The Beacon Mission Community€¦ · Beacon Mission Community Profile_Draft V4_171116 2 ... constructed in one 20-year building campaign between 1450 and 1470. The superb, soaring

Beacon Mission Community Profile_Draft V4_171116

Beacon Parishes Mission Community Profile

Ipplepen with Torbryan, Denbury, Broadhempston and Woodland

(Ipplepen and Newton Abbot Deanery)

Exeter Diocese

Ipplepen

Denbury

Woodland

Torbryan

Broadhempston

The Beacon Mission Community



Beacon Mission Community Profile_Draft V4_171116 2

Contents 1 Bishop’s Forward ................................................................................................................................................................ 4 2 Executive Summary and Person Profile ............................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Beacon Parishes Mission Community Profile ................................................................................................................ 5 2.2 The Parishes .................................................................................................................................................................. 5

2.2.1 Ipplepen .................................................................................................................................................................... 5 2.2.2 Holy Trinity, Torbryan ............................................................................................................................................... 6 2.2.3 Denbury .................................................................................................................................................................... 6 2.2.4 Broadhempston ........................................................................................................................................................ 7 2.2.5 Woodland ................................................................................................................................................................. 7

2.3 Beacon Parishes Mission Community – Summary of Services ...................................................................................... 7 2.4 Towards a Vision ........................................................................................................................................................... 8 2.5 Person Profile .............................................................................................................................................................. 10

3 Ipplepen ........................................................................................................................................................................... 12 3.1 The Village ................................................................................................................................................................... 12

3.1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................................................. 12 3.1.2 Facilities .................................................................................................................................................................. 12

3.1.2.1 The village ...................................................................................................................................................... 12 3.1.2.2 The wider community .................................................................................................................................... 13

3.1.3 Activities ................................................................................................................................................................. 14 3.1.4 School and pre-school ............................................................................................................................................ 15

3.2 The Church in Ipplepen ............................................................................................................................................... 16 3.2.1 The Mission Community ......................................................................................................................................... 16 3.2.2 The Buildings ........................................................................................................................................................... 16

3.2.2.1 St. Andrew’s Church ....................................................................................................................................... 16 3.2.2.2 700

th Anniversary ........................................................................................................................................... 17

3.2.2.3 Church Hall ..................................................................................................................................................... 17 3.2.2.4 The Rectory .................................................................................................................................................... 17

3.2.3 Other Churches in Ipplepen .................................................................................................................................... 17 3.2.4 The People .............................................................................................................................................................. 18

3.2.4.1 Support for the Incumbent ............................................................................................................................ 18 3.2.4.2 Pastoral Care Team ........................................................................................................................................ 18 3.2.4.3 Baptism Team ................................................................................................................................................ 18 3.2.4.4 Electoral Roll .................................................................................................................................................. 18

3.2.5 Services and Worship ............................................................................................................................................. 18 3.2.5.1 Regular Services ............................................................................................................................................. 18 3.2.5.2 Music at St. Andrew's Church ........................................................................................................................ 19 3.2.5.3 Bellringing ...................................................................................................................................................... 19 3.2.5.4 Messy Church ................................................................................................................................................. 19 3.2.5.5 Courses ........................................................................................................................................................... 19 3.2.5.6 Baptisms, funerals, confirmations and marriages.......................................................................................... 19

3.2.6 Finance & Stewardship ........................................................................................................................................... 20 3.2.6.1 Finance ........................................................................................................................................................... 20 3.2.6.2 Stewardship ................................................................................................................................................... 20

3.2.7 Communication ...................................................................................................................................................... 20 3.2.7.1 Church Magazine – “The Beacon”.................................................................................................................. 20 3.2.7.2 Village Magazine ............................................................................................................................................ 20 3.2.7.3 Website .......................................................................................................................................................... 20

3.3 The School View .......................................................................................................................................................... 21 4 Denbury ............................................................................................................................................................................ 22

4.1 Location ....................................................................................................................................................................... 22 4.2 The Village ................................................................................................................................................................... 23 4.3 The Parish and Church ................................................................................................................................................ 25




4.3.1 Church Cottage ....................................................................................................................................................... 26 4.3.2 The Bells .................................................................................................................................................................. 26 4.3.3 Tradition ................................................................................................................................................................. 26 4.3.4 Services ................................................................................................................................................................... 27 4.3.5 PCC and Committees .............................................................................................................................................. 27 4.3.6 Finances .................................................................................................................................................................. 27 4.3.7 Our People .............................................................................................................................................................. 28 4.3.8 General ................................................................................................................................................................... 28 4.3.9 The Future .............................................................................................................................................................. 29 4.3.10 In conclusion ........................................................................................................................................................... 29

5 Broadhempston ................................................................................................................................................................ 30 5.1 The Village ................................................................................................................................................................... 30

5.1.1 Broadhempston Community Shop ......................................................................................................................... 30 5.1.2 Broadhempston Primary School ............................................................................................................................. 30 5.1.3 Broadhempston Village Hall and Playing Field ....................................................................................................... 31

5.2 The Church .................................................................................................................................................................. 31 5.2.1 Financial .................................................................................................................................................................. 32 5.2.2 The building ............................................................................................................................................................ 32

6 Woodland ......................................................................................................................................................................... 33 6.1 The Hamlet .................................................................................................................................................................. 33 6.2 The Church Building .................................................................................................................................................... 33 6.3 Services ....................................................................................................................................................................... 33 6.4 People, events and Finance ........................................................................................................................................ 33 6.5 Vision ........................................................................................................................................................................... 34

7 Appendix – Mission Action Plan .......................................................................................................................................... 1




1 Bishop’s Forward

To be supplied




2 Executive Summary and Person Profile

2.1 Beacon Parishes Mission Community Profile

The Beacon Parishes adjoin each other and are located between Newton Abbot and Totnes, just to the south east of Dartmoor and about 5 miles inland from Torbay.

The Beacon Parishes Mission Community was formed in June 2014 when the parish of Broadhempston joined the existing parishes of Ipplepen with Torbryan, Denbury and Woodland. The name was chosen as it exemplified the diversity of churches and communities, the rural nature of the area, the Christian witness and the beacon that we hope to be in the area as we reflect Christ’s light to our neighbours. A logo was designed to reflect these qualities.

The four Churches in the Mission Community have each got their own distinct tradition. We believe that the different traditions give ‘colour and texture’ to the church and rejoice in our differences rather than regret them. All four churches have learnt much from each other and experienced the challenges of joint services and sharing of resources. We come together as a mission community at various times such as Lent courses, united services, patronal festivals, messy church etc., and the wardens meet regularly to forge closer links. We are very positive about the relationships that we have forged between the parishes.

As well as working more closely together the parishes have developed a Mission Community Pastoral Care Team and Ipplepen and Denbury have Baptism Ministry Teams to help in the preparation of families for their important occasion.

2.2 The Parishes

2.2.1 Ipplepen

Ipplepen is a large rural parish, which together with the hamlets of Torbryan, Dainton, and Combefishacre, has a population of approximately 2700 with about 2100 aged over 19.

Originally a farming community, Ipplepen is still a “working village”, and has grown significantly over the last 50 years. Most houses are privately owned, but there is a small amount of social housing [6%]. Ipplepen is a popular and thriving village with good facilities, a good mix of ages, many social groups and a tangible sense of community and goodwill. New residents are made to feel welcome and cared for and are encouraged to join in village activities.

St. Andrew’s Church is highly visible at the centre of the village and for many miles around, especially at night when the tower is floodlit [by voluntary donations. It is a large building mostly dating from about 1450, and the large number of clear glass windows give it a “light and airy” feeling during the day. It holds up to 240 people. The building is in good condition for its age.

There is a modernised Church Hall adjacent to St Andrew’s, regularly hired by village organisations and used by the church for social and fund raising activities. The kitchen was recently refurbished to a high standard. The parish office is also based in the church hall. Solar panels were installed in 2011 to take benefit of “feed in tariff” income.

Ipplepen also has a Methodist church, and St Andrew's has close links with their members and with Roman Catholic residents in the village.

The Church is also fortunate in having generous support from many volunteers over a wide range of activities including: a strong hospitality group catering for lunches and coffee mornings; help at Messy Church; cleaners; flower arrangers; choir; bell ringers; drivers to church; vestry carers; servers; chalice administrators; fabric working party; a small team involved in working tapestry for the church; and many others.

The Churches in Ipplepen organise a monthly Lunch Club in the Church Hall, mainly for “those who dine alone”, but including some couples who are lonely or who need extra support. It is financially self-supporting.




2.2.2 Holy Trinity, Torbryan

Holy Trinity, Torbryan is owned and managed by the Churches Conservation Trust with which we have a good working relationship.

