Team Rector The Romney Marsh Benefice An introduction from Bishop Rose hank you for taking an commuter-belt urban Our commitment to you interest in becoming the developments. Affluent areas We know that supporting healthy, first Team Rector of the often sit alongside pockets of flourishing ministers (lay and TRomney Marsh Benefice. You’ll see major deprivation, offering an ordained) is crucial for a healthy, from the rest of the profile some exciting and challenging mission flourishing diocese. That’s why we of the specific things that the context. offer the ‘Canterbury Diet’ to all benefice is looking for – and a little our incumbent ministers – this is of what the team here hopes the Where we’re heading an intentional programme for future may look like. Of course, At the heart of all we do is a vision ministerial development, health, part of your discernment process of transformation for ourselves growth and faith. A lay programme in coming to this role is gaining a and our communities: no one can is in development too. Additionally, sense of the bigger picture of us as encounter God and remain we offer a range of specialised a diocesan family, our vision and unchanged. In our diocese, we training events, as well as priorities for the future. want to increasingly become a opportunities for growth in prayer Christian community transformed and spirituality. Who we are through encounter with Christ, In short, I hope that you will be Founded in 597 by St Augustine, overflowing to transform and bless as excited by our vision, priorities Canterbury Diocese is the oldest the families, homes and and opportunities as we are. Be diocese in England and has a communities we serve in Kent: assured of our prayers as you special place in the life of the Changed Lives à Changing Lives. In consider your next step in ministry, national and worldwide Church. your role, in your place, we’ll be With its iconic Cathedral it forms a looking for you to play a crucial focal point for the life of the whole part in making this vision a reality. Anglican Communion, offering a Changed Lives à Changing Lives spiritual home and place of unites us in purpose but will be pilgrimage for people from every expressed in different ways nation and walk of life. according to what makes sense for Kent is renowned as the different parts of our diocesan ‘Garden of England’ and this rural family. It’s also a living strategy – as heart is core to our identity - yet we listen to God and one another, the communities we serve are very the shape of our work together will diverse. Our Diocese stretches undoubtedly change and grow. from Maidstone to Thanet, from Could you help to develop this the Isle of Sheppey to the Romney vision for the future? Find out Marsh. We have 350 miles of more here or speak to the Ven coastline with historic ports and Darren Miller, Archdeacon of The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin seaside resorts, alongside rural Ashford on 01233 712649 or at Bishop of Dover and communities, market towns and [email protected] Bishop in Canterbury

2 o all willing candidates for the Team Rector for The Romney Marsh Benefice. TThe PCC Members and Ministry Team wish you well, and God be with you.

he Romney Marsh The Romney Marsh Benefice Romney Marsh Historic Churches Benefice is set in a was formed on 1 January 2020 by Trust, remain in good order. The unique part of south east merging two smaller Benefices churches represent many forms TEngland in the most southerly and creating a new Benefice with of worship, formal and informal, part of the Canterbury Diocese. a Team Ministry to consist of a traditional and contemporary. It is a place of physical contrasts, full-time Team Rector and a full- We offer a four-bedroomed with beautiful, sometimes wild time Team Vicar. detached Rectory with an landscapes, offering countryside The current Team Vicar (a full- enclosed garden and off-road and seaside, and areas of urban time stipendiary post) has been parking in a quiet road in New development. in post since 2017, and he and Romney. The town has a range of It has a population of around his wife live in Lydd. Currently shops and is conveniently located 22,000, mainly living in the small the Team has the benefit of on the Marsh. towns of Lydd, New Romney an Assistant Priest living in Within the Benefice there and Dymchurch and coastal Dymchurch. are six primary schools (three communities along the coast. The There is also a number of of which are Church of England remainder reside in villages in the retired PTO and self-supporting schools) and one secondary surrounding countryside. clergy, several readers and ALMs school (The Marsh Academy). The towns of Folkestone, and others offering ministry in There are other schools and Ashford and Rye are just outside the area, and the Benefice has a places of further education in the boundary. The city of part-time Benefice administrator. Folkestone, Ashford and Rye. Canterbury is 50 minutes away by There are positive links with other With this invitation we have car, and London can be reached religious denominations. included a short introductory from Ashford by train on HS1 The Benefice is made up of 14 summary about each church, in 37 minutes. Ferries and the churches in eight parishes. Most beginning on page 6. More Channel Tunnel provide easy of the churches are medieval and, detailed descriptions of the access to France. with the generous support of the churches start on page 13, and

