The United Benefice of Elmton with Creswell and Whitwell with Steetley
In the Diocese of Derby
Welcome to the profile for the United Benefice of Elmton with Creswell and Whitwell with Steetley
We hope that you see in this the next stage for your Ministry.
The Benefice is located in a semi-rural area of North East Derbyshire that was once reliant on coal mining but now the local population mainly commute to the local towns of Chesterfield, Worksop and Mansfield. We are surrounded by beautiful countryside with easy access to the M1 motorway to the west and the A1 to the east and are within easy reach of the Peak District National Park. The World Heritage site of Creswell Crags is located within the Benefice. Clumber Park (National Trust) is just a short drive away.
The four Churches are in good order and the Church family is about 96 strong with 50-70 communicants on Sundays. We became a United Benefice in March 2018.
Page | 1 From the Area Dean
2020 is an exciting year to join Derby Diocese.
There is a sense of anticipation as we all work together with our recently appointed Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Libby Lane, towards a clear vision for the Diocese, its churches, congregations and communities.
The new Rector of this United Benefice will be able to be a part of this, joining a welcoming and strong Chapter, a Deanery with a clear identity and willingness to work together, and churches who know there are challenging times ahead but are committed to see their churches grow in every way.
Please read this profile with a heart and mind open before God, asking Him if you are who He is calling to come to pray, learn, tell and serve together with us here in North- East Derbyshire.
We look forward to hearing from you,
Rev’d Canon Karen Hamblin Area Dean, North East Derbyshire Deanery
Page | 2 Contents
The Priest we are looking for Page 4
Introduction to the Benefice Page 5
The Churches Page 6
Church Life Page 10
Across the Benefice Page 11
Finances Page 11
Mission Activity Page 12
What’s working well Page 14
Things to develop further Page 14
The Villages Page 15
The Rectory Page 18
Schooling Page 18
Transportation Page 18
Further Information and next steps Page 19
Page | 3 The Priest we are looking for
This position offers a challenging opportunity for a Priest to nurture and develop the spiritual life of our congregations and enable growth. We hope this person will:
Deepen and strengthen our love of God Be both a teacher and a leader who has an earnest concern for people to know Jesus and who will work towards nurturing and growing disciples Enable growth in every way Work with us to lower the age profile of our worshipping community Be open to introducing new styles of worship whilst being sensitive to the needs of our existing worshipping community Have a pastoral heart for the congregation and sensitivity towards our differences Have an ability to enthuse others Recognise the gifts, talents, strengths and calling of our Church family Look for ways of reaching out to the residents moving into the new housing developments within our Benefice (approx. 950 houses in planning) Sense God is calling them to this post
In return we will:
Pray for you and with you Protect and respect your days off and holidays Support and encourage you in your ministry Work with you to develop our outreach into the communities we serve Be prepared to change Share the burden of administration Pay your expenses in full
Page | 4 Introduction to the Benefice
The Benefice lies in the extreme north east corner of the Derby Diocese within the Chesterfield Archdeaconry and North East Area Deanery. The combined population of the Parishes is 10,466 (Bolsover District Council data 2017).
All Saints Chapel Steetley
St Lawrence Church Whitwell
St Peter’s Church St Mary Magdalene Church Elmton Creswell Page | 5 The Churches – Fabric and Facilities
St Peter's, Elmton
The church at Elmton is not the original; it’s the third church on this site and we know it goes back to well before 1080 as it is mentioned in the Domesday Book and it is the earliest historical reference to the parish and Church of St Peter’s of Elmton known to us. The present Church dates from 1771. The building is in good condition with three bells in the tower (which can be chimed). The Church houses a restored Brindley organ. The Church has a small vestry but no other facilities. The Elmton School Room, located next to the Church, has benefitted from refurbishment. This is a pleasant meeting room with kitchen and disabled toilet facilities.
Page | 6 St Mary Magdalene, Creswell
St Mary Magdalene Church owes its existence to His Grace, the 6th Duke of Portland. Dating from 1900 this is a spacious Church with vestries for the Vicar and choir. The original organ is still played at all services. There are eight bells in the tower. There are kitchen facilities and toilet facilities suitable for use by the disabled. In recent years a nave altar has been added and glass inner doors provided. There is accommodation for 400. Recently the pews were removed from the North and South aisles to provide a more flexible meeting and worship space. The installation of a drop down screen and projector have added a new dimension to Church events and offer future worship possibilities.
The Church received a grant of £23,750 in mid-2019 from Viridor Credits Environmental Company for repairs to the Church Roof, internal redecoration, provision of a disabled access ramp and replacement protective window coverings.
The Church Rooms adjacent to the Church are well used by the Church and the wider community. Having in recent years been the subject of renovation and refurbishment, the Church Rooms offer a good sized meeting room with toilet facilities with disabled access and a modern well equipped kitchen.