The approach to this church, through typical narrow Devon lanes to an isolated and wooded valley, does not prepare you for a building of such size and grandeur. The church is a perfect example of the Gothic Perpendicular style and was unusually constructed in one 20-year building campaign between 1450 and 1470. The superb, soaring tower rises in three stages, and has an octagonal stair turret which forms a dramatic architectural feature. As you enter look up at the exquisite and rare fan-vaulted ceiling with four small angels supporting the central ribs of each fan. Inside there is a beautifully carved altar screen that spans the width of the church, dividing the interior with its graceful arches. Below the screen are painted panels of 40 saints – they were once whitewashed, perhaps to save them from the puritanical zeal of the Reformation. The delicacy of the wood carving is echoed by the elegant tracery of the windows, many of which contain medieval stained glass. Parts of the original rood-screen were reused probably in the early 19th-century, to form the pulpit, while at the same time the original pulpit was reconstructed as the altar. The 15th-century oak benches survive but were enclosed in the 18th-century to form box pews.

2.2.3 Denbury

The ecclesiastical parish of Denbury is a small rural parish of about 300 homes and a population of approximately 600 including the outlying farms. As well as the Church, the village also benefits from a small store operating from the local pub and a travelling sub post office on Tuesday’s at Church Cottage, village hall and public house, the Union Inn, which is situated at the southern edge of the village facing onto the village green. The village has an excellent Primary School which has a rising roll of 120 children.

The community is reasonably well balanced, with young families, those of middle-age and retired people. The Office for National Statistics publishes Local Government Parish information, which in the case of Denbury includes Torbryan and currently shows: 156 children up to age 15 years; 244 persons between 16 and 44 years of age; 248 persons between 45 and 64 years of age; and 193 persons above 65 years of age. Of the total 47% are male and 53% female. There is a high proportion of professional people who commute to the main centres of employment in the surrounding towns and cities for work; farming, land based industries, the school and, pub being the exceptions provide for local employment. There is also a nursing home, ‘Bramble Down’, employing a small staff of local people.

The annual May Fayre, held on the village green, is one of the biggest and best of the local fetes attracting many hundreds of visitors. The church runs an Autumn Fayre each October and the weekly Monday Tea Pot, for all ages and monthly Coffee Mates (Men of Denbury) and Friends, at Church Cottage. Many clubs and social groups use church cottage as their ‘home’ venue.

In recent history the church was a sole parish until 1981, when it became a united benefice with Ogwell. Deanery reorganisation in 2001 led to Ogwell joining Newton Abbot and, Denbury joining the Parish of Ipplepen with Torbryan to form a United Benefice. We were later joined by the Parish of Woodland in 2008 and, finally Broadhempston 2014.

The present building was consecrated in 1318 by Bishop Stapleden of Exeter. It is a small medieval building and has probably not altered much in appearance since but, work on the East wall about 12 years ago revealed earlier Anglo Saxon foundations. The building, unlike most Devon churches, is cruciform in shape with north and south transepts, nave and chancel a single centre aisle and no side aisle. There is a tower at the west end with a gallery now housing an organ. The nave is fully pewed and with some additional seating can accommodate about 120 people.

A partnership between the School and the Church resulted in the extension and refurbishment of a small cottage, ‘Church Cottage’ in 2007. The cottage is used after services for coffee and, social events, meetings, Friday prayers and quiet days are features of its regular use. It is also available for hire to various village groups and is self-funding. On the walls Local artists exhibit their work for sale to the benefit of the church which receives up to 20% on all sales. It is popular with a small but loyal group of parishioners and recently other churches in the area have sought its use for 'away days'.

There are 5 bells in the tower and a keen group of experienced and under training ringers keep them well used. The bells are in reasonable condition despite having been in situ and un-touched since 1906. A Bell Restoration Project is currently underway to be completed in time for the churches 700

th Anniversary.




2.2.4 Broadhempston

Broadhempston is an ancient village, existing as a Neolithic hill settlement before St. Petroc founded the first church in the

520s. The second church was built in 900 AD and was rededicated to remove the Saxon Celtic name and become St. Peter and

St. Paul. It consists of a tower at the west end with six bells rung from ground floor level. The nave has a simple Norman font, a

vestry and porch being added in the 1890s by Harry Hems who also restored the impressive mediaeval rood screen.

The weekly congregation has a core of 12 people with others adding to the number, especially on special occasions. Over 130

came to the inaugural patronal festival! As with many rural congregations there is a bias to people of an older age but younger

families join in and we have an excellent relationship with the local (“outstanding”) primary school. In 2014 nine members of the

congregation were confirmed having started their church journey in Sunday School a long time ago!

The village consists of a central grouping of houses etc. and a more scattered rural part along the lanes. At its centre the

village has the church, a community shop and post office, a village hall (soon to be rebuilt on different land), and two public

houses.

2.2.5 Woodland

Woodland is a long narrow rural hamlet situated about three miles off the A38 Expressway. The parish is roughly in the

centre of a triangle between the town of Ashburton and the villages of Broadhempston and Denbury. There are no shops or

schools but there is a public house, The Rising Sun. The total population is approximately 150, of which a third are involved in

agriculture and the rest are either working from home, retired or commute to work. However, there is a small factory on the

border of the parish manufacturing medical parts.

The Church, dedicated to St John the Baptist, was built in 1530 and is in good repair. A Parish Room, owned by the parish, is

situated nearby and available for use by the church. The average congregation size is twelve. The Mission Community Advent

candlelight carol service and a Christmas carol service are regular events at St John’s and are normally well attended, together

with the traditional Easter and Harvest services and the patronal festival.

Although a very small parish, there is a youth club and a Parish Hall Social Committee. A summer fete is held every two years

and a harvest supper every year, the proceeds of which are divided equally between the Parish Room and Church. A monthly

Library is held on a Saturday and mixes books with fellowship over coffee.

The average age of the regular congregation is about 70 years. Families with children attend on special occasions in the

church calendar such as Easter, but not regularly.

2.3 Beacon Parishes Mission Community – Summary of Services

Time Location 1st

Sunday 2nd

Sunday 3rd

Sunday 4th

Sunday 5th

Sunday

8.00am Ipplepen No Service Communion

(BCP)(8) No Service

Communion (BCP)(8)

Are shared by the 4 churches as a Mission Community Communion Service, one service only on that Sunday, commence at 11.00am

9.15am Denbury Communion

(23) No Service

Communion (23)

Communion (23)

11.00am Ipplepen Communion

(60) Communion

(60) Communion

(60) Lay Lead

(45)

11.00am Broadhempston No service Communion

(14) Lay Lead

(12) Communion

(14)

6.00pm Woodland Communion

(11) Evensong

(10) Communion

(11) No service

N.B. We come together as a Mission Community for individual churches Patronal Services, again one service only on that Sunday, this includes Torbryan. These services are traditionally followed with lunch.

Bracketed numbers indicate approximate average number of attendees




2.4 Towards a Vision

Members from each parish got together in September 2014 to revisit the Vision for the Mission Community over the next 5 years.

The Vision of the Mission Community celebrated in 2011 had been:

We will work together to increase our knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ through Prayer,

reading the Bible and other Spiritual works.

We will offer Christian Hospitality to all so that we have opportunities to get to know each other and in practical

way show that we are followers of Jesus Christ. By our example we may assist regular members and visitors to have

a greater understanding and belief in the message of Christ.

We will reach out to all identified groups in our Mission Community through our religious and social gatherings. Our

groups include: children, young people and their families, single adults, the elderly, the bereaved and villagers

including other denominations.

The new group discussed what was special about their churches, what they were good at and what they enjoyed doing, and what they felt was the essential nature of “church” in their different places. They discussed the priorities for mission communities set out in the document “Towards a Diocesan Mission Action Plan”. Finally they looked at their own priorities for the future before distilling a final list of areas which form the Vision for the Mission Community. From this ‘plan for the future’ will grow a Mission Action Plan as we seek to find out what God is doing in the Mission Community and as we seek to join in.

Bishop Robert, Bishop of Exeter, has indicated his priorities for his ministry as:

Growing in prayer

Making new disciples

Serving the people of Devon with joy

We hope to engage fully in his vision.