3 information about the Rectory those in economic and emotional • A strong, flexible, diplomatic can be found on page 5. difficulties. and open-minded person of Across the Marsh there are God who is ‘comfortable in their The Romney Marsh clubs and societies supporting own skin’; is confident to pause, The Romney Marsh is an many interests, a vibrant artistic, listen, delegate, identify and environment of opportunity theatrical and musical cultural nurture the ministry of others. and challenge. The population is scene, sports teams and activities. • Someone adept at diverse: young and old, rich and The Marsh is steeped in history. demonstrating pastoral and poor. Many families have lived New Romney is a Cinque Port and diplomacy skills. As with here for generations. Others have a number of wonderful events many communities there come here to retire. We have take place in the churches in have been occasional issues seasonal visitors, holiday homes New Romney and Lydd (a Cinque involving disagreements and and mobile home parks. Much Port ‘Limb’) and in the wider we are seeking someone who of the economic and physical community. understands the need for landscape is shaped by agriculture The physical landscape of the conflict resolution to promote and tourism, and there is fishing Marsh is breathtakingly beautiful unity within a church and on the coast. The Nuclear Power with its farms and beaches, sky to reach out to the wider Station at Dungeness is a key and water, grass and reeds, community in a spirit of employer in the area, and a stones and sands, unusual friendship. number of residents commute to flora, long horizon and stunning • We need someone to help us Ashford and London. sunsets. to engage more fully with the A real sense of community is Changed Lives à Changing Lives found in the towns and villages Team Rector (see Bishop’s introduction, page 2), but there are also significant The post we are seeking to fill to nurture us, guide us, love pockets of poverty, disadvantage, is that of Team Rector. We are us, care for us, support and deprivation and isolation. seeking someone with; encourage us, when required Foodbanks in New Romney and • A proven record of team chide us and direct us in our Lydd are run by churches, an management, and organisation. churches, our homes and Age Concern Community Hub There are many and varied workplaces, our schools and Centre provides support to the resources within the church wherever we are, that we may elderly all across the Marsh, and a communities and the wider in our daily lives be growing and number of volunteer groups, such population providing inspiring inspiring people of God here on as Caring together on Romney ministry, and the establishment the Marsh. Marsh (CARM) focus on helping of the new Benefice offers the those suffering from isolation. challenge for a Team Rector to • Given the demography of the The current coronavirus crisis work with others to continue Marsh a Team Rector will need a has highlighted that sense of to develop work with children, driving licence. community; there have been the elderly (both in their own Romney Marsh is a place to amazing and varied responses homes and in Care Homes), work with God and the church, to the needs of individuals. the homeless and the isolated, and the church parishioners will After the crisis eases there will and support counselling, wholeheartedly work with a Team be challenges for the church bereavement, healing ministry Rector for the word and work of congregations in supporting and prayer pastors. God to thrive in this place.