Page | 7 St Lawrence, Whitwell
St Lawrence is the Parish Church of Whitwell with Steetley. A church in the area was mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086). The present building, which is Grade 1 listed, is mentioned in Simon Jenkins’ book, "Thousand Best Churches" as having a warm, friendly and lovely atmosphere. The Nave, circa 1180, has clerestory windows which are rare in village churches at that time. The Chancel and Transepts are 14th century. There is a fine organ and good tower, although the peal of bells is not in use. Modern additions include the parish room with kitchen facilities and toilet.
Page | 8 All Saints, Steetley
Steetley Chapel is very special, a gem of early architecture and the most complete and beautiful specimen of Norman work to be found anywhere in Europe. The Chapel dates from circa 1150 but following the ruination of the village after the Black Death the Chapel began to deteriorate and was only restored in 1880. The chapel is just 56 feet long. It is divided into three parts; the Nave, rectangular in shape, the Chancel and the Apse, which is semi-circular in shape and contains the altar. Steetley Chapel is also mentioned in Simon Jenkins’ book, "Thousand Best Churches”.
The Chapel is situated in an isolated location and is the perfect place for time of quiet reflection.
More information regarding all the church buildings can be found on the Benefice website www.ecwst.com
Page | 9 Church Life Regular Holy Communion Services across the Benefice (average attendance shown in brackets) Sundays
First and third Sundays 8.30am Whitwell (27) 10.30am Creswell (12) 6pm Elmton (15)
Second and fourth Sundays 8.30am Creswell (24) 10.30am Whitwell (25) 3.15pm Steetley (second Sunday only) (12) 6pm Elmton (15)
There is a single 10.30am United Benefice service when there is a fifth Sunday in a month. The location of this service rotates between Elmton, Creswell and Whitwell.
Wednesdays
First and third Wednesday 9.30am Whitwell (10) Second and fourth Wednesday 9.30am Creswell (12)
Traditions
The Benefice is middle/high in its tradition. Vestments are worn. A Eucharist bell is rung at elevation of Host and other times during the communion services. Common Worship and Common Praise Hymns are the main service books in use but others are available. Recorded bell peals are played from the Whitwell tower before main services, Creswell has an eight bell peal which is rung before services when ringers are available.
Additional Services
There are additional services held throughout the year to celebrate the main Christian festivals. There is also an annual Open Air Service held at Steetley and Rogation Sunday is celebrated at Elmton by walking the Parish boundary. The incumbent and reader officiate at either Creswell or Whitwell Remembrance Day Service each year.
Baptism services are held monthly in each parish.
Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals
(2018 figures)
Baptisms Marriages Funerals Elmton 5 5 0 Creswell 4 3 22 Whitwell 18 6 26 Steetley 1 1 0
The Churchyard at Steetley is open. The Churchyards at Creswell, Whitwell and Elmton are now closed and are the responsibility of the district council.
Page | 10 Across the Benefice
All four Churches have the benefit of a gifted organist. Participants available for services include a gifted and dedicated Reader Emeritus, Sides Persons, Eucharist Assistants, Lesson Readers and Intercessors. There are cleaners and flower arrangers for all the Churches.
A joint magazine for the Benefice is produced on a monthly basis. This was introduced in May 2019 to combine the separate magazines previously produced in each parish. Both parishes contribute articles to the magazine.
Elmton with Creswell
The Parish participates in the Benefice Lenten and Advent Study Groups and has regularly prepared candidates for confirmation. The Sunday School takes place on the first Sunday of the month at 10.30am in the Vestry. The children join the adult congregation in time to be blessed or receive communion. At various times young people have acted as servers, choir members and bell ringers. Our current server has recently taken part in the Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to The Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham. The parish has been represented at Diocesan youth events held at the Peak Centre in Edale for a number of years.
Whitwell with Steetley
Licensed lay members conduct Home Communion services where needed. In addition, it is hoped to progress plans for a team of pastoral care visitors when a new incumbent is in post. Weekly Bible Study groups are held during Advent and Lent.
Several members of the congregation are active within many clubs and activities within the village and are, therefore, able to maintain Church awareness within those groups. The Church is represented on the management committee of the Community Centre.
There is much affection for the church in the village with fundraising events being well supported by the local community. A Junior Church (Sunday School) is held on the second Sunday of the month, with the children joining the adult congregation in time to be blessed or receive communion. There is a monthly All Age Worship Service on the fourth Sunday of each month to which baptism families are encouraged to attend. Wedding couples are encouraged to attend services when their Banns are read out.
Finances
Finances are held separately by each of the Parishes. Broadly speaking regular income creates an annual breakeven with costs. Full PCC accounts for 2019 are available on request.
