Kirk Braddan Parish Profile

Home , Braddan, Mount Murray, Santon (parish)

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Contents

Introduction ...... 1

Needs of the parish ...... 1

The diocese and the wider church ...... 1

Benefice ...... 2

Parish ...... 2-3

Churches and other buildings ...... 4-6

Church services ...... 7-8

Other members of the team ...... 8

Parish representation ...... 9

Administration ...... 9

Ecumenical activities ...... 9

Parish organisations ...... 10-12

Financial statement ...... 13

Vicarage ...... 13

Introduction The diocese and the wider Church

The Isle of Man – where you can… The Bishop is increasing the emphasis on Mission in the diocese. He is replacing the Kirk Braddan, set in the Parish of Braddan in three rural deaneries with four wider mission- the diocese of Sodor and Man is located to focussed groupings of parishes, called the west and south of Douglas, the capital of "mission partnerships". the Isle of Man and has a lot to offer our new incumbent: Braddan is part of the Eastern Mission Partnership, and the new incumbent will be  A gifted and supportive team. expected to take part in the life of this  Church buildings in reasonable repair, community of parishes. with work in hand.  Congregations which are very appreciative.  Committed lay members.  A parish which has great potential and good relationships with the community.

Needs of the parish

To continue the development of different styles of worship.

To encourage the various organisations within the Church to see themselves as part of the Body of Christ.

To develop the Church‟s outreach to and involvement in the overall life of the parish with a particular focus on young people and families living in the local housing estates.

Since the Millennium the main focus has been on fund-raising for new indoor toilets, a second hall and store-rooms, to provide facilities for the parish and outside community.

There is now a great need to provide for the corporate and individual spiritual growth of the people of the parish.

Benefice is currently a proposal to transfer the former area to Santon. Patronage There is also a proposal to transfer the The benefice of Braddan is in the gift of the Kewaigue area in the south-east of the parish Bishop of Sodor and Man. (including the small Ellenbrook residential estate, Kewaigue school and Douglas Head) Pastoral reorganisation to the parish of St Matthew, Douglas.

There are currently no proposals for pastoral Population reorganisation affecting the benefice. According to the 2011 Census the population Parish of the parish is 8,105, most of whom live in the suburban areas. The Anagh Coar area Geography comprises a council estate managed by Douglas Corporation and some private The ecclesiastical parish of Braddan in the Isle housing. The Ballaughton and Farmhill areas of Man is about 6 miles long and 2 miles are all private housing. There are small areas wide, and lies to the south and west of the of mixed private and public housing at Union town of Douglas, the capital of the Island, Mills and the Strang, and several areas of which is on the east coast. The parish housing for first-time-buyers. includes the Anagh Coar (pronounced “Anna-ker”), Ballaughton (pronounced “Bal- Employment AFF-ton”) and Farmhill suburbs of Douglas, as well as the village of Union Mills within a rural The population is mostly employed in area stretching from the coast at Douglas Douglas, but there are industrial estates Head to Mount Rule. (principally warehousing and retail) off Peel Road and Cooil Road, a business park off Boundary changes Cooil Road, and some light industry at Union Mills and Tromode. A small proportion of the The ancient ecclesiastical parish of Braddan population is employed in agriculture. was larger, and included most of the borough of Douglas, as well as the remote East and Education West Baldwin valleys to the north. It comprised the Douglas parishes of St The parish includes the state primary schools George's, St Barnabas' (now merged with St at Braddan, Kewaigue, Ballacottier, Anagh George's), St Matthew's, St Thomas' and part Coar and Saddlestone (“Scooil Vallajeelt”). of St Ninian's, which were established in the The incumbent and a supporting team hold 19th and early 20th centuries. The Baldwin regular school assemblies at all those schools area, including the chapel of St Luke's, was using a Scripture Union Ministry Trust transferred to the ecclesiastical parish of (“SuMT”) recommended “Open the Book” Marown in 1978. series.

Part of an isolated housing development at Most secondary pupils attend Ballakermeen Mount Murray, to the south-west, is in this High School (co-educational comprehensive) parish and part is within Santon parish. There in Douglas. 2

Local government

The Anagh Coar, Ballaughton and Farmhill suburbs are within the borough of Douglas, and the rest of the ecclesiastical parish, including the churches and vicarage, is part of the parish district of Braddan.

In recent years a civic service for Braddan Parish Commissioners is held in October/November.

Hospitals and homes

The new Noble‟s Hospital complex, a NHS general hospital, is within the parish; the former incumbent was (and remains) the hospital chaplain, but it is understood that different arrangements will be made in future.