4 Living in New Romney

ew Romney can be In the recent pandemic when The HS1 train service from divided into two halves, they chose a ‘hub’ for community Ashford International to London as represented by the two help on the Marsh, it is a measure St Pancras (or the stopping train NWards – namely Town and Coast. of the community spirit that the to Victoria or Charing Cross) and In general the Town ward is Day Centre was the choice. the motorway access at Ashford the oldest part of the original There is a large retired provide practical links to London settlement since, up to the Great community in the parish and for those seeking the bright lights, Storm of 1297, the coast area several retirement homes but, and a number of folk commute now known as Littlestone formed balanced with the younger daily either there or to Maidstone part of the estuary of the River community, New Romney is a very for example. Rother which made New Romney pleasant place to live. The arts, theatre and cinema a prosperous port and with However, the Romney Marsh are well catered for in Folkestone, Sandwich one of the two senior in general is listed as a deprived Canterbury and Ashford should Cinque Ports. area and there is an area within one not wish to have to travel With two successful schools in New Romney which contrasts further afield. The nearby Channel the Town – St Nicholas Primary hugely with the well-heeled Tunnel gives easy access to and The Marsh Academy – you retirement area. Europe. have an age range of residents from the cradle to the grave. The Vicarage Although in recent times there has been a large amount of new-build north of New Romney high street, it is the housing in Littlestone which provides the greater percentage of more recent properties. Blessed with a least 12 thriving societies there is plenty for folk to get involved with. The Scout movement is well organised and popular with the young, and it is fair to say that if you want to sing, play an instrument, stitch or knit to your heart’s content, photograph or paint a picture then eat something delicious and seek company to exercise afterwards by walking, cycling, A modern, four-bedroom detached family house is provided close playing golf – or going fishing for to the town centre in New Romney, just a three-minute walk to the further recreation – then there church. Additionally there is a garage, space for off-street parking, is something for everyone in an and an enclosed rear garden. The house has easy access to the attractive historic town with a other churches of the Romney Marsh. friendly ‘feel’ to it.

5 Parish of Brenzett with Snargate

St Eanswyth, Brenzett St Eanswyth lies near the junction of the A2070 and the B2080 roads. The village houses a variety of people engaged in farming and local employment. A certain proportion of the inhabitants commute to neighbouring towns such as Ashford and Folkestone. ■ More details Appendix A ■ Church finances Appendix B

St Dunstan, Snargate St Dunstan lies on the B2080 road between the Brenzett roundabout on the A2070 and the railway station at Appledore. Snargate is a small church with only a handful of scattered houses supporting retired and farming personnel. It has a very popular public house (The Red Lion) which is 200 metres from the church. ■ More details Appendix A ■ Church finances Appendix B

6 Parish of Brookland with Fairfield

St Augustine, Brookland Brookland Church is unique as it has a separate bell tower – which is put to good use in the summer months as a very popular ‘Pop up Pub’. Evensong is centred on an ecumenical choir from surrounding churches. The church has an active relationship with the Nursery and Primary School. ■ More details Appendix A ■ Church finances Appendix B

St Thomas Becket, Fairfield St Thomas Becket enjoys more sheep than people, together with the Marsh frogs who offer vocal support to the monthly services. It sits at the heart of the farming community and celebrates an ever popular carol service, by candlelight (no electricity)! Both the TV and film versions of Great Expectations were filmed here. It is indeed a place of ‘great expectation’ and a hot favourite with locals and visitors alike. ■ More details Appendix A ■ Church finances Appendix B

7 Parish of Dymchurch with Newchurch and Burmarsh

St Peter and St Paul, Dymchurch St Peter and St Paul is a small 12th century Norman church, dating from about 1150. It is built from the same Caen stone as Canterbury Cathedral and filled in with Kentish Ragstone. The church is in very good condition, with no major repairs needed. A new heating and lighting system has recently been installed. The churchyard is closed although the district council has an open cemetery alongside. ■ More details Appendix A ■ Church finances Appendix B

St Peter and St Paul, Newchurch Newchurch is a small rural community with about 150 dwellings and a mixture of retired and working age community. It has a small restaurant and village hall with a vibrant social club. The Grade 1 listed church has two monthly services, communion plus a less formal service with a small congregation of 7-9 usually. Monthly coffee mornings through the summer and country markets are an effective outreach to the village, and together with a harvest supper and other events we have been able to pay most of our Parish Share recently. ■ Church finances Appendix B

Parish of Dymchurch with Newchurch and Burmarsh continued next page

8 Parish of Dymchurch with Newchurch and Burmarsh continued from previous page

All Saints, Burmarsh The church is a Grade 2 Listed Building of Norman origin. Although it is one of the smallest churches in the Romney Marsh Benefice, services are held twice monthly. The village has approximately 150 homes, the Shepherd and Crook pub, and a church hall. The church hall has served as an important facility for the village for many years and is currently in need of major restoration work. Popular fundraising events include a Flower Festival and, usually in May, a Plants, Ploughman and Pimms day. ■ More details Appendix A ■ Church finances Appendix B