The Vision headings, in no particular priority order, are:

SPIRITUALITY

o worship

o prayer, prayer groups

o retreats, quiet days & pilgrimages

DISCIPLESHIP

o education incl. Lent course, Bible study

o courses incl. consideration of Pilgrim, Table Talk and Alpha-type courses

o vocations incl. building on baptism ministry, serving, Eucharistic ministry

SOCIAL

o hospitality

o being a mission community

o supporting each other’s patronal festivals

PASTORAL

o pastoral care

o home communion

o welcome

OUTREACH (being part of and serving the community)




o mission

o hospitality

o stewardship and giving of money, time and talents

o communication

CHILDREN & YOUNG PERSONS

o Messy Church

o Sunday Club

o Baptism and Confirmation

o Safeguarding (incl. Vulnerable Adults)

FABRIC

o buildings

o property

o churchyards

o comfort

o personnel, including succession planning

The Mission Action Pan is included in the Appendix.




2.5 Person Profile

At a recent joint PCCs meeting we listed the qualities and skills that we would look for in our new Rector (in no particular order):

Spiritual Confident

Experienced Able to relate to young people

Enabling Like living in the countryside

Supportive A visible people person

Sense of humour Able to work across the spectrum of needs

We followed this with what the Beacon Parishes Mission Community has to offer:

A real mission community Lay involvement

Diversity Community orientated

Welcoming to all Shared faith

Working together Adaptable

Pastoral care Tolerant of others traditions

Supportive of each other No barriers

Who are we looking for:

We are looking for a person who will lead us, who is forward looking but with a healthy respect for the past, who

will build on what we have already achieved and help us move to the next phase of our journey.

General

A God-centred person of prayer, with a deep regard for the sacraments who is a strong spiritual leader and teacher

able to share their faith with all.

Is committed to draw people in the community to faith, whether they are regular worshipers or not, by example of

Christian living.

To inspire and respond to opportunities for mission.

Faith

Have insight and ability to care for their own well being in body, mind and spirit, giving space for personal

theological and spiritual development (As a result of this process it will enable the incumbent to have spiritual

strength that will be used to help people grow in faith).

Worship

To be mindful of each churches traditions and histories.

Develop different types of services and activities that will attract people of all ages, especially families and young

people.




Leadership

An effective Communicator, who likes being with people of all ages.

Have a positive outlook on life and has a sense of humour.

To listen and hear what people say, show empathy and respond appropriately.

Be innovative and prepared to effect and manage change whilst showing sensitivity to those who find change

difficult.

Bring experience of successful team leadership either in a parish or in another role.

Delegate where appropriate and to work collaboratively.

Work with lay and ordained colleagues, including Readers and retired clergy with Permission to Officiate.

To prioritise the management and delivery of the Mission Action Plan.

Maintain and develop the work of the Baptism and Pastoral Care Teams of the Mission Community.

Community and Outreach

Continue to develop our relationship with local primary schools and extend the opportunities for children to learn

about Christianity at school and in church.

Develop links with parent groups and individually.

Where appropriate participate in the activities of our villages and organizations.

Foster good relations so that people can learn about or renew their understanding of God’s presence in all we do.

We believe it would be useful [but not essential] if our new priest was to have some understanding/empathy with rural life and affairs, including the challenges of travelling around the countryside.




3 Ipplepen

3.1 The Village

3.1.1 Background

Ipplepen is a large rural parish, together with the hamlets of Torbryan, Dainton and Combefishacre, has a population of approximately 2,700. It is just off the A381, three miles from Newton Abbot, six miles from Totnes, and lying between Torbay and Dartmoor, being about six miles from each.

Originally a farming community, Ipplepen is still a “working village”, and has grown significantly over the last 50 years. Most houses are privately owned, but there is a small amount of social housing [6%].

Further statistical information on the parish [excluding the hamlet of Torbryan] can be found on the following site: http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=31687&p=0

In short, Ipplepen is a popular and thriving village with good facilities, a good mix of ages, many social groups and a tangible sense of community and goodwill. New residents are made to feel welcome and cared for and are encouraged to join in village activities.

The village is “fertile ground” for growing the Christian message.

3.1.2 Facilities

3.1.2.1 The village

Ipplepen has a wide range of facilities, including:

Primary School and Pre-school [see below]

Health Centre, with a dispensary. The Centre also promotes a “Sharing Care Group“ for those needing informal help

Bus services to Totnes, Newton Abbot and beyond

Busy Co-op General Store [open every day and until late]

Post Office/Newsagent

Petrol Station/shop

Garden centre

Three small Business Parks

One Pub in the village and another at Torbryan and a local micro-brewery

Residential Home, caring for about 25 people

Community Centre (The Hub) which has a small library and internet access, and which also serves refreshments and hosts art exhibitions and craft groups

Modernized Village Hall

Large playing field, including play park and skateboard park

Scout Hall

Bowling Green [all weather]

Floodlit Tennis courts [2]

Cricket Ground

Football Ground

Golf course, with gym

Allotments

Small nature reserve at Orley Common

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=31687&p=0




3.1.2.2 The wider community

Senior Schools

o Community College in Totnes for ages 12 to 18

o Two Academies in Newton Abbot

o Three Grammar Schools in Torbay

o South Devon College, based in Paignton and Newton Abbot

o Special Needs School (for ages 4-19) in nearby Dartington

Hospitals

o Torbay District Hospital [South Devon’s main hospital]

o Newton Abbot Community Hospital

o Totnes Community Hospital

o Rowcroft Hospice [Torquay]

Transport links

o Local buses through the village

o Mainline rail at Newton Abbot and Totnes

o Dual carriageway links within 4 miles [A38/A380 linking with the M5 at Exeter]

Shopping

o Newton Abbot, Totnes and Torquay have a mix of small privately owned shops, as well as the usual large chains & supermarkets. Exeter and Plymouth are also easily reached

Touring caravan sites

o There are two large, award winning touring caravan sites in Ipplepen, and visitors come to and are made welcome at St. Andrew’s Church




3.1.3 Activities

There are many different organisations running activities in the village as well as the Parish Council which organises special events such as the village's very successful Jubilee weekend.

The following gives an idea of the range of activities:

A comprehensive Village Magazine is produced every month. In 2012, thanks to a generous donation, it is delivered free to every house in the village. St. Andrew’s and the Methodist Church alternate with a “message from the church”

The Women's Institute is very active and helps to cater for many village events

The Cinema Club shows films monthly in the village hall

A Youth Club for children 11 and over meets at the Methodist Church schoolrooms weekly

Evergreens, a club for retired people

The Amateur Dramatic Society contributes to many village events and has an annual pantomime as well as other performances

An Art Group meets weekly and local artists have also been running 'master classes' for both adults and older children culminating in exhibitions of artwork at the Hub

In addition to the Church Choir there is a community choir, Unity in Sound.

Ipplepen Memory Café began in 2016 and meets at the Hub

Ipplepen Garden Club

The local History Group is responsible for organising the very successful revival of the St Andrew's Feast & Fair with a lantern procession. It is also involved in keeping villagers informed about the recent archaeological dig on the outskirts of the village

The Carnival Club runs several events each year as well as consistently producing amazing floats

For the children there are groups for Beavers, Brownies, Cubs and Scouts all of which are active at village events including the Remembrance Day service at St Andrew's Church

There is also a weekly pre-school Parent & Toddler group

On the sporting front, Ipplepen has well supported Football, Cricket and Tennis clubs, catering for all age groups

A popular Bowling Club

An enthusiastic Ramblers group

The Annual Cottage Garden show has been running for over a hundred years and most organisations, including the Churches, take part. A recent addition to the show has been a Beer Festival known as ‘IppleTipple’.

Ipplepen is twinned with Soliers in France and the Twinning Association has been established since 1986 and encourages strong links between the two villages' schools and communities

There is a range of exercise classes catering for all ages and abilities

Church members are involved in many of the above activities.




3.1.4 School and pre-school

There is a popular Pre-school which caters for children from 2½ up to school age. The pre-school also operates a Breakfast club and an after-school club for primary school children.

Ipplepen has a thriving Primary School which has 181 pupils. The school was inspected by Ofsted in July 2017 and its overall effectiveness was “Good”. Although it is not a church school, the pupils come to church for their Christmas, Harvest and Easter services and recently have undertaken ‘doing some cleaning' in the church and churchyard. This year the school took part in the Easter Experience. There are several after-school activities at the school including Football, Netball, a Choir, a Construction club, a Newspaper Club and one of the parents runs fee-paying Spanish lessons. The school also benefits from its own large playing field.

School visit to help clean!

