The Benefice of Cannington, Otterhampton (no church) with Combwich, and Stockland (with Steart Chapel) Profile Front picture reproduced with kind permission from Tom Jacobs. Document Version 2.3 09/02/2016 Any questions about this document, please email Wrenmore.steve@gmail.com Page 1 Table of Contents Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................... 3 The Benefice ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 The Parish of Cannington ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 The Parish of Otterhampton with Combwich .................................................................................................................... 8 The Parish of Stockland Bristol and Steart ......................................................................................................................... 11 Links with young people..................................................................................................................................................... 13 The New Incumbent ........................................................................................................................................................... 14 Message from the Rural Dean ........................................................................................................................................... 14 The Rectory ......................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Page 2 Introduction Welcome to this Profile, which we hope you will find informative. The previous incumbent has recently retired after 27 years as the Rector and we are in the process of appointing a replacement. The benefice sits within an attractive part of Somerset and has the benefit of pleasant villages and countryside whilst at the same time being close to major towns and cities with easy access via the motorway network and the railways to the rest of the UK. This document expands on these attractions and provides the information that we consider essential to anyone wishing to apply. Inevitably there will be more information you require and if this is the case please contact us in the first instance at archdeacon.taunton@bathwells.anglican.org The Benefice This map shows the benefice boundaries. The M5 is on the right hand side of the map and the town in the bottom corner is Bridgwater. Page 3 © Crown copyright Ordnance Survey. You are permitted to use this map solely to enable you to respond to, or interact with, the organisation that provided you with the map. You are not permitted to copy, sub-licence, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form. Cannington is a large village and lies off the A39 Bridgwater to Minehead road about four miles from the centre of Bridgwater, the nearest town, to which there are local and national bus services. To the north of the benefice is Bridgwater Bay, a National Nature Reserve; to the east it is bordered by the River Parrett; Bridgwater is to the south east; and to the west are the villages of West Somerset and the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In addition to Cannington the benefice includes Stockland, Otterhampton, Combwich (pronounced ‘Cummidge’) and Steart. Although smaller than Cannington these villages play an important role in the benefice. The benefice has the advantages of peaceful rural parishes with areas of great natural beauty close-by and also the proximity of Bridgwater; as well as Taunton to the south; and Exeter and Bristol approximately equidistant to the south and north. All these centres can easily be reached by rail or road. From Bridgwater there is good access to the rest of Somerset and the UK via the motorway and the railway networks as shown on the map. The M5 can be reached in 20 minutes from the rectory. Furthermore Bristol airport is not far and can be reached in 45 minutes or so via the A38. Glastonbury, Wells and Bath are in easy reach by the A39. The residents of the benefice have been living in the vicinity of Hinkley Point Power Station for over 60 years and this has had a major influence on the communities and the economy. We await confirmation that a new power station is to be built (Hinkley Point C) and in the meantime new infrastructure is in progress, including a new bypass for Cannington. There are many opportunities for the incumbent to get involved in village and rural activities as well as the excellent sporting facilities in nearby Bridgwater. Indeed we can offer an excellent mixture of rural, urban and even industrial lifestyles all within easy reach, as well as the beauty of the local landscape and coastline. The local school, Cannington Church of England Primary School, at which the Rector is an ex-officio governor, is close to the rectory. Brymore, a unique state boarding and day school with an agricultural focus is also within Cannington and takes boys from 11 to 17. In addition the land based studies department of Bridgwater College is also within the village. The main destination secondary school from the primary school is Haygrove in Bridgwater, though some children go to other schools including Brymore. All these afford superb educational opportunities for young people. The current pattern of services as is follows: Cannington 1st Sunday 08:00 & 09:30 CW Order 1 Stockland 2nd Sunday 08:00 & 09:30 CW Order 1 CW Order 1 Traditional 11:15 Steart Combwich* 3rd Sunday 08:00 & 09:30 CW Order 1 Currently Closed awaiting refurbishment Currently Closed awaiting refurbishment 4th Sunday 08:00 & 09:30 CW Order 1 CW Order 1 Traditional 11:15 3 services per year Currently Closed awaiting refurbishment Currently Closed awaiting refurbishment * Formerly, weekly at 11:00. 