Parish of Ivychurch

St George, Ivychurch Ivychurch (population 250) has this much- visited huge Grade 1 Listed seven-bay arcaded medieval church. As the church is without any fixed seating in the nave we utilise that space for a variety of purposes; from large Benefice services to exhibitions, children’s and genealogical workshops, Barn Dances, our annual Harvest Supper and more. Although congregations at regular services are often small, the church is regarded as important spiritually to many in the village and beyond. ■ More details Appendix A ■ Church finances Appendix B

9 Parish of Lydd with Greatstone

All Saints, Lydd An imposing church regarded as the Cathedral on the Marsh, All Saints is at the heart of the town of Lydd. Midweek and Sunday services and daily prayer are the rhythm of this place. An active bell ringing team and a growing choir support the Sunday service. The church is increasingly the focus of the community with its markets and it’s the largest concert venue in the area. We have Messy Church, Foodbank, and regular Sunday lunches as we strive to support our town. ■ More details Appendix A ■ Church finances Appendix B

St Peter, Greatstone St Peter is a modern building, opened in 1962, and situated close to the sea. It has a small, warm, caring and welcoming family from all denominations, mainly an older generation, who want to serve the Lord, be spiritually fed and to see God’s kingdom grow. A new hall is being built attached to the church which will serve the local community and help us in our mission. We hold a weekly house group, prayer for the persecuted church, Drop In for parents and children and a monthly Sunday lunch for those on their own. ■ More details Appendix A ■ Church finances Appendix B

10 Parish of New Romney with Old Romney

St Nicholas, New Romney St Nicholas is a Norman church built in the 12th century in what was one of the original Cinque Ports. At that time it was a harbour-side church because the River Rother came through New Romney, but the great storm of 1287 moved the river’s estuary to Rye. The church was enlarged during the following two centuries Positioned centrally in New Romney, St Nicholas upholds many of the annual Romney Marsh traditions and community events and holds arts festival concerts as well as special services such as those for local schools and the Mayor’s Annual Civic Service. ■ More details Appendix A ■ Church finances Appendix B

St Clement, Old Romney St Clement Church is a rural church with a very small congregation, which meets for festival services throughout the year. ■ More details Appendix A ■ Church finances Appendix B

11 Parish of St Mary in The Marsh

St Mary the Virgin, St Mary in The Marsh This ancient church is, along with The Star Inn, the focal point for a village of some 200 souls. It provides peace and solace along with a warm welcome to visitors and newcomers. Services are held on three Sundays of each month, including a Sung Evensong. The congregation averages 15, supported by a small choir and reputedly the best organ on the Marsh. Music is a major part of Outreach. The church is used by a community choir, for concerts, meetings, coffee mornings and fairs. ■ Church finances Appendix B

Parish of St Mary’s Bay

All Saints, St Mary’s Bay All Saints Church, built in 1938/39, serves the seaside village of some 3,000 inhabitants. This is largely made up of retired, active people and a small number of families. The village boasts a well-appointed village hall which, with the church hall, contributes to a positive atmosphere of community involvement. All Saints Church is supported by a stable and regular congregation at its Sunday and mid-week services and is well supported by the community it serves. The church is able to meet its financial responsibility. The church community is sincere in its worship but thirsts for a greater spiritual and pastoral leadership. ■ More details Appendix A ■ Church finances Appendix B

