of Horton in Ribblesdale and Langcliffe with Stainforth to bring them into a Team Ministry, and for Clapham with Keasden and Austwick and Eldroth to work as a Group Ministry in the Team. The scheme is presently on hold so that further consideration may be given to how this might be effectively led and implemented and to include Clapham with Keasden and Austwick and Eldroth in the Team. The Diocese is committed to effective and efficient resourcing of this area to the Dales.
The health and welfare of our clergy is very important to us. It is expected that the new Priest - in - Charge will participate fully in the life of the Deanery and Chapter, the Episcopal Area and Diocese and will look towards it for collegiality, encouragement and support. Assistance, support and mentoring will be encouraged.
+ Nicholas Leeds 15-7-17
Page 2 Might you feel called to the parishes of Clapham and Austwick as our Vicar (Priest in Charge), to share our journey and help us show the love of Christ in our communities, live with the love of Christ in our lives and learn more about our faith?
These are some of our hopes for the future:
Our churches will remain open and welcoming to all. We want to worship God cheerfully and deepen our faith and understanding. We want to continue supporting and nurturing families who are drawn into the church through baptism’s and children’s activities. We hope to continue to build on the good links between church and wider community. To support those who are involved in the offering of worship and young peoples’ activities and encourage others to become involved. We are open to new ideas that we haven’t thought of yet.
Please take a look at who we are and what we can offer as you prayerfully consider whether this might be the next stage of your ministry.
Page 3 ABOUT US GOD HAS GIVEN US ALL WE NEED In 2016, some of our parishioners attended an away Day’ led by the former Bishop of Ripon and the following characteristics of our parishes were identified:
● Faithful people ● Skilled people ● Leaders / Movers and Shakers ● Retired clergy / helpers ● Personal gifts and skills which are diverse so that there are people who can carry out a range of different jobs e.g. finance, administration / organisational skills, music, floristry, bakers! ● A core of people who CAN DO ● Financial resources and individual generosity ● Existing community groups and a community we can support ● A variety of worship ● Social conscience and a willingness / commitment to serve ● Village schools. ● Hospitality. ● Open holy places: church buildings, churchyards and a stunning landscape.
NAMING THE BLESSINGS In summary: ● Family, friends and community
● A church (building) to attend
● A church (community) to belong to
● Worship
● Forebears
● A Christian tradition
● A musical tradition
● Schools
● An ethos of service
♦ Our environment
♦ Doing what seemed impossible (in Clapham)
Page 4
The Benefice of Clapham With Keasden And Austwick and Eldroth
There are two parishes and four churches in the benefice:
The parish of Clapham with Keasden St James’s, Clapham St Matthew’s, Keasden
The parish of Austwick including Eldroth The Church of the Epiphany, Austwick The Chapel of Ease, Eldroth
The Communities
The benefice has a population of just over three thousand people, the two main villages of Clapham and Austwick are situated in the beautiful countryside of the western Dales, approximately 4 miles from the market town of Settle in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Keasden and Eldroth are close by on the other side of the A65 road which runs through the parish and are in the Forest of Bowland (Area Of Natural Outstanding Beauty). The parishes stretch across a large area of farmland with scattered houses here traditional farming activities continue. Other families have chosen to live in the villages as places which offer the country life. The benefice offers excellent commuter links to work either in Lancaster, Skipton or Kendal or further afield in Leeds and Manchester. Two church primary schools, both rated outstanding by OFSTED, and excellent local secondary schools are an additional draw. There is a strong community spirit and a range of activities in each village centred around the village halls. The area also attracts, tourists, walkers, cyclists, cavers and golfers with several courses nearby.
The churches have good links with the schools groups. Everyone looks forward to the special services at Christmas, Easter and Harvest Festivals.
Page 5 WHAT ARE OUR STRENGTHS AND WHAT DO WE DO WELL
● We are welcoming – our church doors are open daily and have clearly displayed ‘Welcome’ signs.