3 Eucharist’s and 1 Morning Prayer. Page 4 5th Sunday 08:00 & 09:30 Joint services at each Church in the benefice on a rota Currently Closed awaiting refurbishment Page 5 The current electoral rolls are as follows: Cannington Stockland and Steart Combwich Sunday attendance 55 to 65 16 15 (2010 figures) Electoral Roll Weddings Funerals Baptisms 123 16 21 (current) 8 1 3 (2010 figures) 11 3 0 (2010 figures) 12 1 0 (2010 figures) The finances for each parish within the benefice are well managed by the respective treasurers and parochial church councils. With respect to Cannington the finances are relatively healthy due in part to various grants and legacies. Regarding the other parishes, Stockland is not wealthy but has always managed to pay what is asked of it. Otterhampton, in particular, has problems with the structure of Combwich Church which is currently closed and is seeking funds for urgent repairs to its spire. Copies of the annual accounts for each parish can be supplied on request. With regards to burials and cremations Cannington has a cemetery which is well run by the Parish Council. Within the church grounds there is a closed burial ground and an open area for the interment of ashes. In addition Stockland and Otterhampton have open burial grounds and areas for the interment of ashes. Cremations normally take place at a new crematorium (Sedgemoor Crematorium) at Stretcholt which is on the A38 between Highbridge and Bridgwater and this is just under 9 miles from Cannington. Also there is a crematorium at Taunton about 17 miles from Cannington. The Parish of Cannington About our Parish The village of Cannington has historically been on the main road from Bridgwater through to Minehead (A39) at its junction with the road to Hinkley Point and from which the rest of the Benefice can be reached. Cannington now has a by-pass enabling the traffic to Hinkley Point and the settlements, farms and grain store to the north to avoid the village. Part of Cannington is designated a conservation area and CANNINGTON CHURCH in addition to the Church the village has a number of historic buildings including Cannington Court, The Grange, Blackmoor Farm, Gurney Mill, Brymore and Almshouses. Cannington reputedly has the largest concentration of Grade I Listed Buildings in Sedgemoor. There are nearly 3,000 people living in the village within about 900 households. There are numerous facilities including the schools and college, referred to in the introduction, It was originally linked to the Priory It dates from the 14th & 15th century Is well maintained and used for various social and musical events numerous shops, a village hall, a medical centre and several public houses. In addition to St Mary’s Church there is a United Reformed Church which works with a sister church at Westfield in Bridgwater. One of the attractions of Cannington is the brook which runs through the village though this has been the subject of flooding in recent years. A major flood relief scheme will alleviate this in the near future. Cannington has interests and activities to suit all age groups and crime levels are low. It is a thriving village with an active parish council, as well as voluntary groups, helping to keep the village clean and tidy and safe. Page 6 St Mary’s Church Turning to St Mary’s Church, this is located centrally within the village and is easy to identify, even from afar. The church was linked to Cannington Priory from the Middle Ages until the dissolution of the monasteries. This structure remains and has recently been restored by EDF Energy as its local centre. The church has a tower which dates from the 14th century, the remainder was rebuilt in the early 15th century and restored in 1840 by Richard Carver. It has been designated as a Grade I listed building. The nave was built between 1375 and 1400, however the tower remains from the previous church. The pulpit is from the 15th century. The church is in a reasonable state of repair and fortunately, thanks to benefactors and grant aid, there have to date been funds available to keep the repairs up-to-date. The church has fixed pews which seat 175 people, two vestries, a small kitchen and toilet. Although there is no Church Hall, the village hall is close by, as is the primary school, which is available for use out of school hours. There are a considerable number of volunteers who assist with the running of the Church and these are assisted by part-time administrative support within the small church office which serves the whole benefice. The PCC is very active, does not normally carry vacancies and there are two very able and experienced Church Wardens. Cannington Church has about 120 people on its electoral roll. As will be seen from the statistics, the Sunday morning worships are fairly well attended and at certain times of the year, especially for special services, the church is full to capacity. However, the regular congregation do not reflect