12 Appendix A • some detailed church profiles

St Dunstan also hosts several Fairfield holds one Sunday The parish of concerts each year, as the acoustics communion service a month for a Brenzett with Snargate of the building are very good and band of regulars and visitors who there is the facility of a grand piano. will cross the fields in all weather St Eanswyth, Brenzett Recently, a monthly Bible study and a popular carol service on the has been initiated. first Sunday every December. The In all, this is an active church carol service has been featured in which has a firm future. Country Living magazine several times and attracts people locally and from London and beyond. The church is a The parish of popular wedding venue and location Brookland with Fairfield for film, commercials, local artists and musicians. St Augustine, Brookland The parish of Dymchurch with Newchurch St Eanswyth, which has a Church of England Primary School in the parish, and Burmarsh has the potential for extending the St Peter and St Paul, provision of worship, as at present Dymchurch this is very minimal due to the logistics of staffing. There is a local demand for more frequent Services, Brookland is a small village with a big and the new Incumbent may wish to community spirit and the church is at pursue this within the resources of its heart. It is located on the Rye Road the newly created Benefice. There and is a tourist destination because is a Patronal Festival in September, of our unique tower, famous lead and Services around Christmas and font, and a wall painting of St Thomas Easter, which are largely supported Becket. by the congregation at Snargate. For worshippers, Brookland holds a monthly Sunday evensong and Dymchurch is the home of the St Dunstan, Snargate bi-monthly mid-week communion fictional smuggler known as Dr Syn, services. In the community, we Rector of the parish church. The have strong ties to the primary village, which has a wonderful and nursery schools, the farming sandy beach, is a very popular community and an embedded visitor holiday destination. Every two years ministry. Our pop-up pubs have Dymchurch holds a pageant during been successful both financially and the August bank holiday weekend in bringing the entire village (and called the Day of Syn, The village beyond!) together. widely supports this, many dress up in period costumes and the event Despite its apparent isolation, St Thomas Becket, Fairfield ends in an exciting battle on the St Dunstan has a loyal and committed beach between the smugglers and congregation who work very hard to the revenue men. maintain the life of the church. In fact, After most of the church services, it probably has the largest regular refreshments are made available and and frequent pattern of worship members of our church family have than any of the other smaller marsh the opportunity to sit in the pews churches. that have been rearranged to make it Outline plans and consultation more comfortable for fellowship and with the Diocese are moving forward to catch up with news. The church to provide a basic refreshment facility has toilet facilities and a portable within the church building, which Fairfield is defined by St Thomas ramp which can be used to give will entail bringing a water supply Becket Church. It stands alone in disabled people access. into the designated area and the a field and is arguably the most The PCC meets approximately provision of a sink, serving counter photographed church in Kent (sorry six times a year. Our main source of and storage facilities. Refreshments Canterbury!) and in the country. The income continues to be from Sunday are an integral part of the church’s Church would have been originally collections, regular planned giving fellowship, but at the moment water built from timber, but has been and tax recovery. Although we do has to be brought in in containers. transformed over the years. The not have a church hall, we manage During the Christmas, Easter and current appearance is that of how to hold regular fund-raising events Harvest periods, St Dunstan attracts it was in 1700s, with significant at either the Dymchurch Village many other worshippers, and it is areas having been rebuilt in 1913. A Hall or the Scout Hut. The events hoped to build up the church with distinguishing feature is the Triple are supported by the members of more regular attendees. Decker Pulpit. our church family and the wider

13 community. Our annual accounts are a general lack of local employment, our own fundraising efforts which subject to independent examination. and transport, Burmarsh and other includes a BBQ which takes place in Dymchurch Primary School, villages on the Marsh have become the gardens/home of a local resident; although not a church school, has areas of social deprivation. Pimms with Ploughmans and the Sale good links with our church making The village increased in size with of Plants, which has proved to be very use of it for school visits, their the building of a number of privately popular within the wider community. annual Christmas carol service and owned houses in the 1970s. The Our flower festivals too have been Nativity Play. population of the village remains another source of income. We wish to continue to build on fairly static with about two thirds of Our church is open as a place for our existing strengths. This includes the housing being privately owned quiet reflection and prayer in the offering varying services to meet and the remaining third rented from summer months. varying needs, continuing good links the local authority. The population with the local primary school, with is a mix of ages. There are some The parish of local nursing homes, with the local professional/executive/workers but Ivychurch branch of the Royal British Legion traditionally has been mainly manual and with local churches. labour or unemployed. St George, Ivychurch We continue to encourage growth The village has a pub and the in our church family and reach out to present owners are very supportive younger families and their children of the church and village community. within the community. The church has a hall and, as it was built over 100 years ago, it is in All Saints, Burmarsh very urgent need of renovation. The ageing congregation is small, with a slight increase in numbers during the summer months with visitors from the local caravan sites. Holy Communion takes place twice Ivychurch is a village four miles from a month. Various other services are New Romney with a population of held throughout the year, including approximately 250 comprising a fairly Harvest Festival, a Remembrance static mixture of the retired or semi- Service, a Christingle Carol Service retired, employed people, some who Burmarsh is a small village of about and a service on Christmas Eve which commute to London, younger people, 150 dwellings, the majority of which is always well attended. and children. In addition to the were built just after the Second Bell Ringing practice usually takes church the village has a public house World War and formed a focus for place on a Friday evening. and village hall. the village which had until then been There are seven on the electoral The church, a Grade 1 listed outlying farm cottages and buildings roll. Because of this small number building which attracts many visitors, covering a wide area. Being an and low church attendance, income is known as ‘the Cathedral of Romney agricultural area, and the increase from giving and collections is limited. Marsh’ (it competes with Lydd on in intensive farming, together with We rely heavily on PCC fees and Denge Marsh which is known as the