● We have high visibility in our communities, even among those who do not attend church, through a variety of events e.g. community events such as Clapham Street Fair, Austwick Street Market, Carol Singing, community gatherings such as Lent Lunches, garden parties, parish walks, musical performances, flower festivals, ceilidhs and an afternoon of readings and music (Eldroth). We initiate events and activities e.g. Queen’s Birthday, pantomime.
● We are inclusive (as demonstrated by the range of activities we are involved in). Austwick’s Afternoon Church Fellowship creates a welcoming environment and extends to the wider community.
● We work with church and non church organisations to support causes such as Meals on Wheels, Food Bank, the homeless, Macmillan, Children’s Society, Christian Aid, Age UK.
● Schools – supported by church through Governors, After School Club (Austwick), services in school, services with school.
● We also have a range of services across the benefice which are supported by all the parishes e.g. regular United Sunday Service, Taize, Lent Study Group in different churches.
● We have an annual Quiet Day at Parcevall Hall.
● Our church communities have an awareness of the needs of others and offer support both through the vicar and the congregation e.g. illness and loneliness.
● We have a range of buildings available from the large to the compact and we use them both for services and other events.
● We welcome links with other churches e.g. Newby Methodists, Bethel Chapel and St John’s, Bowling in Bradford.
● We are open to Fresh Expressions e.g. Church in the Pub, Messy Church.
● There is an excellent example of Outreach through one of our members who visits prisoners.
● A variety of worship and services.
● A regular monthly family service where children can fully participate, including Holy Communion.
● We have a worship group looking for opportunities to bring more people into church and at what connects people e.g. Messy Church / Forest Church / sports.
● House Communion held monthly at Clapham with 7-10 people attending supporting people unable to attend church and held as required in Austwick.
● Active choir with singers from all four churches singing at church services and events.
● We have an excellent team of bell ringers.
● Organists for each church.
Page 6 The Villages and their churches Clapham
Summary
● A safe and caring environment, supportive of all.
● The village has a community run shop which has quickly become the hub of the village. A number of church members are actively involved in this.
● Clapham is an ‘Estate’ village and the Ingleborough Estate is the major landowner. They have a very positive attitude to the wellbeing of the village and this includes the church.
● The general environment of the village is well kept, inviting to tourists and a wonderful place to live.
● There are many activities provided by a variety of groups including the church.
Challenges
● The percentage of people going to church is very small perhaps representing the fact that the community is ageing and many of the children at the school do not live in the village.
● The Bethel Chapel in the village attracts family groups.
Opportunities
● The church is used by many visitors (including children staying at Ingleborough Hall). There are many positive messages in the visitors’ book appreciating the peace and tranquillity of the church as well as the fact that it is well cared for.
● We have good links with the Methodist Chapel in Newby and they are represented on our PCC.
● It is a small community and this encourages us to share e.g. the annual pantomime is hosted by the village hall and church.
● There is much support in the village from non-church attendees for church activities such as the annual Street Fair, refreshments for various events etc.
● 22 new houses are currently being built!
Page 7 St James’s Church
The Parish Church of St.James lies at the head of the picturesque village of Clapham and is sited on the Craven Fault at the foot of Ingleborough. Clapham Beck flows past the west side of the church and passes under four bridges before leaving the village and flowing into the River Wenning and the River Lune.
The church is grade ll listed. The original church dates from the year 1160 when it was a wooden building. However, following the Battle of Bannockburn in 1318, the church was burned down by the Scots. A new church was then built in stone. The fine perpendicular tower is the only remaining part of that church. The present building was built and dedicated in 1814 and further alterations were carried out in the early 20th century. The old Jacobean pews were removed at the beginning of the century and replaced with the present oak pews. The old pews were used to panel the church walls. The church is the largest in the benefice and provides seating for 270.