Both Parishes had paid 100% of their contributions to the Diocesan Common Fund for a number of years, but in 2019 Elmton with Creswell were only able to pay 45% (at time of publication), a total of £7,875. Common Fund totalled £37,542 for the Benefice in 2019 (Elmton with Creswell £17,488 and Whitwell with Steetley £20,054).
Page | 11 Mission Activity
Elmton with Creswell
Breakfast Club
Since 2016 a school holiday Breakfast Club, based at Creswell Church, provides breakfast, craft activities and packed lunch for approximately 30 children per session. At Christmas time families receive a festive food parcel. Saturday morning film shows have also been on offer. The Breakfast Club is run by a small band of dedicated volunteers drawn from across the Benefice. Local businesses have contributed food stuffs, volunteers and activities to the Breakfast Club. Funding, not available to the Church, has been successfully accessed by the Breakfast Club and has enhanced the Church environment, leading to the provision of new chairs and tables, repairs to the floors and the provision of equipment, such as the screen and projector.
Schools
The local Infant and Junior Schools attend Church for the seasonal festivals. The incumbent has traditionally served as vice-chair of Governors at the Controlled Infant and Nursery School, which has 220 pupils in school and 50 in the nursery. Recently the role of School Chaplain has been developed and greatly appreciated. It would be good if this could continue and develop further. The parish provides a foundation governor to sit on the governing body of the school. Other members of the congregation play a similar role at the Junior School, which has 250 children on roll.
Special Services
Families are encouraged to attend services such as Mothering Sunday, Christingle and the Carol Service which also involves the Creswell Colliery band who support a number of services throughout the year. The link with the village’s mining heritage is also remembered in the annual Colliery Disaster Memorial Service, commemorating events of September 1950.
Social Events and Fundraising
Church social events include twice monthly coffee mornings following the mid-week service which attracts a number of non-committed supporters of the church. Other equally well supported fundraising events include a Christmas Bazaar, Summer Fair, Harvest Supper, Harvest Auction and the Elmton Well Dressing weekend with Cream Teas. A new venture has been film evenings with refreshments. There is a successful 200 Club which raises additional funds for use by the Church.
Page | 12 Whitwell with Steetley
Schools
A group of volunteers runs a weekly book group at Whitwell Primary School and has recently been approached to offer something similar at Hodthorpe Primary School. The Church has donated a shield to both schools to be presented to the pupil at the end of each school year who has shown the most improvement. Whitwell Primary School has approximately 265 children on roll and a 52 place nursery. There are 95 pupils on roll at Hodthorpe Primary School.
Outreach
The Church has an information display in Whitwell Community Centre each Saturday morning, with church members available to answer any questions.
Social Events and Fundraising
The Fellowship Group leads in fund raising activities, most of which take place at the Community Centre in Whitwell. These activities include coffee mornings, lunches for Shrove Tuesday, Harvest, St Lawrence Day and Christmas, Tea and Bingo sessions and Christmas Fair. In addition, concerts by Whitwell Brass Band and local choirs are held in the Church, including a collaboration with 1st Whitwell Scouts and Guides in December 2018 who completed their first ever Winter Well Dressing to display in Church.
In 2018 there was a Flower Festival held in the Church to commemorate the end of WW1. This was a fantastic community event with several groups and individuals from the village contributing, either by setting up their own display or sponsoring an arrangement.
A Christmas Tree Festival, again involving community groups and local schools and incorporating two concerts, took place in December 2019. This was the first time such an event had been held at Whitwell and proved to be a great success both in terms of people visiting the Church and money raised.
Benefice Activities
Messy Church sessions for the Benefice are held during the year, usually at key times in the Christian calendar. These are held alternately at Whitwell and Creswell Churches. A team of volunteers are available to supervise craft activities and, following a time of worship, the sessions end with party food.
Page | 13 What’s Working Well
We are learning to work together as a Benefice and want to strengthen this further High level of lay involvement in mission and ministry We have active and committed volunteers We have well maintained buildings and facilities Good links with schools within the Benefice Good community links Active participation in Deanery and Diocese Links with neighbouring benefice in relation to running joint baptism preparation sessions
Things to develop further together
Demonstrating the love of God in new and innovative ways within our communities Further develop outreach into the communities we serve across the generations Improve accessibility of services for all Embracing change Developing a Mission Action Plan for the Benefice as a whole Developing links with baptism families Deepening discipleship
Page | 14 The Villages
Elmton
The village of Elmton was the original focus of the parish but the development of the colliery at Creswell during the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Creswell become the more populous part of the parish. The hamlet of Elmton retains strong agricultural links and has a population of approximately 100.