14 Cathedral of (or on) The Marshes!). It of the Christian year; an Easter Egg services and daily prayer are the is a huge seven-bay arcade medieval Hunt with short service on Easter rhythm of this place. An active bell church. Because the nave has no Day, a Service of Remembrance in ringing team and a growing choir fixed seating we are able to utilise November, Lessons & Carols with support the Sunday service. The the space for a variety of purposes; Christingle, accompanied by The church is increasingly the focus of the art exhibitions, children’s workshops, City of Canterbury Band, and a 9pm community with its markets and it is fundraising concerts, barn dances, Christmas Eve service with carols and the largest concert venue in the area. the annual Harvest Supper, and in readings. We have Messy Church, Foodbank, the north aisle, unusually, we have and regular Sunday lunches as we an exhibition of farming equipment. The parish of strive to support our town. We have a children’s activity table in Lydd with Greatstone the church which is often used during St Peter, Greatstone the day by parents and children, and All Saints, Lydd a refreshment table for use by any visitors. The churchyard is wildflower and insect conservation friendly. Although, as with many rural churches, congregations at regular services are often small the church is regarded as important spiritually to many in the village and beyond. The pattern of services has varied; currently having one regular service All Saints is an imposing church of Evensong, with Communion a regarded as the Cathedral on the A modern building which opened month. Attendance is much higher Marsh and is at the heart of the in 1962, St Peter is situated close at services for the major festivals town of Lydd. Midweek and Sunday to the sea. It has a small, warm,

15 caring and welcoming family from The local schools of New Romney is around 10%. There is probably all denominations, mainly an older use St Nicholas regularly for festival room for developing the church’s generation, who want to serve the services. outreach to the younger generation Lord, be spiritually fed and to see in St Mary’s Bay, however it needs God’s kingdom grow. A new hall is St Clement, Old Romney to be borne in mind that the village being built attached to the church has no school and that with 90% of which will serve the local community the population being adults it follows and help us in our mission. We hold that the focus of ministry tends to be a weekly house group, prayer for directed to that age group. the persecuted church, Drop In for The village benefits from a well- parents and children and a monthly appointed village hall, as well as a Sunday lunch for those on their own. church hall. The village is very much community minded and each and The parish of every day there are varying activities New Romney with in both halls. A large selection of the St Clement is a much visited church Old Romney population knows how to look after and churchyard (the film director, set itself and when neighbourly help is St Nicholas, New Romney designer and activist Derek Jarman needed it is never far away. Plenty is buried here), and is a very popular of unseen visiting is undertaken by wedding venue. Art exhibitions are members of the church community held here annually. and the PCC is well aware of the value of this outreach. There are many The parish of who contribute to God’s work in St Mary’s Bay numerous ways but don’t necessarily attend church services. All Saints, St Mary’s Bay The church was built in 1938/1939 on a shoestring. This was to cater for the growing population. It is not a building with high architectural merit, being of concrete block construction, but it is St Nicholas Church is the sole well maintained and loved and once survivor of four medieval churches inside one can only be struck by the in the ancient town of New Romney, beauty of its simplicity. one of the original five Cinque Ports. The very active PCC organises Based geographically and culturally regular social and fundraising in the centre of the town of New activities and the church has Romney, St Nicholas is the focus for been able to meet all its financial events both spiritual and temporal. obligations for many years. The Built in the mid-12th century, St Mary’s Bay is situated on a coastal church electoral roll stands at 34. St Nicholas church is a vital place strip between New Romney and In addition to Sunday services today for traditions within the Dymchurch. The village of St Mary’s which attract about 40 people, other Confederation of Cinque Ports of Bay has very recent origins, forming services are held during the week. which, together with Sandwich, New and developing after the First World All Saints Church is excited to Romney is the most senior. In 2021, War. The village is part of the Romney work together with the other parishes the church will be key in services and Marsh and is identified as an area of in the Romney Marsh Benefice. It has commemorations. economic deprivation. started the journey and will be there In modern times the church is The village is made up mainly to help and support those who will happy to be a venue for concerts of retirement age people, mainly lead it for the continuance of God’s and other gatherings to take place housed in bungalows. Over the years work. It is the belief of All Saints PCC which involve the whole community a few houses have been built making that the future of All Saints Church, as well as celebrating the traditional way for families to move into the St Mary’s Bay remains positive, spiritual needs and national events. area. The population of under-16s vibrant and welcoming.