The building is well maintained and is in excellent condition. Major restoration work was carried out in 2009/10, the majority of which was in the tower. The ground floor, previously the bell ringers' floor was utilised to form a new kitchen area and toilet and a new ringers' floor was constructed above the kitchen area. The three bells were increased to six and the old oak bell frame was replaced with a new frame of galvanised steel. The bells are rung regularly before Sunday services and on other special occasions by an experienced team of bell ringers.
In 2014/15 further restoration work was undertaken. The castellated parapet walls on the tower were found to be in need of repair on safety grounds and were, therefore, removed and rebuilt to include further reinforcement and support. The tower roof was also restored and covered in stainless steel as was the boiler house roof. The parapet walls around the main body of the church were also rebuilt to include a new damp proof course. The water -damaged plaster on the inside walls was replaced and the full interior of the church was redecorated. Other restoration work was carried out in the form of re-slating the roof on a lean-to section of the south side of the tower, repainting the clock face on the west tower elevation and restoring the stained glass window below the clock face.
Page 8 Bishop James visits St James’s The Bell Ringers Celebrate the Queens Birthday
St James’s Church Clapham
Clapham School regularly Musical events in church visit the church
Page 9 Bacon Butties Clapham Street Fair An evening with Alan Bennett
Church Social Evening Clapham
Annual Pantomime Church and Village Hall
Quiet Day at Parcevall Hall Messy Church
Page 10 Church Services Sunday services of Holy Communion commence at 11 am except on the fifth Sunday of the month when a United Service takes place in each of the four churches, on a rota basis, commencing at 10.30 am.
During 2016 the following services were carried out:
60 services were registered. These include 45 Sunday services, 40 of which were Holy Communion and 5 others as detailed below: Morning Prayer. Rogation and Pet Service with Holy Communion. Holy Baptism with Holy Communion. Harvest Service with Holy Communion. Service of Remembrance.
Services other than those on a Sunday: Funerals (3) Weddings (4) Lent Service Holy Communion (Tuesday of Holy Week) Holy Communion (Maundy Thursday) Crib Service with Holy Communion (Christmas Eve) House Communion (11)
Services involving school (1) Clapham school leavers' service. (2) Clapham school Harvest Service. (3) Remembrance Day Service. (4)Christingle Service.
Page 11 The church in the community
At Saint James’ Church we see ourselves as playing an important role in the wider community of Clapham: We have had a very active Foundation Governor at the school and the students visit church regularly. We have a programme of social events. Over the last year these have included, among others: ● The annual street fair ● An evening with Alan Bennett in conjunction with the Village Hall and local community film organisation; ● A concert by Craven Accordion Band; ● A Festival of Crafts and Flowers over August Bank Holiday; ● A well-attended Ceilidh; ● A pantomime in conjunction with the village hall. These activities are well supported by those in the wider community. ● Church in the Pub has also been very successful. This is held at the New Inn in Clapham and is supported by other churches in the Benefice including Newby Chapel.
Finances Please refer to the attached Annual Report and year end Accounts for full financial details. The summary is as follows:
There is a deficit for the year ending 2016 of £7,583.70, which follows a deficit of £14,701.55 in the previous year. We have over the past two/three years carried out an extensive programme of repairs to the church totalling in excess of £200,000. Whilst much of the funding has been obtained through grants, it has been necessary to dip into our reserves to make up the shortfall. During 2016 the final tranche of repairs were carried out totalling £15,876.36, this figure was met in full from our reserves.
Voluntary Giving during 2016 was £11,903.83 (excluding Gift Aid which is explained in the Accounts).
The Parish Share of £19,892.00 was paid in full (as in the previous year). Keasden Church contribute one third of the Parish Share each year.
We rely heavily on fundraising events, and are supported not only by our regular members, but also by the wider community, to whom we are extremely grateful. This continued support enables us to not only meet our Share commitments but also to maintain the church fabric.