The parish includes Springfield Grange, a large privately residential and nursing home, and Thie Meanagh, a State-run nursing home. Regular services are held at these homes.

Churches and other buildings

The parish church (Kirk Braddan)

The parish church, known as Kirk Braddan, is on the corner of Peel Road and Saddle Road, about ½ mile from the edge of Douglas. Like its predecessor, it is dedicated to St Brendan.

The chancel floor is of marble and was designed by Mackey Hugh Baillie Scott. The church contains some fine 19th and early- 20th century stained glass, including 5 of the 7 windows of the chancel apse.

Designed by John Loughborough Pearson (1817-1897) in the Early English style, it is a large, pleasant building, built in local pale-red clay brick, with windows, pillars etc. in York stone, and faced outside in local stone. The building is of a simple form, with a nave and Burials in the church and church grounds are north and south aisles, a north transept (fitted prohibited by law. The war memorial in the out as a war memorial chapel in 1952) and grounds, to the south-east of the church, was an apsidal chancel with a high arch and no originally erected in 1921 at the junction of rood screen. The vestry is an undercroft Saddle Road and Peel Road, and was beneath the chancel (the site sloping steeply subsequently moved to its present position. from west to east). The church was built by The tower, on the south side of the chancel public subscription and consecrated on 31st opposite the transept, has a bell-chamber but August 1876. no bells. It originally had a wooden spire, which was blown down in a gale in 1884, re- erected, and again blown down in 1886. J L Pearson in 1888 designed a steep gable roof 4

to replace the spire, but it was never constructed. The organ is housed at the foot of the tower.

It is entered in the Protected Buildings Register, and maintained by the Friends of Old Kirk Braddan. It now houses several Celtic and Norse crosses from the period 800-1265, The former parish church (Old Kirk which were found in the parish. Braddan)

The present parish church replaced the former parish church on a nearby site which has been used for religious purposes since the earliest times. Rebuilt in 1777 and also dedicated to St Brendan, hence the name of the parish. The names of many of the 17 ancient parishes of the Isle of Man (of which Braddan is one) are Manx versions of the name of the present or former patron saint, e.g. Andreas = Andrew, Bride = Bridget.

Old Kirk Braddan was never reordered in Victorian times, and contains its original box pews, gallery and a "three-decker" pulpit, with a lectern, minister's pew and pulpit above. The church is still used for worship twice a month in summer, and on Palm Sunday and St Stephen‟s Day. It is not licensed for 5

marriages, but weddings are occasionally Parish burial grounds held there by the Bishop‟s special licence. In 1848 the old churchyard was full (it was Church halls formally closed for burials in 1921), and the churchwardens were authorised to purchase A church hall complex is on the north side of a new burial ground off Braddan Road, ¼ the parish church. The original hall, facing mile from the church. It was extended in Peel Road, was designed by F L Pearson, son 1898 and 1938, and is now the largest in the of J L Pearson, and was built in local stone in Isle of Man; it is still managed by the 1911-12. churchwardens under the Burials Act 1986. The "Arts and Crafts" designer Archibald Knox is buried there.

A new hall has now been built as a Millennium project, forming an extension to A simple chapel stands in the middle of the the original hall. Phase 1, comprising a new burial ground; it has an east window toilet block and a wide corridor linking the designed by Baillie Scott and representing the existing hall to the church, was completed in "Tree of Life". Near the main gate is a 2004. Phase 2, comprising a new hall (which cemetery office, an early commission of Baillie may be partitioned into two rooms), two Scott, which is entered in the Protected store-rooms and a kitchenette, was Buildings Register. completed in 2010.

The halls are available for hire.

Church services On a Saturday evening once a month The Bridge, a service for families combined with Sunday services activities and a meal, takes place in the hall.

The following regular Sunday services are Occasional and special services held in the parish church: Baptisms are usually held monthly at an 11.15 Time Service Sunday service. About 12 weddings and 40 funerals take place per year. 8.00 am Holy Communion (said) Common Prayer Regular services at Christmas include a 9.30 am (except Parish Communion candlelit carol service on the Sunday before 1st Sunday) (sung): Christmas, a crib service (with lighting of the Common Worship on tree and Guides‟ nativity play) and a midnight 3rd and 5th Sundays Communion service on Christmas Eve. A (Addington) Boxing Day carol service in Old Kirk Braddan Book of Common Prayer is accompanied by the Onchan Silver Band. on 2nd and 4th Sundays (Oxley or Merbecke) The Palm Sunday 9.30 service begins in Old 10.30 am Combined Service Kirk Braddan, followed by a procession to the (1st Sunday) (Communion) (sung): parish church, accompanied by the Douglas Common Worship Town Band. (Rutter) 11.15 am (except Sunday at Eleven Fifteen Churchmanship 1st Sunday) (an informal service for The parish church in the past followed a families and young central tradition. The last incumbent sought people). to establish varied worship patterns in which 3.00 pm Evening Prayer (said) the majority of worshippers could feel (6.30 pm in followed by Holy comfortable. He did not continue with the summer) Communion. tradition of the Reserved Sacrament and the (On 1st and 3rd use of vestments, but both have been used in Sundays in summer, the the past and are available. service is held in Old Kirk Braddan.) Music