The Easter Experience 2017




3.2 The Church in Ipplepen

3.2.1 The Mission Community

There are five Anglican churches in The Beacon Mission Community. They include Broadhempston, Denbury, Woodland and Ipplepen with Torbryan. Holy Trinity Torbryan is under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Services for Festivals are still held there once a year as well as the occasional Baptism or Wedding

The Profile and Vision Document along with the Mission Action Plan for the Community was developed by the four parishes together and good progress has been made towards many of its aims

The Beacon Mission Community runs Messy Church as a joint endeavour (see below)

The churches co-operate in the publication of the Mission Community church magazine "The Beacon”. It is circulated six times a year, hopefully with a "thick" spread of articles from members of the four churches that make up the Beacon. Archive editions of are available on the Beacon Mission Community website www.missioncommunity.org.uk/church-magazine/

3.2.2 The Buildings

3.2.2.1 St. Andrew’s Church

St. Andrew’s Church is highly visible at the centre of the village and for many miles around, especially at night when the tower is floodlit [by voluntary donations]. It is a large building mostly dating from about 1450, and the large number of clear glass windows give it a “light and airy” feeling during the day. It holds up to 240 people. The building is in good condition for its age and there are no outstanding works of repair other than day to day maintenance. A quinquennial inspection is due in 2018, but no serious defects are anticipated. New boilers were installed in 2017. The churchyard is well maintained and fully documented.

A church guide is available in the church and can also be seen on the Beacon Parishes website

http://www.missioncommunity.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Working-draft_150407_c.pdf

Village and Church at night

Inside St. Andrew’s

http://www.missioncommunity.org.uk/church-magazine/

http://www.missioncommunity.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Working-draft_150407_c.pdf




3.2.2.2 700th Anniversary

On May 3rd

1318 Bishop Walter Stapledon the 15th

Bishop of Exeter came to the Priory Church and consecrated the high altar.

We will be celebrating this event 700 years later on May 3rd

2018 with The Right Reverend Robert Atwell the 71st

Bishop of Exeter.

3.2.2.3 Church Hall

There is a modernised Church Hall adjacent to St. Andrew’s, regularly hired by village organisations and used by the church for social and fund raising activities. The kitchen was recently refurbished to a high standard. The parish office is also based in the church hall. Solar panels were installed in 2011 to take benefit of the “feed in tariff” income.

3.2.2.4 The Rectory

The Rectory for the Mission Community is in Ipplepen. There is a four bedroom house, with a lounge, dining room, study, kitchen and separate utility, garden, garage and ample parking space. Located about 100 yards from the church, it is in a peaceful semi-rural position with country views.

3.2.3 Other Churches in Ipplepen

Ipplepen also has a Methodist church, and St. Andrew's has close links with their members, and with Roman Catholic residents in the village.

Rectory

Church Hall

The Rectory

View from the top of the tower of the Church Hall and Rectory




3.2.4 The People

The Church is also fortunate in having generous support from many volunteers over a wide range of activities including: a strong hospitality group catering for lunches and coffee mornings; fund raising group; help at Messy Church; cleaners; flower arrangers; choir; bell ringers; drivers to church; vestry carers; servers; chalice administrators; fabric working party; and many others.

There is an active PCC of 11 elected members plus a standing committee. There are 2 churchwardens supported by 2 experienced deputy churchwardens.

The Churches in Ipplepen organise a monthly Lunch Club in the Church Hall, mainly for “those who dine alone”, but including some couples who are lonely or who need extra support. It is financially self-supporting.

3.2.4.1 Support for the Incumbent

At present there are two active retired priests in Ipplepen, as well as help from a Mission Community Reader. All are willing to be involved and look forward to supporting the new Rector.

The Mission Community has in the past employed a Church Administrator to assist the Incumbent and is willing and financially able to provide this help in the future.

All clergy expenses are fully reimbursed, currently on a monthly basis, being apportioned between the parishes in the Mission Community by the Rector.

3.2.4.2 Pastoral Care Team

There is a Mission Community Pastoral Care Team made of volunteers who have been trained to make home visits and communions each month.

3.2.4.3 Baptism Team

Ipplepen has a Baptism Team made of volunteers who help the Rector in contacting parents who wish to have their child baptised.

3.2.4.4 Electoral Roll

Effective from April 10th

2017 the number on the Roll was 95.

3.2.5 Services and Worship

3.2.5.1 Regular Services

The present pattern of Sunday worship is 8am Holy Communion (BCP) twice a month and on the 1st

, 2nd

and 3rd

Sundays of the month there is an 11am Parish Communion Service (Common Worship), week four is a Lay led Morning Worship Service. If there is a 5

th Sunday in the month we have a Mission Community Parish Communion in one of the churches. There is a mid-week

Communion service and a monthly evening Holy Communion Service. How Sunday services have been organized in the Beacon Mission Community previously can be viewed in the archive copies of the Beacon Magazine.

We have special services over the Christmas period, the carol service, the crib service and midnight parish communion, all are very popular. During Lent we hold a Lay led service of Compline once a week. In Holy Week we join the Methodists with the Walk of Witness on Good Friday and we go to Denbury for the Easter Vigil service.

Attendance at the 8am Holy Communion is 5 – 10 people and at the 11am Parish Communion about 60 people, with the large majority of attendees being over 55. This is a major issue and challenge, and we need to encourage more people from the village, especially young families, to become part of St. Andrew’s. Given a population of 2700, there is ample scope.

Churchmanship in St. Andrew’s is “middle of the road”, with use of vestments at main services.

A new Rector will find a great willingness from people to play a more active role in the services.




3.2.5.2 Music at St. Andrew's Church

St. Andrew's has a choir of 6 singers led by a choir director. They form a dedicated group who lead the music at the Sunday services. Anthems are sung at Christmas, Easter and other festivals during the year. The choir also sings at weddings or funerals when required. Our church is fortunate to have 2 organists who work to an agreed rota. Ideally in the future we would hope to bring in more instrumental players to accompany the services.

In addition we are lucky to have a member of the congregation who sings with various leading choirs in the area and who accompanies St. Andrew's choir on his guitar or sings during communion. Both he and the director are able to bring in other singers if required.

3.2.5.3 Bellringing

St. Andrew’s has a fine peal of 8 bells, which are well maintained by the ringers, who also take responsibility that the clock is kept in fine working order and on time.

The bells are rung for Sunday morning service as well as other church and village occasions.

3.2.5.4 Messy Church

Messy Church started in autumn 2011 and is a Mission Community activity, usually held several times a year. There is also a Messy Tent at the annual Cottage Garden Show each year.

Messy Church is usually held in Ipplepen as the hall there is the most appropriate venue but once or twice a year Messy Church will be held in another parish including usually one out door session each year. Each session of Messy Church consists of several craft activities in the Church Hall, followed by a short service in the Church before a communal meal back in the hall. The Reader currently leads the craft activities and the act of worship.

So far most activities have taken place in Ipplepen but it is hoped to rotate meetings with the other parishes. There is a small planning committee, and several volunteers from all four parishes help with crafts and catering.

Messy Church is open to families in the Mission Community whether or not they attend church. To date people have also joined in from several surrounding villages. It is not a crèche or a traditional Sunday School, but all family members stay to join in the activities together. Attendance has been good and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

3.2.5.5 Courses

Regular Lent courses are run each year shared with other denominations and occasional Quiet Days have been held. These are open to all in the Mission Community.

3.2.5.6 Baptisms, funerals, confirmations and marriages

In 2016 there were 8 baptisms, 15 funerals, 3 confirmations and 5 marriages




3.2.6 Finance & Stewardship

3.2.6.1 Finance

Receipts and Payments are analysed and considered under the headings of Ministry, Church, and Service, as well as other Ordinary and Extraordinary income and expenditure. There are separate accounts for Fabric and for the Church Hall. The Church Hall is set up as a separate charitable trust and the PCC is responsible for the day-to-day management of the hall. The hall is self-financing.

It is a concern that the present congregation is not getting any younger and that we need to encourage new members in order to keep our finances in a healthy state.

Our parochial share of the Common Fund amounts to £40,525 for 2017. The share has been paid in full and on time every year and has always been regarded as a main financial priority.

Investments held are valued at approximately £99,000 for the main PCC account, and £29,000 for the Fabric Fund.

The Fabric Fund is supported by an annual Gift Day which includes contributions from the wider village community.

The Treasurer is assisted by lay helpers with the counting and paying into the bank of weekly collections.

The parish has vigorously promoted the use of Gift Aid, and in 2016 joined the Parish Giving Scheme, which has been successful in raising the level of giving, with about 50% of those on the electoral role signing up though more needs to be done to encourage the remaining 50% to join the scheme.

3.2.6.2 Stewardship

Stewardship is the responsibility of the PCC to manage appeals for stewardship renewal in terms of both financial giving and ‘time and talents’. It also allocates the funds available for St. Andrew’s Church’s annual giving to charities. The church aims to give 10% of regularly gifted income to a broad spectrum of charities each year. The monies available are donated more or less equally to local and national, UK & overseas, charities – both secular and Christian, for a variety of projects including educational, medical, and religious purposes, and support for both young and old.