Our funds at the end of 2016 totalled £41,365.43, compared to £48,935.91 in 2015.
Page 12 Austwick
Summary
● 70% retired, educated and middle class. Relatively few holiday homes. Well appointed village in an attractive environment. Liberal, welcoming, enthusiastic and tolerant – no ‘them and us’ re newcomers. Huge number of local organisations – sport and most activities are available locally.
Opportunities Time is available. Local infrastructure. Church in the Pub. We look forward to developing the opportunities offered by the new kitchen facilities at Austwick Church.
Challenges To create even stronger links with younger families and to encourage their involvement by music and family-friendly services.
More information about the Church’s involvement with and support for the community is contained in our Annual Report – please see attached document.
Church Services Sunday services of Holy Communion commence at 9.30 am. except on the fifth Sunday of the month when a United Service takes place in each of the four churches, on a rota basis, commencing at 10.30am.
During 2016 the following services were carried out:
133 services were registered. These include 49 Sunday morning services, 33 of which were Holy Communion and 21 others as detailed below: 8 Morning Prayer 8 Family Services 3 Holy Baptism within a Sunday Morning Service Harvest Service with Holy Communion Service of Remembrance 6 at Christmas and Easter Sunday Evening Services (9 including Service of Remembrance)
Services other than those on a Sunday: Wednesday Morning Holy Communion (51) Funeral and Memorial (8) Weddings (3) Lent Service (1) Joint Services involving school (6)
Page 13 The Church of the Epiphany
Although a Chapel-of-Ease is believed to have existed in the village by the late Middle Ages, the present Church was built in 1839 (with generous support of Charles Ingleby of Lawkland Hall) and consecrated by the Bishop of Ripon in 1841.
Towards the end of the 1800's, the Ingleby family (distant cousins of the main branch of the family at Ripley Castle) became munificent benefactors and, with their financial support, the Church was extended, the chancel added, better furnishings and a new stone pulpit installed, the pulpit having to be carted in pieces from Clapham.
All the stained glass windows dating from 1880-1890 were made by Lavers and Westlake of London, and some of them were given by parishioners to commemorate the 50th year of the reign of Queen Victoria.
An original Rose Window was added in 1883 at a cost of £1,100 but a replacement was given by Richard Bowring of Lawkland Hall in 1990 in memory of his wife.
The wood for the altar came from oak trees growing in Lawkland Hall Wood, and wooden racks for gentleman's top hats still exist beneath some of the pews.
Please see enclosed the guide to the church which provides a more comprehensive history and description.
The building is in good order: the 2016 Quinquennial Review suggested expenditure of some £3,000 was necessary.
The kitchen and toilet project was completed in July 2017 and was fully funded.
Finances Please refer to the Annual Report available as a separate document. The summary is as follows:
There was a deficit for the year 2016/17 of £3,098 following a surplus of £4,458 in 2015, principally created by the preliminary spending on the building project and the repairs undertaken at the beginning of the year.
During the year Voluntary Giving (including tax recovered under Gift Aid) was £30,423, a 2.4% increase on 2015 (£29,706). We continue to be immensely grateful for the support offered.
Parish Share for the year of £32,341 (£31,800 – 2015) was paid in full. Full payment of the Parish Share has been enabled by Voluntary Giving and supported by fund raising events.
Parish Share for 2017 has been assessed at £29,938 (2015 £32,341)
Year end funds were £102,267 (2015 - £105,366)
Page 14 The Chancel Rogation Sunday the Village Green
Church of the Epiphany Austwick
The Archbishop of York visits Austwick Weddings with great regularity
Page 15 Weekly School Assembly Led by the Vicar The Queens 90th Birthday Celebrations
Members of the church support the run for life
Austwick Annual Street Market Regular Parish Walks
Page 16 Keasden
Summary The church has become the centre/hub of the community as there is no ‘village’ centre. Special services and events throughout the year include a parish walk at Keasden Head at New Year; a Lambing Service at the end of May; a summer parish walk and barbecue; and carol singing on wet December nights. Good community spirit coming together for events and fundraising - always well supported and have 'good cakes'! Strong links with people no longer within the parish who have moved away or have strong family ties with Keasden and still support the church. Verger and organist who are very dedicated to the church.