The village today consists of St Peter's Church, the village public house, Elmton School Room and a number of dwellings. Elmton continues to be a thriving farming community, preserving such customs as Rogation Sunday and the Derbyshire tradition of Well Dressing. The population of Elmton is a cross section of all ages, the majority of whom attend school or work outside the village.
Page | 15 Creswell
The village's development closely followed that of the coal industry until 1991. The parish is identified as an area of high social deprivation and is classed as a priority ward (National Index of Local Deprivation). The former colliery 'model village' has been the subject of a phased scheme of regeneration aimed at improving the housing stock whilst preserving the unique heritage of the model village. Village housing is a mixture of local authority, private landlord and private ownership of varying styles and ages. The existing new housing estates on the village outskirts are attracting new families to the village and there are plans for further developments.
The village is served by a traditional main street offering a variety of shops, takeaways, the local library and the Post Office. The Creswell Events Centre is widely used for events as varied as Tai Chi classes to tribute act nights. Limestone House is a community based organisation offering a range of courses aimed at job seekers and those keen to improve their computer skills. It also offers training opportunities in its charity shop and café.
The village is currently served by two medical practices and a dental surgery. There are also a number of sports clubs which meet in the village, including football, cricket, bowls and tennis.
Page | 16 Whitwell
Whitwell was an agricultural village for centuries and is still rural in character. Mining started circa.1890 and the colliery closed in the 1980s. There are plans for the former colliery site to be redeveloped which will include employment land, public open space, retail store and offices as well as housing. In addition a housing development is currently being built on the outskirts of the parish.
Currently the village has a small Industrial complex and a large quarry. Whitwell is one of the most attractive villages in the district, especially around the church. There are a small selection of shops including a Co-op, general stores, independent butchers and newsagent, as well as pubs and clubs. There is a thriving Community Centre hosting a full range of activities including bowling, amateur dramatics, annual music festival, dance classes, regular coffee mornings, Pilates and social events; this is where the Church holds the majority of its fund raising activities.
The village is served by a medical practice. There are clubs for cricket, rugby, football and bowls. Other active groups in the village include Scouts and Guides, brass band and community choir.
The village of Hodthorpe is adjacent to Whitwell and was built to house much of the colliery workforce. There is a general store, school and social club in the village. There are plans for a housing development in the village. Both Whitwell and Hodthorpe villages contain some employment opportunities but many residents commute to adjacent towns for employment.
Steetley
Steetley is a small hamlet with very few inhabitants. It is mainly a farming area but there is some industrial development nearby.
Our communities have excellent websites showing more details of facilities, activities and the local area www.elmtonwithcreswellparish.org.uk and www.whitwell-pc.gov.uk
Page | 17 The Rectory
The Rectory is located on High Street, Whitwell, adjacent to the Old Rectory which is opposite the Church. It is on the outskirts of the village with views overlooking the Church to the front and open countryside to the rear. The detached 4 bedroomed house was built circa 1969 and has spacious family accommodation, including a dedicated study. The front garden is small with vehicle hard standing leading to a detached stone garage and store. The extensive rear garden is adjacent to pastureland on one side and is very private with stone patio, lawn and fruit trees. The latest quinquennial report was completed in June 2019.
Schooling
There are good primary schools at Creswell (Controlled Church Infants and Nursery School feeding to Creswell Junior School), Whitwell and Hodthorpe. The nearest secondary schools are in Clowne (Heritage High School), Bolsover (The Bolsover School), Warsop (Meden School), Shirebrook (Shirebrook Academy) and Staveley (Netherthorpe School). The local authority provides school buses to Clowne. There are several private schools within a short driving distance.
Transportation
Creswell, Whitwell and Hodthorpe are all served by a half hourly bus service to Chesterfield and Worksop. The Robin Hood rail line, serving Worksop and Nottingham, has stations at Creswell and Whitwell and provides an hourly service Monday-Saturday.
The Benefice is close to Junction 30 of the M1 motorway and has easy access to the A1 trunk road. Airports at East Midlands, Doncaster and Leeds/Bradford are within an hour’s driving time.
Page | 18 Who to talk to and what happens next
A representative from the Parishes
Elmton with Creswell
Robert Glassey – 01909 720242 or 07502 005108 - [email protected] Lewis Marriott – 01909 721564 or 07973 823857 - [email protected]
Whitwell with Steetley
John Handel – 07712 191255 – [email protected] Caroline Newton – 01909 725369 - [email protected]
Area Dean of NE Derbyshire Rev’d Canon Karen Hamblin 01246 913688 or 07432 705285 [email protected]
Archdeacon of Chesterfield Venerable Carol Coslett 01332 388658 [email protected]
Closing Date for Applications: 24th February 2020
Interviews: 25th March 2020
An informal tour of the area can be arranged prior to interview day by arrangement with the church representative above.
This appointment is subject to an ENHANCED DBS disclosure.
Page | 19