Welcome 1

Summary 2

Location 3

New Homes 4

Benefice

About us 5

Current Worship 6

Who We Are 7

Benefice Activities and Community Events 8

Our Churches

Holy Trinity, Paulton 11

Holy Trinity, 13

St John’s, Farrington Gurney 15

Deanery Information 17 This word cloud shows the results of the survey which we invited Diocese Information 18 all members of our local communities to complete. The larger the Your New Home? 20 word, the more frequently it occurred.

Skills and Personal Qualities 21

Contacts and Links 22

Heavenly Father, whose word created all things, help us to select the right words to find the person whom You have chosen to be our new minister.

Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd, W elcome to this profile of our Benefice and its three help us to discover a new shepherd for Your flock in churches. We hope that what you read here will interest you Farrington Gurney, High Littleton and Paulton. as you explore in prayer where your next ministry might be. We would love to explore with you whether you can guide and Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised will be with us always, inspire us in our desire to encourage all in our communities help us and guide us as we seek to bring a new light – to come and grow with us as we learn more about God’s love, not only to our churches, and to share in fellowship where we care for each other and but also the wider communities in our Benefice. are fed, both spiritually ...... and with cake!

Come, Share W e seek to reach out more to all in our communities, especially to families wherever they may be. We want to improve our buildings so that we can invite all to use more easily the beautiful, peaceful spaces they provide. We seek, when asked, to listen to people’s concerns and to encourage all who have a desire to learn more about the faith we all hold and Be Fed. so dear. T his profile is designed to provide you with a great deal of information about our Benefice today and how we see it growing in the future under the guidance of our new vicar.

Thinking about taking on a new post can be both daunting and exciting at the same time. However you can be sure that, should Children from Farrington Gurney school drew the things they thought the new vicar should do. you come here, you will receive the warmest of welcomes. We offer you our support and encouragement, our love and Key Tasks prayers and plenty of hospitality! We have faithful congregations, beautiful churches, a large vicarage and a Our Benefice seeks to spread the Good News of Jesus’ life and love fabulous location in one of the most desirable parts of the for us throughout our community. We have identified a number of country. priority areas where further development will allow us to achieve this: We are excited about the next stage in the development of our Benefice and are looking forward to working with you. Outreach in our villages is critical, with a strong focus on children We are ready to move on. Are you? and families particularly through our primary schools.

Engagement is essential. Our churches are seen as central to village life and important drivers of community activity.

Growth in faith is central and requires encouragement, strong teaching and illuminating preaching.

Facilities improvement will underpin these developments, allowing more flexible and comfortable accommodation to welcome everyone.

Paulton cream tea 2019 T he Benefice is situated within the rolling hills and countryside south of Bath. There Bath are many historic villages nearby and the area is rich in industrial history. Paulton, High Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with plenty of Littleton and Farrington Gurney are within 2 miles of one another and are centrally opportunities to shop or explore the historic Georgian located between Wells (8 miles), Bath (9 miles) and (11 miles). Both Bath and Architecture. The yearly Bath Festivals and historic literary Bristol have main line rail stations as well as being hubs of History and culture. connections make Bath a central hub for culture and the arts. To Bath (A39) To Bristol (A37) Bristol Bristol is a lively and colourful historic city, known for being the home of Banksy. The Bristol Hippodrome has a wide variety of shows and entertainment throughout the year, coupled with the various other venues across Bristol and Bath, there is always plenty to do on offer. Bristol airport is within easy reach; just a 30 minute drive away. Wells The smallest city in , Wells is the headquarters for the diocese of Bath and Wells. The impressive structure of Wells Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace and gardens command the centre of the city. The Mendips There are many opportunities to enjoy fresh air and beautiful views stretching from Bristol, across to Glastonbury Tor and the Levels. The landscape has long been a source of inspiration; the area is rich is prehistoric settlement and the hymn Rock of Ages was written at nearby Burrington Combe. The area is popular with walkers and tourists; there are many walking tracks criss-crossing the countryside. To Wells (A39) P aulton has seen much redevelopment recently as smaller parcels of land have been built upon. The most significant development occupies the former Purnell print factory.