the population profile of the village with only a handful under the age of 60. As such the challenge is not only to get more children into church but also more within the 20-59 age brackets, not only to better represent the village population but to ensure continued congregations into the future. Adjacent to the church is a care home, The Old Vicarage, which caters for eight residents, and members of the congregation normally collect one or two residents in their wheelchairs and bring them into church on a Sunday morning. This is greatly appreciated. The tradition of the parish can best be described as 'moderate catholic' with the Eucharist being the focus of our worship. Vestments are worn and there is occasional use of incense. In addition to the two services on Sunday, mid-week Eucharists are held on Tuesday and Friday together with a regular Eucharist at Schoolfields, a sheltered housing development. Festival and Red Letter Days are also observed. The Sunday sung Eucharist is supported by an adult choir. There is a splendid organ, recently refurbished at a cost in excess of £20,000, and two excellent organists. The New English Hymnal is currently used. The tower holds a fine peal of six bells which are rung for services and weddings by a team of ringers. Cannington has family services on Mothering Sunday, Harvest, Christingle and a Crib Service on Christmas Eve. Regular family services were also held on the second Sunday of each month and there is a need and desire to see these begin again. Copies of a book of Cannington produced for the Millennium can be obtained on request or can be accessed on http://tinyurl.com/onxx3sj Page 7 The Parish of Otterhampton with Combwich About our Parish The village of Combwich lies on Combwich Reach as the River Parrett flows to the sea and was the site of an ancient ferry crossing. In the Domesday Book it was known as Comich which means 'The settlement by the water' from the Old English cumb and wic. In 1870-72, John Marius Wilson's Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales described Combwich like this: “COMBWICH, Combewick, or Cummidge, a village on the river Parrett, in Somerset; 4½ miles NNW of Bridgewater. It has a post office, of the name of Combwich, under Bridgewater; and is a sub-port to that town. A Rosecrusian chemist of the 16th century lived and died here.” Combwich is a small rural cul-de-sac village with well defined boundaries and approximately 300 households within the parish of Otterhampton. Its history as a settlement and port from Roman times is well documented. It has a small wharf, which was extensively refurbished by the nuclear industry around 17 years ago and which is used occasionally to deliver large machinery to Hinkley Point. The wharf area and nearby Pill are mainly used by the Combwich Boat Club and other leisure users. The village has one public house, a shop/post office, a village hall and one church. It also hosts a primary school for the children of the village and surrounding area. The village and parish have many active organisations serving the various needs of the local community. Many residents commute to local towns and cities in the region for work and others still work in the decommissioned Hinkley A station and the still functioning B station, or are retired from employment there. There is a fairly large retired population, some of whom have lived in the village most of their lives and others moved in later in life attracted by the quiet and peaceful nature of this rural community. It served as a port for the export of local produce and the import of timber from the 15th century. It also served the local brick and coal yard until the creek silted up in the 1930s. Brick and tile making was first recorded in the village in 1842. Nowadays, it is a village within the Sedgemoor district of Somerset, between Bridgwater and the Steart Peninsula. COMBWICH Depending which way you look at it, it can be either the first settlement on the River Parrett or the last. In the last few years a huge amount of attention has been placed upon the construction of the new nuclear power station, Hinkley Point C and the enormous impact its infrastructure will have upon the residents of Combwich, its fabric and its In the Doomsday book, Combwich was known as Comich, which means “The settlement by the water” from the old English cumb and wic immediate locality. If and when it goes ahead, Combwich Wharf will be changed beyond recognition as it will be used to accept huge loads delivered by water instead of the local roads. A huge area of local land has already been designated as a ‘landing area’, to accommodate such loads as they move on their final stages of the journey. St Peter’s Church A picture book Victorian Church built in 1870, St. Peter’s Church, Combwich is by no means the oldest church in the benefice but, currently, it probably has the most problems from a structural point of view. Page 8 It holds a prominent location in the village but it is presently unsafe and closed. The parishioners have not been able to hold any services for many months and use other local churches instead. The main roof of St. Peter’s was completely restored in 2011 but, unfortunately, the spire is now structurally unsafe and, when all of the grants are in place, the restoration will begin