3.2.7 Communication

There is a weekly Pew leaflet with the readings for the Sunday on one side and “what’s on” on the other side and is distributed on Sunday.

3.2.7.1 Church Magazine – “The Beacon”

As noted under Mission Community above, the Mission Community Magazine is distributed to the whole Mission Community six times a year.

3.2.7.2 Village Magazine

The church services and other activities are included in the monthly Village Magazine and the Anglican and Methodist churches take turns to write a short reflective contribution each month.

3.2.7.3 Website

There is web site which has up to date information on services in the churches of the Beacon Mission Community and back numbers of the Beacon magazine.

http://www.missioncommunity.org.uk

http://www.missioncommunity.org.uk/




3.3 The School View

Year Six children of Ipplepen Primary School were asked to provide their thoughts or ‘Sound Bites’ to two questions, here are some of their responses to this question, ‘what do they remember the Rector saying or doing in assemblies or in church?’

I remember when we were at the church for the Christmas service the Rector always got us really involved. The rector gave us a challenge to make up a little song which we did and sang it at the Crib Service

When Jesus was born, what happened and other stories

When it was Easter the rector did a storyline and explained clearly what happened

I remember the rector gave us jelly babies in one assembly. I remember when the rector lit the candles

The rector made learning fun. The assemblies had interaction and they were fantastically planned out

The second question was, ‘what could a priest do to help them understand God or themselves more’?

Someone who is a good teacher

The rector could get everyone involved and explain things in ways that we understand and use visual displays

I think the rector could help me understand God by talking to me about religious things

Talk to you about God and how to be a better person

Read stories and get some children to act out the stories and tell you about the bible

Make regular visits to the school

Have some fun songs when we go to church and it would make learning about God fun. I would understand more if we could ask questions




4 Denbury

2018

The Parish and Church of St Mary the Virgin Denbury

We pride ourselves in giving visitors a warm welcome

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope

and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

4.1 Location

Denbury parish is situated in South Devon between Dartmoor National Park and the sea. The village of Denbury is 3 miles from the market town of Newton Abbot, 7 miles from the historic town of Totnes and approximately 10 miles from Torquay. It is within easy reach of the A38 and M5 North. Exeter and the diocesan cathedral are 16 miles away. Newton Abbot and Totnes are on the main rail network through Exeter to London and the North and, Plymouth to Cornwall. Exeter, the capital city of Devon has an International Airport which is the HQ of Flybe airline. Dartmoor National Park is a short distance away and is ideal for someone seeking outdoor activities and pursuits. Theatre and the Arts abound at Totnes, Dartington, Exeter and Plymouth which are both major shopping destinations in the region. The parish and surrounding area is dominated by a Celtic hill fort. The village of Denbury has developed in the lea of the ‘Down’ which is accessible to the public on foot, once at the top it affords wonderful views of the village and local area from the sea to Dartmoor. The Down gives Denbury its name: ‘Defnas Burgh’ which loosely translates as ‘The Fortress of the men of Devon’. A previous churchwarden and historian has said that the village is ‘drenched in history’.

The view from Denbury Down footpath




4.2 The Village

The ecclesiastical parish of, Denbury is a small rural parish of about 300 homes and a population of approximately 600 including the outlying farms. It is a parish of outstanding countryside and farmland. As well as the Church, the village also benefits from a weekly post office in Church Cottage, a village hall and public house, the Union Inn, which is situated at the southern edge of the village facing onto the village green. The village has an excellent Primary School which has a rising roll of 120 children. The village extends out from a central crossroad where ‘the cistern’, an old watering place for both residents and horses, which also doubles as the war memorial, is located.

Privately owned homes dominate with minimal social housing (20 dwellings) some of which have been especially modified for older people. An estate of approximately 50 homes was built on the north eastern edge of the village in the 1970’s to provide housing for the staff of at Channings Wood prison which is located in the neighbouring parish of Ogwell. Very few prison staff still reside there and most of the houses are now privately owned. There has been some in-fill development in the village on two ‘brown-field sites’ in recent years, however, this has not altered the character of this idyllic place. Denbury Manor is a Tudor house which stands in 14 acres of gardens and woodland. It is privately owned and the current owners kindly allows parking for the Rector on their enclosed driveway with access via a private path and gate into the Churchyard.

The community is reasonably well balanced, with young families, those of middle-age and retired people. The Office for National Statistics publishes Local Government Parish information, which in the case of Denbury includes Torbryan and currently shows: 156 children up to age 15 years; 244 persons between 16 and 44 years of age; 248 persons between 45 and 64 years of age; and 193 persons above 65 years of age. Of the total 47% are male and 53% female. There is a high proportion of professional people who commute to the main centres of employment in the surrounding towns and cities for work; farming, other land based industries, the school and pub provide for local employment. There is also a nursing home, ‘Brambledown’, employing a small staff of local people.

There is a long history of strong community spirit in Denbury which manifests itself in popular social functions, clubs, associations and fundraising events where the church often takes a leading role. There are no other places of worship in the village; however, there is an established ecumenical Bible Study Group. Between 1992 and 2000 the village community designed and stitched a Millennium Tapestry (a ‘tappis tree’ in local vernacular) showing the history of Denbury in seven panels. Six of the panels tell the story of the village and the seventh, middle one, celebrates the central role of the church. It is now displayed in the church fronting the minstrel gallery and attracts much visitor attention.

The village Hall was built on land owned by the Church Commissioners in the 1920’s. The lease on the land expires in a few years and so a new site on the outskirts of the village has been purchased. Drainage and general groundwork has been completed, a new village hall design has been approved and the first stage, a dry-play multi-court has recently been constructed. Fundraising continues. The village hall does not fall within the responsibility of the church.

The school has recently achieved a high OFSTED rating and is a thriving infant/junior school to year 6 and, while not a Church school, we do have an excellent relationship with it. The school uses the Church for its various celebrations at Easter, Harvest and Christmas and for learning ‘discover the church‘. There is a choice of senior schools and sixth form colleges in Newton Abbot and Ashburton with both Torquay Grammar School for Girls and Torquay Grammar School for Boys servicing the area. Also at Torbay is the joint Catholic and Church of England school St. Cuthbert Mayne Comprehensive. Stover a Christian based, highly acclaimed, private co-educational school is 3 miles away.

The annual Denbury May Fayre and Glas-Denbury Music and Arts Festival in July each year, are recognised as two of the best events in South Devon attracting many hundreds of visitors. The largesse generated from each event is distributed to various village societies and clubs including the church. The church is represented on both committees and almost all church members are fully engaged in either running a stall or selling raffle tickets at the May Fayre. Traditionally the Rector has a job to do on the Green each year! A garden and produce show is held twice a year, spring and autumn, in the village hall. Other sports and social clubs abound ranging from the Football and Cricket Clubs to Ladies Netball, an Allotment Association, Folk Singing, Bell Ringers, Stitchers and Poetry Group. There is an active Archive Group, Brownies, Cubs (Ipplepen based), Ramblers and Gardening Club,

Early morning sheep movement through the village




Produce Show and Allotment Association. The Ladies Coffee Drinkers meet weekly and the church sponsored Men of Denbury (MoDs) Coffee Mates meet monthly in Church Cottage both are extremely well supported. The church runs an Autumn Christmas fund raising event each November and the weekly Monday Tea Pot, for all ages, at Church Cottage. Many other clubs and social groups use Church Cottage as their ‘home’ venue.

Organised and sponsored by the church, carols are sung at Bramble Down nursing home and, on the village green, in front of the pub, at Christmas. The church and pub partnership supplying mince pies and mulled wine as appropriate. This is always a great community occasion and very well supported by approximately 250 folk each year from far and wide.

For more information please visit the village website – The Denbury Archive - www.denbury.net

Also see the Wikipedia entry for Denbury.

Churchyard service Churchyard weeding extravaganza

Men of Denbury (MoDs) Coffee Mates

http://www.denbury.net/




4.3 The Parish and Church

In recent history the church was a sole parish until 1981, when it became a united benefice with Ogwell. Deanery reorganisation in 2001 led to Ogwell joining Newton Abbot and, Denbury joining the Parish of Ipplepen with Torbryan to form a United Benefice. We were later joined by the Parish of Woodland in 2008.

We became the Mission Community of Ipplepen with Torbryan, Denbury, Broadhempston and Woodland in 2013. Holy Trinity Church Torbryan is a redundant church under the protection of the Churches Conservation Trust. All the churches are within a 3 (country) mile radius of the rectory which is in Ipplepen.