Population growth statistics from the diocese show that Paulton is predicted to double in size between 2011 and 2021; from 5,300 to 10,000 people.

Parish survey results showed that parishioners were keen to Development continues at the Purnell site, Paulton. The estate is home to many young reach out into the new estates and see the churches become families. the heart or centre of the villages. We would like a new vicar to explore this missionary potential and help to unite these new High Littleton has also seen new developments. There have been two main parts of the community. developments; the first consisting of 10 homes; the second a development of 20 homes with space to further expand.

In Hallatrow, there are currently 8 homes being built with additional space to continue development.

Farrington Gurney currently does not have any active housing developments. Present We have come together as a Benefice and have found a worship pattern that suits the majority of our congregations. We are continuing to find new ways of working together and this profile is an example of this. It is the combined work of our parishes, who responded to a Benefice survey and who came together for a vision day in May 2019.

ur Benefice is situated in N. E. O Future Somerset within easy reach of the cities of All three parishes are on the same wave length as regards their future Bath, Bristol and Wells. The Benefice was priorities - growth, especially of families and young people, building formed in 2007 when the parish of High improvements and more outreach into the communities. We are all Littleton with Hallatrow joined the already committed to living and telling the story of Jesus. joined parishes of Paulton and Farrington Gurney. We each have our own PCC’s. Skittles 2019 Council There is a Benefice council, made up of the churchwardens from Living in Paulton the three parishes which deals with service planning and all There are a range of small shops in the village and a large Tesco matters common to the three churches. is about a 5-minute drive away. Also, there are three takeaways, Office a pub and an Italian restaurant plus a small library and café. We have a Benefice office working out of the Paulton vestry staffed Paulton has a doctor’s surgery and chemist located on the edge by voluntary administrators who deal with paperwork relating to of the village, close to the hospital and there are 2 dental baptisms, weddings etc. for the three churches. The office also surgeries in the centre. There are three secondary schools within publishes the weekly notice sheet and lesson and prayer rotas a 5/6-mile radius, two of which are part of the Midsomer Norton when needed and does any other relevant paperwork. All office Academy Trust. expenses are covered by the three churches. There are numerous clubs and societies for both adults and children and a football club, Paulton Rovers, which has a social Website club attached to it. There is a large park in the centre of the There is a Benefice website which is maintained and updated village with a children’s play area, tennis court and MUGA pitch regularly by a member of the congregation and has the potential for and on the outskirts, there is a recreation ground with a skate a vicar’s blog and integration with social media. Chris, our board park included. Paulton also has its own public swimming webmaster, is keen to assist and work with you in order to further pool. develop our digital outreach. Current Worship Pattern - Lay Led

- Vicar Led

Paulton Messy Church Craft

Benefice services rotate between the three churches and are always at 10:00am. During the interregnum we have suspended a Holy Communion with lunch (first Thursday) and the 8am Holy Communion on the second Sunday. Both previously held at Paulton. W e are a small but dedicated team who are willing to help you and the wider church communities. We have a diverse range of backgrounds, skills and experiences and are there when you need us to be. Here are just some of the teams that you can get to know.

High Littleton: Benefice office: Vicki Maule and Marilyn Smart are both Kathy Mayley and David Martin churchwardens. manage the benefice office and meet weekly to organise Derek Livsey is our church treasurer. forthcoming services.

Benefice webmaster: Paulton’s catering team: Chris Sue, June, Doreen, Jane and Alison

Farrington Gurney: Paulton: Clive Bowen is our church warden. Kathy Mayley and George Batchelar are both churchwardens at Paulton. Ian Piff is our treasurer. Our treasurer (not pictured) is Michael Johns-Turner. T he results of our Benefice survey showed that those within our communities valued our warm welcome. We believe our events are a key part of our outreach and future development. Paulton is home to a local branch of the Food Bank and collections are made regularly from all three churches. Within the Benefice, we hold a variety of regular and one-off social events. Forthcoming events are advertised on our Benefice website and through the notice sheet. Results from our parish survey have suggested keen support for these outreach events as well as a wish The Farrington Gurney Big Sing at the Farrington Inn to develop them further. Events are often planned to fit in with holidays, national events or the church calendar.