The parish church has a strong musical Attendances at 9.30 and 10.30 services tradition. Under its organist and choirmaster, average between 30 and 50. Mr Graham Kirkland, a regular choir of between 15 and 20 voices (SATB, all ages) Weekday services sings traditional and modern hymns, settings On Wednesdays Holy Communion (Common and anthems at the Sunday 9.30 or 10.30 Worship) is said at 10.00 am. Communion services. The choir occasionally presents a choral evensong. Younger members take part in RSCM training schemes.

More modern music (with piano and guitar) is played from time to time at the Sunday 11.15 service.

Other members of the team

Clergy

The incumbent is assisted by the Rev Bert Ferris, a non-stipendiary minister, who, at the Bishop‟s request, has taken charge of the parish during the vacancy. Also available to assist is the Rev Alec Smith, a retired Army chaplain and former vicar of St Thomas‟s.

Reader

Mr Colin Gurney.

Other lay workers

In the past 3 years the parish has had a half- share in a gap-year youth worker provided by the Scripture Union Ministries Trust. He or she has helped with work with children and young people.

Members of the congregation take part in the running of parish organisations, and in the following activities:

 baptism preparation

 bereavement visiting

 church flowers

 church and hall cleaning

 rotas for readings, intercessions, sidesmen and refreshments after 9.30 or 10.30 services.

Parish representation conversion of part of the vestry into a parish office, and the appointment of a part-time Church electoral roll administrator are in the pipeline.

The church electoral roll (2012 revision) Ecumenical activities contains 184 names. Within the parish there are Methodist Parochial Church Council churches at Union Mills and the Cooil. A joint service is held with the Union Mills The PCC consists of 15 elected representatives congregation on Ash Wednesday. Lent of the laity, in addition to ex-officio members lunches are provided by joint efforts at the (clergy, churchwardens, reader and General Cooil church hall, and joint house-to-house and Diocesan Synod representatives). It collections are arranged in Christian Aid meets every 2 months (January, March etc.), Week. usually on the second Monday. The Russian Orthodox community Diocesan Synod representation occasionally uses the church and hall.

The parish is represented on the Diocesan The church is also affiliated to “Churches Synod by 4 representatives in the house of together in Mann”. laity, and by the incumbent in the house of clergy.

Representatives of the laity on the Sodor and Man Diocesan Synod are directly elected by the parishes.

Administration

The incumbent is supported by the four churchwardens (The 17 „ancient‟ parishes each have 4 wardens, appointed annually by the parishioners.), the PCC secretary and PCC treasurer.

The cemetery is managed day-to-day by the Sexton under the direction of the churchwardens and incumbent. The treasurership is now undertaken by a Douglas firm of accountants.

The former incumbent has handled church business without regular administrative assistance, but the PCC recognises that this cannot continue. However, improvements to the parish administration, principally the 9

Parish organisations Activities include:  Organising and presenting youth Guides services.  Helping out with odd jobs around the A Girl Guide unit with an average of 20 church. members aged 10 to 14 meets in the hall  Fundraising. every Monday night, although not officially  Annual Water fight linked with the church the group has strong  Murder Mysteries links with the Church.  Family Fun days

The main aim of the group is to create a safe Mothers' Union environment where teenagers can explore Christianity whilst also building new There are two MU groups attached to the friendships and having lots of fun. parish church, meeting monthly, one in the afternoon and the other in the evening.

Each new year begins with a Communion service. There are monthly meetings with speakers or outings. We join other MU groups in Douglas Deanery for a service and meal once a year and also take part in other MU services and Quiet Days during the year.

There is a Mothers‟ Union representative at The group was founded over 15 years ago, each Baptism preparation and Baptism and is constantly evolving to meet the needs Service in the Church. of those who attend. Over the years numbers have fluctuated but it has always Several MU members are volunteers at the maintained a small group of committed Prison crèche. regular teenagers. KB Krew (youth club)

KB Krew, is a youth group for 11 – 18 year olds and runs for two hours on Sunday evenings. The group is very creative and lively with lots of ideas, taking part in and organizing a wide variety of activities.