The four active Churches in the Mission Community each have their own distinct tradition. We believe that the different traditions give ‘colour and texture’ to the church and rejoice in our differences rather than regret them. All four churches have learnt much from each other and regularly hold joint services and share of resources. We come together as a mission community at various times such as Lent courses, united services, patronal festivals and, messy church. A Mission Action Plan is in place and has recently been reviewed, positively. But we still need to give time and effort to maintaining the relationship. We have learnt to work together but still need careful nurturing.

The present building was consecrated in 1318 by Bishop Stapledon of Exeter. It is a small medieval building and has probably not altered much in appearance since. Work on the East wall about 16 years ago revealed earlier Anglo Saxon foundations. The building, unlike most Devon churches, is cruciform in shape with north and south transepts, nave and chancel, a single centre aisle and no side aisle. There is a tower at the west end with a ‘minstrel’ gallery now housing an organ. The nave is fully pewed and with some additional seating can accommodate a maximum of 120 people. The building is generally sound having been externally re-rendered 15 years ago and electrically re-wired just 10 years ago which included new bespoke lighting. A new gas central heating boiler was fitted at the same time with the addition of 1 extra radiator in the Chancel. There are wagon vaulted ceilings throughout with plaster between exposed with moulded ribs. The interior decoration is in a reasonable condition with some flaking of the lime wash finish and the inevitable odd bit of damp which is to be expected in a medieval building. There has been some recent part re-decoration and exploratory discussions with our architect with regards to future refurbishment and complete re-decoration. The roof is sound. The nave floor is flag stoned while the chancel has old grave stones, a raised tiled area where once a communion rail was located and some concrete type of material. There is no rood screen although the door high above the chancel is still there. The nave windows are plain while the smaller windows each side of the chancel are stained. A magnificent three light stained glass window dating from 1866 produced by Wailes depicting the Baptism, Crucifixion and Ascension of Christ crowns the East wall above a painted reredos portraying the Virgin and Child attended at each side by Angels and separate panels depicting the instruments of Our Lords’ passion and crucifixion. A small ‘flower room’ is located behind the pulpit on the left side of the chancel. The north transept, separated by a mediaeval screen, provides the Lady Chapel complete with a well-used votive candle station and the Vestry is located in the south transept divided from the knave by a modern screen constructed by a local parishioner. The barrel ceiling adds to the excellent acoustics. 4 years ago a sound system complete with roving microphones and updated hearing loop was installed. The church interior is architecturally of befitting simplicity, and yet marked by dignity and quiet charm. Reliefs on the walls of the nave depicting the fourteen stations of the cross further tend to produce an atmosphere of devotion.




4.3.1 Church Cottage

A partnership between the School, the Church, parishioner contribution and grant aid resulted in the extension and refurbishment of a small cottage in 2007, ‘Church Cottage’. The building is located at the entrance to the churchyard next to the Lych gate and is owned by the church. The cottage is used after services for coffee and, social events, meetings, evening prayers on Thursdays and quiet days are features of its regular use. ‘The Cottage’ is a great outreach asset used each Sunday after our main service and anybody new or visiting gets the warmest of welcomes. It is also available for hire to various village groups, as mentioned above, and is self financing. On the walls Local artists exhibit their work for sale to the benefit of the church which receives commission on all sales. ‘Monday T Pot’ managed by ladies from the church provides cups of tea/coffee, biscuits/cake and a meeting place for local people. Once a month men from the village and surrounds meet for Coffee Mates. This has been a great success and on some occasion numerically ‘rivals’ the ladies coffee mornings. Recently other churches in the area have sought its use for 'away days’.

4.3.2 The Bells

There are 5 bells in the tower and a small but keen group of experienced and under training ringers keep them well used. The bells and equipment are in poor condition having been in situ and un-touched since the last major refurbishment during 1906. Regular maintenance such as oiling the bearings, checking security etc. is done weekly by one of the ringers. The Denbury Bell Restoration Project was launched in 2015, the fund now stands at £62,000 and we applied for a Faculty at the end of October 2017 with the aim of completion to coincide with the 700

th Anniversary September 2018.

4.3.3 Tradition

The Church of St Mary the Virgin comes from a Catholic tradition best described today as Anglo Catholic. We have vestments, reservation and the occasional use of incense on special days; however, churchmanship among the congregation is varied but has never caused any difficulty as there is always respect shown for the views of others. We believe that our church should be there for all the Community. It is the only church in the village.

Bells are rung at the consecration of the sacraments both inside the church and from the church tower. We have 3 Servers one of whom is training to be a Lay Reader and Intercessions are led by a team of 5 Lay members. The intercessions are completed with the ‘Hail Mary’. The Kyrie Eleison, Gloria, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei are sung. The main hymn book used is Anglican Hymns Old and New. Weekly readings are supplied by Redemptorist Publications. Different service booklets are used for the various seasons i.e. Advent/Lent, Festivals… etc.




4.3.4 Services

Communion Services are held the 1st

, 3rd

and 4th

Sunday each month at 9.15am and Wednesdays at 10.00am (said Service). Mission Community churches share 5

th Sunday services and the occasional Lay lead 2

nd Sunday service has been introduced.

Evening prayer is read on Thursday afternoons in the Church Cottage. The first Sunday of each month we hold ‘Sunday Club’ for children who join the main service after Intercessions. It is pleasing to note that ‘our’ Sunday Club has become an established Sunday venue and the number of young people attending has increased. Mission Community wide ‘home communion’ is administered by our Reader and there are both Pastoral Care and Baptism Ministry Teams. Other services, i.e. special days, Ash Wednesday with imposition of ashes, Maundy Thursday with vigil, The Great Easter Vigil, All Souls, Harvest etc… are celebrated throughout the year as they arise. We hold an annual outdoor Churchyard Service of Remembrance in spring. Compline is read on Thursday through Lent culminating in Stations of the Cross on the last Thursday.

4.3.5 PCC and Committees

The PCC has 10 members including the Rector and 5 ex-officio members. The Standing Committee consist of the Rector, 2 Churchwardens, Treasurer and 1 elected member, which meets 2 weeks before each PCC.

The PCC meets at least 4 times a year and has a sub-committee for the organisation of Social activities.

4.3.6 Finances

As at 31/12/2016 the PCC held cash balances of £105,677 on Unrestricted and Unrestricted Designated accounts with a further sum of £37,675 held on a Restricted basis consisting principally of funds relating to the current Bell Restoration Appeal.

Excluding income and payments relating specifically to the Bell Appeal, a deficit on normal Church activities of approximately £4400 was seen. Levels of regular giving remained stable, however income from social events was reduced in 2016.

The church continues to be very fully supported by its regular congregation and has met its Common Fund contribution in full. This position is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

The Church Cottage continues to be self-supporting with income mainly from local organisations booking the cottage for meetings.

The PCC has committed the sum of £12500 to support the Bell Restoration which will be transferred from Reserves.

The capital position of the church remains comfortable and we confidently expect to meet our financial commitments as they fall due for the foreseeable future.

You are welcome to join us Sharing the Peace - Patronal Festival 2017 East window




4.3.7 Our People

The congregation mainly consists of older/retired people. Attempts to attract younger people prove difficult and families remain a concern although a small loyal group does exist and a concerted effort is made to make our monthly Sunday Club (Family) Service appealing to all. ‘Messy Church’, a mission community wide project operated from Denbury but for logistical reasons takes place at Ipplepen is well established and now in its 7

th year.

A retired priest, who lives in the village, helps out as and when he is able. During this vacancy we would not have a mid-week communion service without his efforts. His wife is a very accomplished musician having trained at the Trinity College of Music, she and another mission community shared organist act as our regular organist/ director of music playing the organ and the clavinova, which is on [permanent] loan from her and her husband. Both are advancing in years and as such are restricted in just how much they able to do.

Lay people take an active part in Sunday morning worship. We have two servers who are both Eucharistic Ministers, an experienced licensed Reader who serves the whole Mission Community and administers ‘Home Communion’ and communion at the nursing homes. We also have a Reader in training. There is a Pastoral Visiting Team, an enthusiastic band of bell ringers, two churchwardens and their team of sides people and, an established group of ‘flower ladies’.

There are 39 persons on the electoral roll with average Sunday attendance of 21. This number increases dramatically at Festival and special services, at which it is not unusual for the congregation to exceed 100.

There is an excellent choir, attracting many people who are not church people, organised by the Leader of Torbay Symphony Orchestra, who perform in the church at Christmas.

4.3.8 General

There is a local monthly publication, ‘The Denbury Diary,’ which is delivered to every home in the parish, St. Mary the Virgin has its own monthly column.

We also have ‘The Beacon’ our mission community bi-monthly magazine and a website at www.missioncommunity.org .