Some examples of recent events we have held across the Benefice:

 Benefice skittles match (a relaxed evening for us to be together as a Benefice and compete in a game of pub skittles)  Paulton plant sale  Marathon of music fundraiser for Paulton Church organ fund.  Benefice lunches  Lent lunches  Christmas tree and candle festivals  Carol singing in Tesco and The Farrington Inn  Pets’ services  Children’s picnics

High Littleton church café Red Arrows at Paulton Party in the Park Paulton Events Churches Together in Paulton (CHIP) This is the ecumenical committee for the village, Paulton has a busy social calendar, with a small which produces an annual calendar for village but hard-working events team willing to try new events including: ideas and support church fundraising initiatives. This year for example we have organised a village  Open the Book assemblies at the infants’ wide ‘church mouse hunt’ with activities for local school children to complete over the summer holidays.  Fundraising for Christian Aid Week (including a very popular quiz at Paulton Rovers Football Club) Coffee Morning  Presentation of pictorial bibles to the reception We hold a popular coffee morning every Tuesday. classes of the Infant school and ‘It’s Your Move’ This is well attended and appreciated by many in Messy Church booklets to the Year 6 pupils of the Junior school the village as an important chance to socialise More recently, in the past year we have begun in July. (and discuss both spiritual and secular matters), Messy Church on the second Saturday of each take time out or just enjoy some home-made cake! month. This has had a successful start (numbers Annual Events

vary between 20-50) and we now have several The church takes part in the annual Arnhem regular families who appreciate the different Double Hills commemoration in September, the format of service and variety of crafts on offer. Remembrance Day parade and the Christmas Not surprisingly, we also have good catering for lights switch on, the last two being organised by this, too! Though our Messy Church team is small, the parish council which is based in the village hall we are committed to putting in the effort to by the park. We also take part in the annual making every session as enjoyable and meaningful Paulton Party in the Park; this is a fantastic day, as possible. filled with community spirit, held every July.

Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF) Each week in Paulton, we run a successful mother and baby group (TGIF). It has been running for many years now and is much appreciated by the families that attend. Providing opportunities for children and young people to interact more with our churches was identified as a clear need in our Benefice survey. There is great willingness amongst the congregation to find different ways of involving families more closely with the life of the Party in the Park church. Fruity cocktails at Messy Church Farrington Gurney Events High Littleton with Hallatrow There is an annual Village Day held at the end of August at the Recreation Ground when the church Events organises the tea tent and bottle stall. This has been running for over 20 years and gives local groups and societies the opportunity to attend so they can promote themselves via a stall or exhibit and make some money for their funds.

Farrington Gurney Big Bike Ride

Village Day helpers Farrington Gurney has a strong sense of community and hold picnics and children’s fun Many of the local events in High Littleton revolve days. We have a weekly bible study group which around the Church Hall. A wide variety of offers discipleship and mission to people from community groups meet there and use the space across the Benefice. We also look for for events. Every month, we open the church doors High Littleton and Hallatrow Village Day opportunities to work ecumenically; during advent, for a church café, timed to coincide with mums We regularly organise skittles and bingo evenings we sing Christmas carols with the Methodist picking up their children from the church school in the Recreation Ground clubhouse and a supper Church at the Farrington Inn. across the road. Twice per month, we hold the twice a year in our church hall. These events are Benefice prayer group. open to all and help us in our outreach to the community as well as aiding our fundraising Hallatrow has a thriving NSPCC committee, which organises events each May and November. A village committee organises carols at Hallatrow

Triangle to which the vicar is invited. A church member is involved with each of these committees.

