The Parishes of St James, East Cowes and St Mildred, Whippingham

Transcription

1 Diocese of Portsmouth Live: Pray: Serve The Parishes of St James, East Cowes and St Mildred, Whippingham The Bishop with the Lord Chancellor wish to appoint a Rector for this benefice with 0.2 Schools Ministry Enabler

2 The Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight covers an area 23 miles by 13 miles and lies off the South coast of England. The Island is a popular destination for tourists and enjoys a range of awardwinning beaches, many attractions, activities for all ages, beautiful scenery and a rich historical heritage. Over half the Island is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with 500 miles of public footpaths and bridleways and 30 miles of seashore. The Island is well linked to the mainland by ferries, catamarans and hovercraft connecting with Portsmouth, Southsea, Southampton and Lymington. Portsmouth and our Cathedral are just 12 minutes away from Ryde by hovercraft and it is a short walk to the Cathedral. The car ferry from Southampton to East Cowes takes approximately 1 hour and the Portsmouth car ferry takes approximately 40 minutes. The Island s population is approximately 140,000 across a range of age and socioeconomic groups with a high proportion of elderly and retired. The Island s main employment comes from tourism, light engineering, aerospace technology, NHS, local government, education and the prison service. The Isle of Wight Council is a Unitary Authority. The population of the East Cowes and Whippingham Area is approximately 11,000 with 41% aged under 18. Further information is available at The present condition of the Island s economy in general may be viewed with cautious optimism. The increase of VAT-registered businesses over the past 10 years highlights an encouraging growth of business activity. The unemployment figure stands at 5.6% which is over 1% higher than the rest of the South East but comparable to England generally. In the past, property prices were lower on the Island than those on the Mainland but are now generally on a par with much of the

3 South East. With 97% Broadband coverage companies and individuals do not have to be based in towns and cities on the Mainland in order to carry out their business. The Island has a Unitary Authority, with local government services being delivered by the Isle of Wight Council and some shared with Hampshire County Council. There are also town and parish councils. St Mary s Hospital in Newport serves the whole Island. Patients travel to Southampton and Portsmouth for specialist treatment. The Diocese of Portsmouth pays an Isle of Wight Weighting to clergy (currently 750 per annum) which is intended to help with personal costs involved in living on the Island and for help with ferry fares. Shopping facilities are good, with Newport and Ryde as the two main centres, East Cowes has a variety of shops including Waitrose. There are major retail developments in Portsmouth (Gunwharf) and Southampton (West Quay). The Island provides the usual range of recreational and sporting facilities. There is a multiplex cinema in Newport and an above average number of amateur dramatic and musical groups, with an arts centre in Newport. The Isle of Wight is an attractive place to live with a different pace to the mainland. In addition to areas of outstanding natural beauty there is a wide variety of tourist attractions including Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle, two Roman Villas, vintage railway, two zoos, monkey and donkey sanctuaries and a Dinosaur Museum. Each year the Island hosts many festivals including the IW Festival, the Literary Festival, Garlic Festival, VDub Festival, Scooter Festival and many more. Many artists, writers and musicians have called the Island their home and it is still an environment for much cultured activity with its own symphony orchestra, many choirs and concerts. Education The Isle of Wight operates a two-tier educational system comprising approximately fifty Primary and Secondary schools. The Isle of Wight College also offers a range of opportunities for further education. In addition to the schools and places for pre-school age children many children of secondary and sixth form age travel to Christ the King College in Newport. Christ the King College is a joint Church of England and Catholic secondary school and sixth form college. Attainment at Christ the King College is the highest of all the Island's secondary schools.

4 Schools in Whippingham & East Cowes Age Group Queensgate Foundation Primary 5-11 Holy Cross Roman Catholic Primary 5-11 The Priory School (Independent) 3-18 The Studio School CECAMM (part of Isle of Wight College) 16+ East Cowes & Whippingham The area includes the town of East Cowes and the village of Whippingham. Both communities have had significant increases in population over the last five years with East Cowes at 7,300 and Whippingham 3,800. Much of this increase is due to extensive house building. East Cowes was recently reported nationally as the 5 th best town to live in. The Ministry Team The Ministry Team consists of the incumbent, a rector, and currently one retired assistant priest and one lay pastoral assistant based at St James. Within the churches lay people are involved with sidespersons duties, administration of the chalice, lesson reading and leading of intercessions. Teams of volunteers help, year round, with the annual jigsaw festival at St James and at St Mildred s they run the coffee shop (Apr Oct), act as guides within the church and maintain the churchyard. Patterns of Worship St Mildred s First Sunday of the Month Second & Fouth Sunday Third Sunday of the Month Fifth Sunday of the Month 11.15am All Age Worship 11.15am Holy Communion (BCP 11.15am Holy Communion (CW) 11.15am Matins or Morning Prayer The Church now has a completly new heating system which permits all year round services. At Christmas a candle lit service is held which incoporates the reading of nine lessons. A Remembrance service is held which is supported by IFO (Island Friends of Osborne). Special services are held at Christmas, Easter and some Sunday Evenings. The Priory School use the church for services and also hold their prize giving in the church.