In recent years we have encouraged the use of the church as a venue for concerts and art festivals. A modern sound system and upgraded hearing loop are installed. Acoustics in the church are excellent and a commercial CD of narrations and chants without musical accompaniment was produced here by a national recording company in 2001.

The church clock strikes the hour and is serviced annually on a maintenance contract.

The 19th

century organ is in reasonable condition and is also serviced on a maintenance contract.

The churchyard grass is cut monthly throughout the growing season on contract which is funded by the ‘Friends of Denbury Churchyard’ and we hold a churchyard service each year.

Flower displays are arranged by a willing group of volunteers.

We average 1 weddings per year and 1 to2 baptisms and funerals.

A bi-annual local arts and crafts festival is arranged, with the church as its main exhibition venue.

Children’s guitar lessons, Church Cottage

http://www.missioncommunity.org/




4.3.9 The Future

Despite our sadness at losing our Rector, we are looking to the future with optimism. The challenge of attracting families, younger adults and children is a problem. However, we are beginning to see the fruits of Messy Church and Sunday Club through increased numbers but this remains one of our priorities.

The formation of the Mission Community was a challenge that we met with enthusiasm although it is probably true to say not everyone has bought into it. Our church tradition is important to us and we would wish to retain it. However, we remain committed to the principal of mission community and to fulfil our place within it.

Meetings are informal rather than formal with the exception, of course, of PCC meetings when business takes priority. We are eager and committed to continuing the happy relaxed relationship we have enjoyed over the years with our new priest.

Works and improvements have been made at St. Mary the Virgin over the last few years, not just in the fabric – see ‘Building’ above - but also in what we do and how we do it. We work hard to take the church out to our community and despite the odd frustration we need to maintain the momentum.

4.3.10 In conclusion

We believe Denbury is a good place to live. The village has a lot going on for those that wish to be involved. It is a busy village due to the local farming community, primary school etc. Some years ago an expression was born, ‘The Denbury Hug’; it was coined by a villager, a church person, to describe her feeling about the place.

Denbury Down




5 Broadhempston

5.1 The Village

Broadhempston is an ancient village that existed as a Neolithic hill settlement visited by St. Petroc in the 520's who founded the first church. The second church built exactly AD1400 was re-dedicated to remove the Saxon Celtic name and become St. Peter and St. Paul.

The village consists of a central grouping of houses etc. and a more scattered rural part along the lanes including small holdings a couple of larger farms, cottages and barn conversions.

The village centre has a Church, a Community Shop/Post Office, Primary School and one of our two local and thriving Public Houses. The Village Hall is nearby with a large plot for car parking. The population of the village is approximately seven hundred.

5.1.1 Broadhempston Community Shop

The shop is in the village square, flanked by the primary school, the church, the Monks’ Retreat Inn and the new village hall. When the owner of the shop retired in 2009 the future looked uncertain, but thanks to a number of enthusiastic village residents, with support from the Plunkett Foundation and the wider community, funds were raised to re-launch the shop as a Community Enterprise; an Industrial & Provident Society, managed by a committee of volunteers with the support of two part-time managers and a team of some 50 volunteers to keep the shop open 364 days a year. The business is run on a not-for-profit basis and any surplus generated may only be used for investing in the business and/or for social or charitable purposes in the community.

When the post master retired in 2014, Broadhempston Community Shop Ltd. took over the contract for running the Post Office as a Community Post Office, providing a wide range of postal, banking and other services on 6 mornings every week.

The shop carries a wide range of groceries and household goods, fresh bread, milk and dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen foods, a small delicatessen, a range of wines, beers and ciders, daily papers, magazines and stationery. There is a strong emphasis on products from local producers. There is also a small coffee shop and a lending library with displays of local artists’ works for sale.

The shop not only serves to provide the community with the services mentioned, but it acts as an important informal social centre in this relatively isolated rural community.

5.1.2 Broadhempston Primary School

The following is an extract from the recent Primary School News:

A new school year always brings new faces and changes to the school, this year not only did we welcome new pupils and

parents, but also our Head of School Mr Dan Turner. Although already a member of staff at Broadhempston, Mr Turner took up

his new role in September following the retirement of Mr Roger Clarke who left at the end of last term after 21 successful years.

Mr Turner is looking forward to building on the existing successes of the school and continuing to strive to provide excellence

and the best possible outcomes for our whole school community.

Broadhempston is a small traditional village school, which was built in 1870, for children from 4 – 11 years of age. We have

started to investigate the possibility of providing places for children from 3 years old and hope to be able to offer this facility

soon. If you are interested in finding out more about this please contact the school office.

Broadhempston offers a creative and inspiring curriculum with plenty of opportunities for challenge and success. ll pupils take

part in our Forest School programme which is run by Miss Simpson and takes place on our outdoor site at the Beacon providing

opportunities for pupils to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of the outdoors. The school continues to enjoy the

luxury of a minibus, provided by the PTFA and regularly uses this facility to transport children around the county for a range of

trips, sporting events and educational visits.




5.1.3 Broadhempston Village Hall and Playing Field

The Village Hall and Playing Field are managed by Broadhempston Village Hall and Playing Field Trust C.I.O., a registered charity. The purpose-built Village Hall was opened in December 2015 after a successful bid by the Trust for £500,000 of Lottery funding. A further £350,000 was raised by grants from Sport England and other grant giving bodies, private donations from the community and myriad smaller donations. The building was landscaped by some 30 volunteers using over 400 indigenous shrubs and 28 trees. There are also ornamental beds.

The Pavilion, Playing Field and Tennis Court are situated at Headlands, half a mile outside of the village.

There is easy pedestrian access to the new Village Hall from the centre of the village and the picturesque 14th century parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul. The hall has its own 22 space car park with two bays for disabled parking. For large events additional parking can be arranged.

There is a Main Hall with markings for a full-sized badminton court, stage lighting, demountable stage and seating for up to 170 people. It has a beech wooden sprung sports floor to British Standards 7004 Part 4. All other areas in the building have vinyl Polysafe flooring.

The Large Meeting Room will accommodate up to 30 people in audience layout and 20 in a conference layout. The Small Meeting Room can accommodate up to 8 people in meeting layout.

All areas have underfloor heating. The building is wheelchair accessible and is fully compliant with equality legislation for public buildings.

The hall is heated throughout from air source heat pumps and is built to a high standard of insulation. It has 84 photovoltaic panels and is self-sufficient in electricity.

For large events such as weddings or produce and craft fairs there is also space for two 12m x 6m marquees in the landscaped grounds in front of the hall.

5.2 The Church

The present Norman church consists of a tower at the west end with six bells rung from ground floor level.

The Nave has a simple Norman font, a vestry and inner porch both in wood by Harry Hems which were added in the 1890's. There is a children's area and 1930's simple pews.

The impressive medieval wooden Rood Screen was restored by Harry Hems in the 1890's and is surmounted by a nicely carved wooden rood scene.

The Chancel has wood choir pews and a good pipe organ, a side quiet chapel and there is a high altar behind the wooden altar rail.

Most of the nave windows are clear glass and well maintained and give a bright feel to the church. All windows are in good repair. One of the newest features of our church can be seen in the quiet chapel. This is a beautiful embroidery panel showing churches from all over the world. It proclaims that wherever we go we can find a church and that we belong to one that covers the world.

Usual Sunday congregations average 12 - 18 with a mix of ages ranging from three to ninety years. We have a bias of older folk as expected in a rural church. Festivals and Christmas services bring in large numbers.

At present we have services on three Sunday's of the month, two Holy Communion and one Morning/ Family Service.

We have an excellent relationship with the local Primary school who join us on various events of worship and learning. In 2014 nine members of the congregation were confirmed having started their church journey in Sunday School with us.

The church is also used for other events, musical entertainment, exhibitions etc. which are always very well supported and enjoyed by the village.




5.2.1 Financial

In 2016 Expenses exceeded Income for the year by £2,325.The deficit was met from Reserves which at year end stood at £79,458. This year the Reserves have been supplemented by £77,050 being the proceeds of sale of the old Village Hall site, previously owned by the PCC. A substantial portion of the Reserves is committed to a major Renovation Project of the Church building being undertaken by the PCC. The total cost of the project is expected to be in excess of £500,000. Grants are being applied for from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other grant-giving bodies. The Common Fund assessment for 2017 amounts to £5,667 which is being met in full.