Carols at the Farrington Inn High Littleton church café The coffee mornings are exceedingly good. They bring in people from the village and provide a warm welcome to our church.

. Schools Building Paulton Paulton has very good infant and junior The church building is in relatively good repair community schools and there are two pre- although the last quinquennial inspection in schools and two nurseries within the village. 2018 mentioned that the roof will need some The infants’ school is rated Good by Ofsted attention in the future. At present we are and the junior school is rated Outstanding. raising money for major works to the organ, The infant and junior schools come into the due in 2030, and drawing up plans for the re- church at Christmas for their carol concerts ordering of the west end of the church. In and sometimes make class visits during the 2016 we had a new accessible path laid year. They have taken part in our Christmas leading from the front gate to the church, with festival events. help from some lottery funding. There is a room (with toilet) at the back of the church which is used for meetings and this has just had its kitchen area renewed, paid for by funds raised at our regular coffee mornings. The aulton is a large dormitory village with the Paulton concert band uses this room for P practice on Monday evenings. largest church in the Benefice and has recently seen a large amount of development Children from Paulton Infant School decorated Candles for our especially opposite the church on the former Christmas Candle Festival in 2018. Purnell’s factory site. This offers a significant opportunity for us to continue and develop our We are part of the ecumenical “Open the book outreach into all parts of our community. The team” that go into the Infant school twice a vicarage is situated in Paulton behind the month during term time. We would expect our church. new vicar to build relationships with both schools as part of our community outreach.

Paulton Tuesday coffee morning Royal Wedding Event 2018 How we do Things Finances Other Village Churches Paulton currently has no readers and our The church’s finances There is a Methodist church in Paulton and we church wardens lead the services when are reasonably sound. share services with them on a regular basis. necessary. We have rotas of regular lesson We have paid our We have also held joint Lent courses. Paulton readers and of prayer leaders. The electoral parish share in recent also has a Baptist church. We are a keen and roll numbers 50 and the average Sunday years. We have a gift enthusiastic congregation who enjoy trying attendance for the 11am service is 25. Though aid scheme, friends’ new things. In all our events and services, we we are a relatively small congregation we are envelopes for regular try to spread a message that is inclusive, friendly and offer a warm welcome to those giving and hold giving welcoming and full of joy. who come through our doors to services and reviews annually. At to our various social events. We have a regular present we have cash organist and a choir of 10 members and bell reserves of £15,526 of ringers who ring twice a month for our 11am which £692 are Marathon of Music organ fund- services. We have our full quota of officers on unrestricted. raising drive. the PCC including two church wardens and we send two elected members to Deanery synod meetings and we attend Deanery services The church supports the Children’s Society when held. during Lent and again at Christmas with a Christingle service which is always well attended. Other charities are supported on an ad hoc basis usually at Christmas with special collections and carol singing at the local Tesco and The Lamb pub.