Opportunities
A faithful core – mostly from farming backgrounds and living locally unless they have retired to Bentham. Families have worshipped at this church for generations. The church and churchyard are precious. Two new families have recently joined. Successes – The annual Lambing Service and Parish Walk.
Challenges
The church is the only community building. Breaking into newcomers’ lives. New leaders after the current generation have gone.
Saint Matthew’s Church, Keasden
Keasden is situated three miles from Clapham, and the ecclesiastical district it covers is remote and scattered, covering a wide area measuring six miles by ten.
Church Services in Keasden were originally held in a bobbin mill but, in order that people might have the advantage of a more suitable place of worship, James Farrer of Clapham “came forward in the more liberal manner, not only providing a piece of land about 2 roods and 28 perches in extent, but also had erected a neat looking and substantial small Church”.
The building, which can accommodate about 100 people, was built in a fairly simple character architecturally. The windows are single lancets with three windows grouped together to form an east window, and all are glazed with tinted rolled glass.
The Church and adjacent burial ground were consecrated by the Lord Bishop of Ripon in September, 1873.
Page 17 Eldroth
Summary
A scattered community consisting of farmers, small businesses and commuters. Physical assets are a village hall and a small church. There is lots of support for the church (which was formerly the school). Many attend church events and occasional services. Service pattern – once a fortnight, 9.30am or 7pm. ● There is a sense of spirituality and history in the building. ● The Taize service twice a year attracts people from beyond the benefice
Opportunities. Some new families with young children Potential for outdoor Messy Church? There are families connected with the church who have young children. Now has a licence for marriages. Family services – children invited who have been christened in the church.
The Chapel OF Ease Eldroth
The Church was founded in Eldroth circa 1627 to save the people of the hamlet from having to travel “about two or three miles to the Parish Church (in Clapham) and having such waters between as many times to be impassable either on horseback or foot”. Gyles Moore and John Radcliffe built the chapel / school house in order that “prayers can be read and children taught”, and the funding for the work was a gift from Gyles Moore of the money from the rent of cattle gaits.
The building was re-roofed in 1812 at a cost of £10-4s-6d, then thirty years later the school house was built as, prior to then, the one building had served as chapel, school and teacher's dwelling place.
Major restoration (including re-roofing again) took place in 1861, when the porch, fireplace and chimney were all added. The school eventually closed in 1947.
Severe flooding from the railway occurred in 1976, destroying the Church floor and creating the onset of dry rot. Repairs had to be carried out to internal walls, stonework and the wooden floor, and a new carpet and replacement altar rails and furnishings were all installed.
Page 18 Keasden Church Parish Walk to Keasden Head
Keasden Church Interior Keasden Lambing Service The Lamb on its way
Eldroth Church Cream teas At Eldroth
Eldroth Church Interior Theatre in church Local Wedding
Page 19
Our Worship This is our current normal pattern of worship.
1st Sunday 2nd Sunday 3rd Sunday 4th Sunday 5th Sunday
Clapham 11.00 am 11.00 am 11.00 am 11.00 am 10.30 am Joint Holy Holy Holy Holy service of Holy Communion Communion Communion Communion Communion occasionally family communion
Austwick 9.30 am 9.30 am 9.30 am 9.30 am 10.30 am Joint Holy Morning Prayer Holy Holy service of Holy Communion (BCP) Communion Communion Communion 6.30pm Holy Communion
Eldroth 9.30 am 7.00 pm 10.30 am Joint Holy Evening service of Holy Communion Prayer BCP Communion CW
Keasden 11.00 am 2.00 pm 6.45 pm 2.00 pm 10.30 am Joint Holy Holy Evensong Evensong service of Holy Communion Communion Communion
In addition, there is a 10.30 a.m. service of Holy Communion at Austwick every Wednesday morning.