5.2.2 The building

The church building, although still useable, is at a critical point in its history. The ingress of water in the tower and along the South Wall is now leading to secondary problems of dry rot, blown plasterwork and erosion of stonework. A major renovation project has therefore been launched under the direction of the church Architect, Jonathan Rhind, and with the full support of the village community. The first phase of the project, the re-rendering of the South Wall, has been completed successfully (see photo). Funding is now being raised for the second phase, re-plastering the internal walls and upgrading the heating system, and for the third phase, re-rendering the Tower and renovation of the bells. The Quinquennial Inspection took place in February this year. A series of major works were recommended to be carried out in the next two years and are included in the project described above.




6 Woodland

6.1 The Hamlet

Woodland is a long narrow rural hamlet situated about three miles off the A38 Expressway. The parish is roughly in the centre of a triangle between the town of Ashburton and the villages of Broadhempston and Denbury. There are no shops or schools but there is a public house, The Rising Sun. The total population is approximately 150, of which a third are involved in agriculture and the rest are either working from home, retired or commute to work. However, there is a small factory on the border of the parish manufacturing medical parts.

6.2 The Church Building

The church building has an interesting history. In the fifteenth century the community was resentful of payments demanded by the mother church of Ipplepen, which had a legal right to the Woodland tithes and demanded the parishioners’ attendance at weekly services over 3 miles away. After complex negotiations with the Diocesan establishment the Archbishop of Canterbury gave permission in 1532 for a church to be built in Woodland. No funds were offered from outside the parish, but undaunted the community raised the full sum from within the parish. Nevertheless when the time came for the service of consecration the Bishop of Exeter, influenced by the vicar of Ipplepen, refused to consecrate the new church. The Woodland inhabitants, led by Thomas Culling, seized the opportunity created by Henry Vlll’s establishment of the Church of England, to appeal to the king for the right to consecrate the church which now serves Woodland. They received in reply “Letters Under Seal” dated 20

th June

1536 from Thomas Cromwell. Woodland therefore has a claim to be one of the first churches built as a Church of England church rather than expropriated from the Catholic Church of Rome. In 1938 the church of St John the Baptist became a daughter church of Ss. Peter and Paul, Broadhempston and remained so until 1

st October 2017 when it was created a parish in its own right.

6.3 Services

There are normally three traditional services per month held at 6.00pm to fit in with the other churches in the Mission Community. These comprise of one evensong and two Eucharists. There is no service on the fourth Sunday, but occasionally a Mission Community service is held at Woodland on a fifth Sunday. The congregation are very keen to maintain the same number of services each month. The average congregation size is twelve.

A Mission Community Advent candlelight carol service and a Christmas carol service are regular events at St John’s and are normally well attended, together with the traditional Easter, Harvest and Patronal Festival services.

6.4 People, events and Finance

Two readers, one trainee reader and three retired clergy live within the Mission Community. At present there are nine parishioners on Woodland’s Parochial Church Council.

Although a very small parish, there is a Parish Rooms Social Committee made up from villagers and church members. A Library/Coffee Morning is held monthly and various other events take place during the year including a summer fete and harvest supper with which church members are very much involved. Any profits made are shared equally between the Parish Rooms Committee and the PCC.

Within the MC there is Messy Church, bible study groups, social clubs, Lent courses, lunches and other activities.

Secretarial duties and monetary matters are undertaken by members of the PCC with some support from the MC.

Families with children attend on special occasions, but not regularly. The PCC have tried numerous ways to encourage a younger element into the church but their other activities take priority.

The Common Fund is paid in full every year. The Church is in a stable financial situation, but the average age of the regular congregation is about 70 years. .

The Rectory is situated in the village of Ipplepen.




6.5 Vision

The vision for St. John’s Church, Woodland is:

a) To encourage the younger inhabitants of the village to attend church more regularly.

b) To care for the community as a whole.

c) To work together with the other members of the Mission Community both spiritually, socially and support fund raising events.




7 Appendix – Mission Action Plan

Responsibility Date of Review

Growing in prayer

We want to grow in prayer, living a life close to God. This means taking risks as we become more honest with ourselves and more honest with God. Prayer opens up deep places within us to God’s grace which is why it is such a life-giving activity. Growing in prayer is essential if we are to witness to God’s Kingdom and become the people God has called us to be.

We are committed to:

- encouraging the whole worshipping community to pray through - praying before church meetings - publicising Morning and Evening Prayer incl. Evensong services and

encouraging others to attend and lead services - Novena prayers (Thy Kingdom Come) - encouraging all parishes to use lay-led intercessions

Rector, Service Planning Group and Mission Action Plan

Group

QUARTERLY

We are committed to providing a programme of quiet days and weeks of guided prayer

Rector, Service Planning Group and Mission Action Plan

Group

SIX MONTHS





Making new disciples

A disciple is someone who follows Jesus Christ. With him as our companion and guide we can travel through life differently, and we hope others will share the adventure with us. We want to be more faithful in our discipleship and allow God to shape our priorities and values. The Christian gospel is good news and we need to find new ways of telling the story, of explaining the faith and giving a reason for the hope that is in us.

o education – we are committed to: - proving an annual Lent course - holding occasional discussion groups - encouraging lay leadership - publicising courses and talks elsewhere

Rector and Wardens SIX MONTHLY

o vocations – we are committed to: - encouraging vocations of parishioners for ordained and lay ministries - building on baptism ministry, funeral ministry, confirmations, serving,

Eucharistic ministry - encouraging laity in services as above

Rector ANNUALLY

o communication – we are committed to encourage and improve our communication and relationships through:

- The Beacon - parish magazines - website

Rector and Editorial Group, Parish

Reporters ANNUALLY

o mission – we are committed to being alive to finding out what God is doing in our communities and joining in

All ANNUALLY

o Children and Young Persons – we are committed to quality growth through: - Messy Church - Sunday Club - active encouragement of Baptism and Confirmation - Safeguarding (incl. Vulnerable Adults) and proper procedures - contact with our village schools through services, events, assemblies - contact with Uniformed Organisations through Remembrance Sunday

and St. George’s Day

Rector, Messy Church Planning Group,

Sunday Club Planning Group, Baptism

Ministers.

Quarterly and ANNUALLY





Serving the people of Devon with joy

We want to make a difference in the world and witness to God’s love and justice, especially in the communities and schools where we live. Working in partnership with others who are transforming lives, we seek to address the global issues confronting our generation so that everyone may flourish.

o hospitality - we are committed to: - quality hospitality for church and non-church members

- to be a church presence at village events

Hospitality Groups and Wardens

ANNUALLY

o being a mission community Rector and PCCs ANNUALLY

o pastoral care – we are committed to: - ensuring quality organised and accountable pastoral care of

parishioners - providing quality and appropriate training for those engaged in formal

pastoral care - ensuring those engaged have been subject to DBS checking

Clergy ANNUALLY

o home communion – we are committed to: - providing home communion for those who request it - providing appropriate training for those engaged in this ministry and

encouraging new members to join the team

Clergy ANNUALLY

o welcome – we are committed to: - providing a good welcome for all - especially for children and families - ensuring training for sides-people - extending this ministry to newcomers to the village

Wardens and Sidespeople

ANNUALLY

o to be a visible witness and place of prayer - looking after our buildings and bells including decoration, renovation

and maintenance - property - churchyards - parishioners’ comfort

Wardens ANNUALLY





ADMINISTRATION

o we are committed to - providing worship of a high quality - reviewing the provision of regular and occasional services - planning an appropriate and manageable pattern of services based on

the wishes of the parishes and the mission community as a whole - encouraging the participation of laity through:

lay-led services incl. Morning Worship, Evensong and Compline

introducing services

intercessions

readers

administering the chalice

- regularly revising and updating Mission Action Plan - having churchwarden’s meetings - having joint PCC meetings - sharing best practice and skills

Rector and PCCs ANNUALLY

o stewardship and giving – we will encourage through: - money - time - talents - Gift Day - Churchyard service - Parish donations (Broadhempston) - Covenanting - annual parish charitable giving - Parish Giving Scheme

Rector, MAP Group, Treasurers and PCCs

ANNUALLY





Not every parish can offer every aspect of the Church’s life and ministry, but by joining in partnership with neighbouring churches and forming a Mission Community we can work together more effectively. This will involve a commitment to:

1 regular prayer and worship 2 pastoral care 3 evangelism and mission, often in collaboration with ecumenical partners 4 opportunities for learning, teaching, nurture and growth for disciples of all

ages 5 youth and children’s work and worship 6 equipping members for ministry and the development of ministry teams 7 ensuring our churches are safe places for all God’s people by working

together to prevent 8 abuse 9 connecting with the local community especially in service to the

marginalised 10 good administration and stewardship of time, resources and buildings

Documents

The Beacon Mission Community€¦ · Beacon Mission Community Profile_Draft V4_171116 2 ... constructed in one 20-year building campaign between 1450 and 1470. The superb, soaring