Hand chime lessons at Messy Church

Paulton annual cream tea event 2019 TGIF toddler group High Littleton School Our most recent SIAMS report states: The outstanding leadership of the headteacher and governors drives the inclusive and High Littleton with Hallatrow our next parish priest. He would like someone distinctively Christian vision which permeates who is visible to parents, staff and children on daily life in this school. Collective worship and a regular basis, frequently visits the school to R E have a high priority within the school. support and lead collective worship and the On Remembrance Sunday pupils made a RE curriculum and to meet with the head, and powerful gesture to “remember” by decorating is part of the school’s Christian services. pebbles and taking them to the church, from The children are looking for someone who is where parishioners took them and placed them kind, respectful, passionate and encouraging, around the village contributing to the whole with a sense of humour! We recognise our village’s act of (2018) remembrance. school presents an opportunity of great The school’s vision and values clearly impact potential. on pupils’ lives. One mother said it really T here are currently 21 people on our makes them think, and another that, through electoral roll and our average Sunday Community their child, her family now feels connected to attendance is approximately 12. However our A bi-monthly village magazine affords the the church. annual Remembrance Service attended by opportunity for us to give information about When asked “what would you say to Jesus if Royal British Legion and uniformed groups, church services and events and has regularly you met Him”? one pupil said “Please can you our Christingle Service and our Carol Service included a brief reflection by the Vicar. We help me to build your house in my home?” One see the church full. There is a fortnightly anticipate that our new Vicar will continue to pupil said “Jesus is always with me”. Another benefice prayer group lead by High Littleton. do this. It is delivered free of charge to all said “I always forgive everyone. There is households. always good in people, you just have to dig deep.” School A village committee organises carols at We have strong links with our primary school Hallatrow Triangle to which the vicar is invited, which is C of E (VC) and are proud of its ethos and a church member is involved with both and achievements. The school makes regular these committees. use of the church for services and a PCC member assists with the assembly The church has occasionally organised and programme. We are also represented on the hosted exhibitions for example in celebration Board of Governors. of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and a wedding exhibition at the time of the marriage The headteacher is clear in his expectations of of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. School prayer tree Diamond Jubilee exhibition We pay our parish share annually and this Inspection is due in 2020 and year we have made an additional donation to items which were considered the diocesan funds from our hall revenue. All urgent in the last QI have the collections at the Remembrance Service been addressed. The church go to the RBL, those from the carol service has no mains drainage, which are shared between Dorothy House Hospice has prevented installation of and the Cheshire Home, and the Christingle a proper kitchen area and Service collection is given to the Children’s toilet facilities. The church Society. We have chosen those services as hall is in a reasonable they are those with the largest congregations. condition, although the Royal Wedding exhibition 2018 kitchen needs upgrading and A stained glass window . In 2017, we completed repairs to the Church roof, costing £131,000, which was funded minor roof repairs have been at Holy Trinity, High Our church and hall are used authorised and are awaited. Littleton as venues for the Cam Valley largely by grants. It was particularly Arts Trail annually. The encouraging that fundraising and the village bellringers ring regularly here appeal raised over £34,000. Worship and at Paulton. They take At least half of our small congregation make In our communion services, we follow part in Heritage Open Days in regular, gift aided, contributions. We are Common Worship but would welcome September, and also run currently considering running a stewardship opportunities to explore other ways of worship (e.g. Taizé). We have a small team who lead training sessions on Friday campaign to reconsider our donation levels. afternoons for some school prayers on a rota each week and others who children. High Littleton PCC is in a strong financial lead non-communion services. Each lay- position. We make regular contributions to leader brings their own unique approach which Finances the running of the Benefice, and pay our share provides for variety and interest. High Littleton PCC is in the fortunate position of expenses incurred by the incumbent. Our lay-led services are informal and have an of owning a Church Hall. We are doubly fortunate in that we have a long term contract intimate feel and often conclude with with High Littleton School, leading to an Building refreshments. Inclusive, welcoming, annual rental income of £10,833. Without this Holy Trinity Church is a Grade 2 listed supportive, committed and prayerful, we are income, we would definitely struggle to Victorian building with a 12th century tower. an optimistic congregation looking forward to maintain our Church and meet our parish The central heating system was upgraded in the future with our new vicar. share. 