16 Appendix B • church finances

The Romney Marsh Benefice came into being only on ■ St George, parish of Ivychurch 1 January 2020, so the most usefully complete sets 2019 2018 of figures – presented here – are for the old parish Receipts 39,397 8,730 configurations leading up to that date. Expenditure 40,898 9,166 The churches are listed here in the order they appear Excess of receipts over expenditure -1,501 -436 in the previous pages. ■ All Saints and St Peter, parish of Lydd with ■ St Eanswyth and St Dunstan, parish of Brenzett Greatstone with Snargate 2019 2018 2019 2018 Receipts 88,830 104,710 Receipts 15,624 10,035 Expenditure 85,032 102,186 Expenditure 15,073 12,574 Excess of receipts over expenditure 3,798 2,524 Excess of receipts over expenditure 551 -2,539 Additional receipt of 175,000 from sale of land for ongoing building project. ■ St Augustine and St Thomas Becket, parish of Brookland and Fairfield ■ St Nicholas, parish of New Romney 2019 2018 2019 2018 Receipts 21,151 17,273 Receipt 43,401 45,953 Expenditure 23,918 17,053 Expenditure 36,210 58,150 Excess of receipts over expenditure -2,767 220 Excess of receipts over expenditure 7,191 -12,197 Debt to Canterbury re Parish Share 26,500 ■ St Peter and St Paul, parish of Dymchurch 2019 2018 ■ St Clement, parish of Old Romney and Midley Receipts 72,411 29,417 2019 2018 Expenditure 62,540 30,149 Receipts 3,723 3,216 Excess of receipts over expenditure 9,871 -732 Expenditure 8,077 6,775 Debt to Canterbury re Parish Share 27,409 13,324 Excess of receipts over expenditure -4,354 -3,559

■ St Peter and St Paul, parish of Newchurch ■ St Mary the Virgin, parish of St Mary in the Marsh 2019 2018 2019 2018 Receipts 8,516 17,654 Receipts 53,295 19,252 Expenditure 9,457 6,527 Expenditure 47,628 18,814 Excess of receipts over expenditure -941 11,127 Excess of receipts over expenditure 5,667 438 Debt to Canterbury re Parish Share 5,216 4,299 Debt to Canterbury re Parish Share 2,030

■ All Saints, parish of Burmarsh ■ All Saints, parish of St Mary’s Bay 2019 2018 2019 2018 Receipts 9,282 5,613 Receipts 32,709 29,127 Expenditure 10,566 5,587 Expenditure 28,248 27,642 Excess of receipts over expenditure -1,344 -72 Excess of receipts over expenditure 4,461 1,485

17 18