KB Club (Sunday school) Craft Group

A strong Sunday school has been held for A group meets on Monday afternoons in the many years, but regrettably has been hall for making gifts for sale at fund-raising discontinued in the past year because of a events as well as having a lot of friendly lack of leaders. chatting and their customary cup of tea.

However, a Friday evening club for primary For those who knit, sew or have an artistic school children, “JAM” (Jesus and me), has touch, the craft group meets on a Monday recently been started by our SuMT group afternoon in the church hall and make goods worker who will be replaced by a new for sale, mostly at our Christmas Market. worker in September 2012. In advance of Easter 2012 the group hung Ladies‟ Housegroup 1,200 decorated eggs in a large beech tree situated in the Church grounds as a A group of ladies meet on Wednesday fundraiser for the local children‟s‟ hospice evenings at 7.30pm at the home of one of the members. There is a mixture of singing, Kirk Braddan Flower Arrangers prayer, Bible study or discussion, friendly chat and refreshments. A variety of material is Kirk Braddan Flower Arrangers are a group of used, covering both Old and New Testaments over twenty ladies and one gentleman who and relevant topics for discussion. No arrange flowers at the Altar and in the Lady previous knowledge is assumed and meetings Chapel each week on a rota basis. They also are open to any interested lady, of whatever provide floral decorations for major Church age. Festivals.

A smaller group of ladies provide a floral service for weddings in the Church and donate the proceeds to Church funds. Together with money raised from Flower Festivals over £ 15,000 has been donated over the past 7 years.

Mini-Club (mums and tots)

Two groups for babies and pre-school children and their parents and grandparents meet weekly, on a Wednesday morning at Anagh Coar School and in the afternoon in the church hall.

Church choir in the church grounds and admission is charged on race days during the Isle of Man The parish church has a strong musical TT and Manx Grand Prix Motorcycle Races (in tradition. Under its organist and choirmaster, June and September respectively). Mr Graham Kirkland, a regular choir of between 15 and 20 voices (SATB, all ages) sings traditional and modern hymns, settings and anthems at the Sunday 9.30 or 10.30 Communion services. The choir occasionally presents a choral evensong. Younger members take part in RSCM training schemes.

Substantial refreshments are provided in the church hall on race and practice days. These activities raise significant funds for the parish and are used in capital projects.

The Bridge

This is a group for parents and children based on the Messy Church movement. It meets monthly on a Saturday evening from 5pm to 6.45pm and usually begins with a simple meal followed by theme based activities and a short time of worship.

TT and MGP helpers

As the church grounds overlook the TT race course at Braddan Bridge, seating is provided

Financial statement 8. Vestry - conversion of part, to accommodate a Church office Income and expenditure 9. Electrical - moving of main electric board Good stewardship and sound financial from inside vestry onto an outside wall, plus some other minor electrical repairs. management are fundamental to the operation of this Parish. The total income last 10. Repairs to main Church porch and main year was £91,429 and the expenditure was doors. £92,997. An annual budget is approved each year to manage the day-to-day Vicarage costs of the Parish. The present Vicarage was erected in 1967 on The Diocesan quota of £41,482 last year was a field adjacent to the parish church which met in full as is usual. We raise our funds by belongs to the incumbent and regular giving, fund raising and renting out churchwardens. It replaced an 18th-century the church hall. Charitable giving last year parsonage about ¾ mile away. It has 4 was £5,988. bedrooms, a living/dining-room, a study, a kitchen with eating area, and a large family Significant energy has been devoted to room upstairs. In 2001/02 an ensuite fundraising projects in recent years. The bedroom and a large family room were „three in three‟ appeal raised in excess of added, and in 2009 the kitchen was replaced, £300,000 enabling us to complete Phase 2 of the eating area extended and extensive the Millennium Hall Project. remedial work carried out on the ceilings of the downstairs rooms. Current capital projects Significant improvements were undertaken in There are a number of ongoing capital 2009, with the replacement and extension of projects which include: the kitchen, the addition of the family room 1. Repairs to Church Roof and the replacement of the garage.

2. Repairs to Church boundary wall along In 2007 part of the front garden was taken main Peel road for road-widening, and an additional area of the field was incorporated into the rear 3. Repairs to leaking heating pipes and garden. flooring in former Ladies Vestry

4. Repairs to heating leak by organ steps.

5. Replacement of Church heating boiler

6. Updating of Sound System in Church

7. Repairs/Replacement of Lych Gate, Marshalls Gate and Notice Board