2014 and is adequate. The next Quinquennial Farrington Gurney Schools music group holds sing-songs at the pub The thriving village school, which has proved to be extremely popular with rated good by Ofsted, is the locals. Strong links are established with Voluntarily Controlled (VC) the Parish Council who provide some support, by the Church of England as does the Duchy of Cornwall estate, and and has very close links to “A vicar should marry representation on the Memorial Hall the church. Bibles provided people” Committee. The church is open to walkers and by the church are presented to every child who visitors 3 days each week from April to attends the school and also prayer books to all November and free refreshments are provided school leavers. The school uses the church for (including dog bowl and canine biscuits). We lessons, special services, awards and hold a pet service once a year which is well celebration days, Remembrance Day worship attended and have a joint toy services at the and at the end of each term. We have two village Methodist church as well as other joint O urs is an ancient village mentioned in the representatives on the governing body. We services and social events throughout the Doomsday book as Ferentone; the church also have two village pre-school playgroups, year. We hold a weekly Benefice bible study stands in fields a short walk from the village with visits to the church, taking place at group. centre due to the demolition of many buildings certain times of the year. during the Black Death in the 1340s. The Weddings present church is Norman architecture and Mission The Church’s grade II listed. The small but dedicated picturesque setting and congregation reaches out a recent wedding there Formerly a mining village, Farrington Gurney is to the community, joining being mentioned in the fortunate to have a golf club, gym, purpose with village open days Times, highlighted an built village hall with playing fields adjacent, and holding children’s opportunity that we farm shop, a small co-op, garage and public picnics at the church have capitalise on: house. Interests and activities available where we see 35+ producing a wedding include WI, indoor bowls, yoga and an children and their brochure to hand to orchestra. parents. Twice a year our prospective couples. Sunday worship A recent wedding Building Farrington Gurney Primary School In the past few years we have carried out a number of building improvements providing access to the church for There is good liaison between the church and school, and in addition to everyone; especially for pushchair and wheelchair users. daily worship and RE lessons, children make visits to the church and There have been major repairs to the vestry roof, running churchyard for art and history projects. repairs to the tower louvres and a new LED lighting system During a recent RE Day in Farrington Gurney, some of the children gave has been installed; significantly transforming the ambiance their own ideas of tasks which need doing to make our churches within the building and raising light levels so that hymn books welcoming and inviting: can be read! For much of this work we have been fortunate to obtain grants but additional money has been raised through fundraising efforts and from funds. At the beginning of this Help everyone Print notices year (2019) we had a cash balance of just over £14,000 and Sing songs Wash kitchen happily we have always managed both charity giving and to pay our full parish share. Play the organ Hoover carpets Dust cobwebs Polish the brass cross Parish Journal Two members of our PCC publish the Give out bread and wine Arrange flowers 36 page full colour Parish Journal Baptise people Read the bible bi-monthly as a service to the whole village and the church congregation. Say prayers Be friendly Articles are included from the Vicar, This is what our chil- Give talks Light the candles dren want from our the Methodist Minister, our MP, Parish vicar Council, village organisations and Collect money Make tea and coffee others. This magazine is delivered free Make cakes to sell Marry people of charge to every home in the village and is available through other outlets. Breathe easy! The vicar is not expected to do them all! We know from verbal feedback that the We have many talented folk to help. Journal is well read.