with a view to re-opening in 2016. For several years the most frequent matter discussed was always the refurbishment of the church fabric. In 2011 the main church roof was completely replaced with help and support from villagers as well as substantial grant funding. The damaged spire has been a more recent matter but, sadly, its rapid deterioration in the last few years now prevents worship by members of the local community. Some funding has been granted and received, and the first stage of the works has begun. With the help and support of the Diocese, it will not be too long before the steeple repairs are complete allowing our doors re-open. These essential repairs also mean the clock will re-start and the bells will toll again. Amongst all of these issues, planning permission has also been granted for the addition of a disabled access which we anticipate will be done in association with the other works at the site. Alongside this, we are now hopeful of seeking more funding to refurbish the church’s interior. St. Peter’s has a P.C.C. but no appointed Churchwarden. The new incumbent will have the opportunity to rebuild the Anglian Church community in the parishes of Otterhampton and Combwich. Fresh approaches will be warmly welcomed. The Parochial Church Council meets regularly with attendance being almost 100%. This year, the number of PCC members has dwindled down to six, but this has been for good reason. Until the church re-opens, our agenda remains similar for each meeting which always covers church fabric matters as well as issues such as finances, important dates and fund raising. In the past, the PCC has worked tirelessly within the village to raise funds for the church and we have events such as soup lunches, plant sales, cream teas, coffee meetings, harvest meals, and evening services on the wharf and a barbeque breakfast service. These are usually well supported by members of the local community. Some of the traditional family Services have been very well attended throughout the years, notably ‘Christingle’ and Christmas Eve Mass. We also have an annual Carol Service. The annual Parish Census has averaged about 21 in recent years. From little acorns, big oak trees grow! The Church Council looks forward to working with the new incumbent in the task of rebuilding both the church fabric as well as the Christian community within the village. Finances With the church closed, little money is received. However, that aside, in the past it has usually managed to meet most of its essential commitments but now, with no regular services, its income has virtually stopped. This has significantly impacted upon its outgoings but, Page 9 even with its very limited funds, it is still able to meet its essential costs such as insurance and utilities. Combwich harbour seen from the river Parrett, picture from Mac Hawkins Page 10 The Parish of Stockland Bristol and Steart About Our Parish The ancient parish of Stockland Bristol is situated 3 miles north-west of Cannington and 7 miles north-west of the market town of Bridgwater. The principal part of this lovely rural village lies between Otterhampton and Stogursey and includes the hamlet of Steart on the coast, 2 miles north-east of the village. Stockland village is a single street running alongside the edge of a newly constructed nature reserve and has an eclectic mix of old and new properties, in particular the oldest being a medieval 16th century thatched cottage, together with several 17th century cottages and farmhouses including a former vicarage which is now a residential home to 34 elderly residents, who enjoy a regular monthly service. At the top end of the village stands a very imposing Victorian Gothic manor house. Over the last few years, The Mill, The Granary and several redundant old barns have been beautifully renovated to become residential dwellings. We have 60 dwellings in all and 129 people on the electoral register, a mix of age groups with a growing number of young families. Next to our church is The Old Schoolhouse which now serves the village as a sports and social club and offers a variety of events and social activities, such as the Women's Institute, the Annual Flower Show, skittles, BBQ's, music, quiz nights and social suppers. The Church also provides various fund raising and social events, Flower Festivals, Easter, Harvest and Christmas festivities, music and poetry nights. Together these amenities form the social hub of the village. The Hamlet of Steart is joined to Stockland not only by the eastern boundary and road, but parochially rather than politically. Steart, often known as Bridgwater Bay, is a remote settlement of 14 widely spaced farms and cottages and only 23 inhabitants. This remoteness and close proximity to the estuary and coast attracts many species of birds and consequently visitors to its bird hides, who come from all over the world to quietly observe and record. It is important to the inhabitants of Steart to retain its remote tranquillity. Stockland and Steart Marshes STOCKLAND & STEART Recently a majority of the farmland between Steart, Combwich and Stockland was purchased and flooded to There has been a church in Stockland since the 13th century create the UK's biggest new wetlands reserve, part of which Stockland church was rebuilt in 1865 enjoy the footpaths, cycle