Every fourth Thursday there is a 10.30 a.m. House Communion service at Clapham
Services are regularly supported by retired and visiting clergy.
We would hope that the new Priest-in-charge will respect the traditions of our forms of worship, but at the same time, will want to encourage us to explore new possibilities and ideas.
Vestments: alb and stole are normally worn at each service.
Page 20 The Life of our churches
Congregations
Our congregations on Sundays vary according to the type of service but average around: 19 at Clapham 34 at Austwick 20 (mean) and 12-14 regular worshippers at Eldroth 8 at Keasden. We know that significantly more people in the villages and area like coming to church at the special services at Christmas, Easter and Harvest for which congregations can regularly exceed a hundred. They value the church being there for the milestones in their lives - in total there were 7 baptisms, 15 weddings (7 at Eldroth) and 13 funerals in the churches last year. In addition, a number of people from outside the parishes choose to get married in our churches each year.
Children, Youth and Family Work
An after school club has been developed by the Vicar supported by three lay workers which has grown in the last few years with in excess of 20 children of primary school age and pre- school and their families regularly attending.
Schools
There are two Primary schools in the Parish, at Clapham (C of E Voluntary Controlled) and Austwick (C of E Voluntary Aided), each with their own head teacher. Both were judged to be Outstanding in the most recent OFSTED inspections. They have strong connections with the church and we are really welcomed into their communities. The Vicar takes regular assemblies at both schools. The schools come into church each term with the parents for celebration services. Some children from the schools also attend regular services with their parents. The Vicar has traditionally served as a Governor at both schools.
Page 21 Who’s Who
Clapham Churchwardens - Colin Brindle and Liz Mason PCC Treasurers - Ron Wilson and Denise Wilson PCC Secretary - Sue Mann
Austwick Churchwardens - Mark Foulds and Giles Bowring PCC Secretary - Sally Edwards PCC Treasurer - John Dyson
Keasden Churchwarden - Graham Taylor PCC Secretary - Angela Peach PCC Treasurer - John Casson
Eldroth Churchwarden - Lorna Pimperton PCC Secretary - Barbara Harrison PCC Treasurers - Richard & Marjorie Booth
Clerical Support We are fortunate that retired clergy in the area are willing to assist with services and provide cover when necessary.
Eucharistic Assistants Eucharistic assistants have been appointed at each church to assist during communion services. Four at Clapham, Four at Austwick, two at Keasden and one at Eldroth.
The Vicarage This is a very attractive and substantial six bedroom family house in the centre of Austwick, next door but one to the church. It has beautiful views to open countryside and a good sized garden to the rear of the house, large garage and off road parking.
The Wider Church We are in Bowland and Ewecross Deanery and play our part in Deanery Synod.
Page 22 Looking to the future Our Vicar (Priest-in-charge)
We would welcome a person with the following attributes and gifts:
Someone who will provide spiritual leadership to help us develop and grow our faith
Someone who is enthusiastic and is able to generate enthusiasm in others
Energetic
Musical or can inspire good music
A confident communicator especially in faith issues
Inclusive and supportive of the whole community, whether church attendees or not
Imaginative and open to opportunities
An enabler
A good listener
Willing to participate in and contribute to fundraising activities
Interested in and aware of the challenges facing rural communities
Willing to encourage: a) the development of lay readers in the Benefice (there are none resident at present) and b) discipleship and participation in courses (e.g. Lent, Advent), working with the Methodist community where appropriate
Ability to connect with young people and encourage them to explore the Christian faith
A driving licence is considered essential
In our turn we will pray for you and help and support you to the best of our ability.
Page 23