Parish Journal June 2019 T he Benefice of Paulton, High Littleton with Hallatrow and Farrington Gurney is in the Midsomer Norton Deanery, in the Archdeaconry of Bath. The other Benefices in the Deanery are:

 Chilcompton with Downside and Stratton on the Fosse  Coleford with Holcombe  Midsomer Norton with Clandown  with Writhlington and Kilmersdon with Babington  The St J’s Group – Peasedown St John, Wellow and Foxcote with In addition, clergy meet together in prayer clusters. These clusters have just Shoscombe been re-thought and it is planned that the new vicar of the Paulton Benefice  Timsbury with Priston and Camerton and Dunkerton will meet with the vicars of Midsomer Norton (to go into vacancy in October Westfield 2019) and Radstock. This would make a third cluster in the Deanery. Of the others, one meets once a week (and includes ecumenical partners), and the All of these have full time post clergy except for Coleford with Holcombe other once a month – it is up to the individual cluster. (half time) and Westfield (Vicar of Westfield and Deanery Mission Enabler). In addition, the Timsbury Benefice has a House for Duty post, particularly responsible for Camerton and Dunkerton.

The Deanery Leadership Team (officially DMPG – Deanery Mission and A Deanery Film has recently been produced and may be viewed Pastoral Group) includes the Area Dean, two Assistant Area Deans, the at https://www.colefordwithholcombe.co.uk/deanery/

Lay Dean and Deputy Lay Dean. They meet, together with four others, A Deanery Directory has been started and the latest edition may about four times a year. also be viewed at https://www.colefordwithholcombe.co.uk/

deanery/ The Clergy Chapter normally meet on the first Thursday of every month, except for January and August, between 12.00 and 2.00 and take it in turn When you go through to the Password Protected page the to host. In December the Chapter meeting is a Christmas Lunch currently password is Churches (with a capital C). Normally once a week, held in a restaurant in Timsbury. Deanery News is circulated, to go on the Weekly Pew News In response to God’s immense

O ur vision speaks of the story of Jesus; his life, teaching and work, his death and resurrection; the story which is the context of our faith love for us we seek to be and the content of our message.

We seek to live this story as disciples of Jesus Christ in the world and to tell it, both in sharing the good news and by the way in which God’s people, living and our lives speak about Him.

The diocesan strategy is built around three priorities: telling the story of Jesus. To place mission and evangelism at the heart of all we do.

To re-align our resources towards mission.

To identify, develop and release the gifts of all our people.

The priorities provide a framework for decision-making and planning at parish, Benefice, deanery, archdeaconry and diocesan levels. A poem by Hazel Williams, one of our parishioners (known locally as the Pam Ayers of Paulton!). We hope this sums up what we have to offer and do hope you will consider being our next vicar.

We need a vicar for our three parishes and, if this work you undertake, you’ll get a warm West Country welcome and lots of homemade cake.

Get away from the noisy towns. Come here and you may find, in the rolling hills of Somerset, some peace for heart and mind.

Our villages need a shepherd, where the cider orchards grow, Are you the one who is called to come where the warm west breezes blow? T he vicarage is in Paulton, the largest of the three parishes. It is a light, airy, spacious family house, positioned to the rear of the church and central to village amenities. It was purpose built in 1962. Most of the downstairs rooms have south facing windows with views of the garden to the rear. Accommodation consists of a large lounge with dual aspect, hallway and stairs, cloakroom, kitchen/dining room, small utility room and study. Upstairs there is View of Vicarage from the front a family bathroom and five bedrooms. The property is accessed by a long drive with garage and parking to the front. To the rear is a large enclosed south facing garden mainly laid to lawn bordered with mature trees and shrubs. There is also a greenhouse, vegetable plot and plenty of space for flower cultivation for enthusiastic gardeners!

View of Vicarage from the rear Y ou will have gained an insight into our Benefice from this document and from your own research. You may have come to some conclusions about the challenges and opportunities of taking on the role of vicar here and we hope that you will want to explore these further through the application process.

This is a two way process and we have been thinking and praying about the sort of person we would like to take on this role in our community.

Your Personal Qualities Your Skills

In order to fulfil the role we think the following qualities are essential: We are looking for someone who:

 Strong personal faith  Can inspire us in our faith journey.  Can develop good relationships with both children  Spiritually aware and adults.  Has leadership skills which will facilitate the  Grounded, practical and realistic development of our faith community.  Organised  Has high quality time management skills, including the ability to prioritise.  Understanding, empathetic, encouraging and approachable  Has teaching and preaching ability.  Has excellent communication skills including using  Keen to engage with village life (e.g. hospitals, schools, events) social media. and reach out to new areas in our communities.  Has an awareness of the needs of the different sections of the community and is able to respond  Flexible and positive about change flexibly.  Wants to continue his/her personal and professional  Sense of humour! growth. T hough this profile document has provided lots of information, we are sure you still might have questions, so here’s where to ask!

Our Benefice website has lots more information about the villages and what’s on at church. You can visit it at: www.paulton-benefice.org.uk

For any queries regarding the vacancy, please contact: George Batchelar Telephone: 01761 414087 Email: [email protected]

Below you can find other useful links:

Diocese website: www.bathandwells.org.uk

Local Schools: www.paultoninfantschool.co.uk www.paultonjuniorschool.co.uk www.highlittletonschool.com www.farringtongurneyschool.co.uk

Local Authority: www.bathnes.gov.uk