ways and bridle paths. Steart church was built in 1882 is used for occasional services An area at the back of Stockland, now known as Stockland Page 11 is now open to the public. The project is run by the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust. This has meant residents and visitors can Marsh, is distinct from the rest of the marshes in that it is fed entirely by freshwater running off the surrounding hills, rather than tidal. A herd of rare-breed Longhorn Cattle, flocks of sheep and Highland cattle, all belonging to local farmers now graze these marshes together with an increasing population of wildfowl. We have a Footpaths Officer who regularly leads walks and villagers are welcomed and encouraged by the WWT to share involvement in the marshes. Church Buildings There has been a church on the site now occupied by St Mary Magdalene, since the 13th century. Rebuilt in 1865-6 by Revd. Henry Daniel in the 14th century style, it comprises a chancel with south transept or organ chamber and north vestry, a nave with north aisle and south porch and a west tower. Original fittings from the earlier church include a 15th century font and a restored and enlarged rood screen. Also present is an impressive ‘List of Incumbents of the Parish of Stockland Bristol’. The STOCKLAND east window of 1867 is by Clayton and Bell, unfortunately all in need of attention. There are five bells, one of which pre-dates this rebuild, none of which can now be rung Stockland village is a single street running along the marsh At the top of the village is a Gothic manor house owing to the need for restoration of the tower. However in 1905 a clock chiming the quarters was presented and continues to keep the village on time. We have a happy and growing regular congregation and popular Easter, Harvest and Christmas services. The The list of incumbents dates back to 1310 church is used for weddings, baptisms and funerals for local residents. The church of St Andrew at Steart was built in 1882 by the same Revd. Henry Daniel. It is a charming brick built, Arts and Crafts building which stands in a corner of a field. St Andrew’s comprises of an undivided chancel and nave with south porch and originally a bell turret, which in 1986 was struck by lightning causing much damage to the church. This was later restored but without the bell. St Andrew’s is still used for occasional services, meetings and events. Stockland and Steart have a very active and progressive PCC and each has a Church Warden. We have many friends of the church who together work hard to help raise funds to meet the cost of repairs to the fabric of the buildings, maintenance of the churchyard and to pay the bills and the Parish share. Our services at present are a mix of Eucharist and Family Worship. Vestments are worn. Stockland church on a Sunday morning Page 12 Links with young people At Cannington members of the congregation lead Sunday School during morning worship. Although the number of children attending on a regular basis is not massive the church does reach out to children through very close links with the Church of England Primary School which is visited regularly to lead morning worship. The URC has weekly meetings of Treasurer Seekers and a monthly Messy Church at which we play an active role in partnership with the United Reformed church. These attract children from a wide area including other parts of the benefice. Cannington has family Services about three times a year and these are well attended. They are supported by the head teacher of the Primary School. Children normally play a lead in presentation and prayers. Also the whole school visit the church for services at certain times of the year as well as smaller groups visiting the church from time to time. The youth worker employed to assist also has an input and attends the school occasionally to lead worship. More could be made of this resource. In the past there were regular monthly family services at Cannington, but in recent years these have reduced in number. It would be good to have them reinstated. Otterhampton Primary School, although no longer a church school, maintains its links with the parish. Messy Church in action at the Cannington Church of England Primary School Page 13 The New Incumbent We have conducted a process of discernment within the parishes in order to condense the priorities and our aspirations for the new priest into the following bullet points. Our Priorities Include: Youth and community engagement with diverse communities Attracting more people by developing different styles of worship while retaining the best of the traditional The value of personal interaction The entire congregation and wider community The reopening of the Combwich church building! We can offer: The opportunity to minister and offer a leading role in an active rural community in a beautiful part of Somerset Enthusiastic, committed Christians who take responsibility for the daily running of the parishes Vibrant parishes each with sound traditions and a willingness to accept change in order to grow An attractive rectory, garden and beautiful church buildings Support and respect for the privacy, leisure activities and time off of the clergy Administrative assistance from a part-time dedicated secretary and other parishioners Our personal support and prayers A very warm welcome! We are looking for a priest who: Either already has an understanding and love of rural life, or is interested in gaining one Will engage with the life and people of the communities, building links beyond the church Is friendly and welcoming with good leadership skills and the ability to be challenging when necessary Relishes a range of expression and worship, ideally mixing both traditional and modern Will take part in community events and is able to visit people in times of need At appropriate moments, has a sense of fun Has spiritual depth and is able to communicate in an accessible manner Is an able and imaginative communicator of the Gospel in a way which will appeal to people of all ages Message from the Rural Dean If you have read so far you will have gleaned quite a lot of information about the Cannington Benefice. It may be helpful, though, as Rural Dean of the Quantock Deanery, if I were to tell you something about the deanery and diocese more generally. The Quantock Deanery of five benefices is a delightful place to live and work. The Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, broadly divides the deanery into two halves. On the west is the benefice of the Quantock Towers, six rural parishes bordering on Exmoor; and the benefice of Watchet (historic port) and Williton Page 14 (bustling small town). To the east of the Quantocks are three benefices: on the coastal plain is the Quantock ‘Coast’ Benefice; inland is the Quantock ‘Villages’ Benefice; and finally Cannington Benefice. The Quantock Deanery has some 25 parishes, each represented on the Quantock Deanery Synod which meets in different deanery parishes four times a year. It is chaired by either the Lay Chair, Mrs Sally Bult or by me as Rural Dean. All licensed clergy attend, together with some with PTO. Meetings are lively and interesting, with full agendas and usually a relevant presentation of some sort e.g. on the Scripture Union ‘Open the Book’ scheme for primary schools; and recently a General Synod representative came along and stimulated us to take a deeper interest in the debates which take place when General Synod meets! The Clergy Chapter meets monthly; I note the meetings and we have an agenda to which all can contribute. At least once a year the Deanery Readers are invited to join us. We are currently beginning to consider how we might shape up and develop a deanery pastoral and mission plan; and also oversee and manage more effectively our work with young people across the Deanery. One of the challenges which faces any essentially rural deanery like ours is how we sustain a whole deanery awareness as opposed to being a series of benefices and parishes each getting on with their own agendas. We are fortunate inasmuch that for many years now we have come together as a Deanery to raise money for overseas missionary projects – with a great deal of success and money raised between us all. At diocesan level, the Bath and Wells Diocese’s School of Formation runs a CMD programme which all licensed clergy are expected to take part in. Course costs (mainly one day courses) are met through an annual Diocesan grant to clergy – travel costs though come from your own benefice. The programme for clergy, readers and lay leaders is excellent and responsive to our local needs. In recent years much has been done to encourage and train clergy like us working in small rural parishes in often quite isolated circumstances. Also, the diocese makes first-rate provision for clergy and families’ wellbeing. The confidential counselling service to support clergy and families in times of personal difficulties, and the staff who provide it, are excellent. I hope you feel you have enough information for you to be able to reflect prayerfully on whether this is the benefice where God could be calling you to serve his people. Please contact me if I can help to answer any questions you may have. I will do my best to give you an honest and straightforward response. Jon Rose, Rural Dean – Quantock (01984 618715) Page 15 The Rectory The Rectory is a large detached house standing back from the road near the centre of Cannington village. It has full gas fired central heating supplemented by roof solar panels. A particular feature is a private walled garden with a large lawn and extensive flower borders. At the front there is ample parking for several vehicles and a double garage. The accommodation comprises on the ground floor a glazed entrance porch leading through to a hall area with an under stair cupboard and separate toilet. The study overlooks the rear garden and the main sitting room approx. 12 x 24 feet has a stone hearth with a fitted gas fire and a bay window. The dining room 9 x 15 feet also overlooks the walled garden and also has a bay window. The kitchen is fully fitted and includes a dishwasher whilst the utility room houses the gas boiler, a shower and further storage. On the first floor there are two double bedrooms and two single bedrooms as well as a bathroom with bath and hand basin, with a separate toilet. The landing houses an airing cupboard and large storage area. It also gives access to the roof space. This is a very roomy and comfortable family home set in the heart of the community, some pictures of The Rectory are shown below. Page 16