5 We have a small congregation, on average 27 attend regularly, there is a good mix of ages. There is currently no Sunday School however there is a monthly Messy Church. (see below). The organist recently celabrated 50 years of service to St Mildred s. St Mildred s Lay Support The church services are supported by one sidesperson, chalice assistants with a rota for readings and intercessions, a full PCC and an active Fund Raising Committee. St James Sunday 9.30 Holy Communion 3 rd Sunday of the Month 8.15 Said Holy communion Breakfast followed by 9.30 All Age Worship Wednesday Morning 9.30 Holy Communion Other services include, Remembrance Sunday with the Royal British Legion, Uniformed Groups and Town and County Councillors, and special services for Easter and Christmas. St James Lay Support There is rota for sidespersons, intercessions and readings. There is a server with a rota of persons assisting with the communion chalice. A group of people help with the monthly coffee mornings and also with the Weekly Welcome, a soup lunch on Wednesdays. There is one lay Pastoral Assistant who visits people in their homes and co-ordinates our pastoral care. The Rectory The Rectory is situated in Victoria Grove about half way between St James and St Mildred s churches. The Rectory has had its quinquennial review in March The Rectory has a large garden, five large bedrooms, 3 reception rooms with the front overlooking a park. Redecoration of the rooms used by the public is to be undertaken.

6 The Rectory in Victoria Grove Finance St Mildred s A copy of the accounts for this financial year is available. Tourism and weddings provide a major part of meeting the parish share and the essential maintenance costs of the buildings. Restoration work and major repairs have been covered by grants ( 700K) from English Heritage and the National Lottery. The finance for the new heating system ( 87K ex VAT) was raised through general fundraising. The planned giving and covenants: Gift Aid 7 Electoral roll 51 Incumbent s expenses incurred as result of parish duties are re reimbursed against presented receipts. St James General Income The finances of St James are in good order. We have no money to spare, but we pay our way each year out of income and our parish share is met in full. General income from regular giving and collections is good; there are regular contributors; 33 in the freewill envelope offering scheme, 3 through the bank and 15 are in the gift aid scheme. A copy of the current accounts is attached at the end of this profile. Fundraising There are many fundraising events during the year, the most important financially being the Puzzle Week Festival; the profit from this has improved steadily over the years and in 2016 was over 11,000. However this does mean we now rely heavily on this event to survive financially each year.

7 Accounts & Investments We have a Central Board of Finance (CBF) investment fund which we regard as being for a dire emergency only and a CBF deposit account which is used for repairs and general maintenance. Two current accounts are used (Lloyds and Cooperative) for day to day transactions. Charitable Giving We have a regular charity giving policy ( 600 for 4 charities) and in addition there are special collections for disasters and emergencies as they arise. The electoral role is 82 Relationship of the two parishes to the wider community Membership of Churches Together in the East Cowes and Whippingham area brings both clergy and congregations from five denominations together for shared worship, Lent groups, House groups, social events and shared breakfasts. A walk of witness is held on Good Friday. A monthly Parish Magazine (Jigsaw) is produced by St James on behalf of the churches in the area with contributions from laity and clergy. A United Carol Service is held at St James with a Carol singing in the Town. The two parishes have established good relationships with area schools with St James being preferred, because of its capacity, for whole school events. The clergy take special school assemblies, leavers services, Remembrance and Christmas services. An ecumenical youth club (Rock Solid) meets monthly, at the Evangelical Church, and is supported by members of the local churches. Both churches are collection points for the food bank. Each parish has a distinctive style; however there is a fair degree of cooperation between each church community. Children and Youth Messy Church Messy Church is well established and meets in St James Church and in the Hall once a month on Monday, 3pm. The event is attended by up to 40 children with 30 parents; the meeting involves Christian teaching, craft activities and a meal. (Term Time only). Teddy Club A friendly group for babies and toddlers with their parent or careers meets every Thursday at 9.30am, in St James Church Hall. (Term Time only)

8 Youth Group This is a meeting for young teens (11-16) on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm in St James Hall. (Term Time only) Adult Study Groups 7th Wave This bible study group meets every Monday 2pm at St James. Men s Group This group meets once a week in members houses at 7.30pm. St Mildred s House Group Meets fortnightly at a persons house at 7.30pm. Social Groups and Outreach St James Friendship Guild Meets the first Wednesday of each month. Each meeting has an overall topic. Women s Institute The East Cowes WI meets in St James Hall on Tuesday once a month. Wednesday Welcome A light lunch, soup & bread, club meets Wednesday s weekly in St James Hall. This is well attended with a strong social aspect. Coffee Mornings St James holds a coffee morning once a month for most months of the year. Whilst this is a social event it does however contribute to Church funds. Coffee Mornings St Mildred s hold coffee mornings outside the tourist season (Apr- Oct) Dementia Conversations St James hosts this group that meets once a month for carers of dementia suffers and those involved in the carers support. Singabout Again St James hosts this singing group weekly on Thursdays at pm. Singabout is a social activity based upon recognised musical therapy. It can help to improve your memory, breathing, movement and confidence. Sessions are free, open to everyone and with refreshments provided

9 Our Churches St Mildred s, Whippingham Whippingham is a semi rural village on the east side of the River Medina and a couple of miles from East Cowes. With a population of about 3,800 and residences spread over a two mile area which encompasses new, old and mobile homes. St Mildred s Parish runs from Victoria Grove as far as Wootton and towards Newport to include Island Harbour. Whippingham was mentioned in the Doomsday Book, but much of the old Whippingham we see today is a product of its royal connection with Queen Victoria when she bought Osborne House in St Mildred s church was rebuilt by Queen Victoria between 1854 and 1861, in two stages the Chancel and then the main body. It replaced a church built be John Nash which in turn replaced a Norman church. The Church held the wedding of Princess Beatrice, the ninth child of Queen Victoria, in 1885 to Prince Henry of Battenburg. They are both entombed in the sarcophagus located in the Battenburg Memorial Chapel. The church yard also has the grave of Louis and Victoria Battenburg the parents of Lord Louis Mountbatten and the grandparents of Prince Philip. Whippingham has its own Heritage Trail a circular route encompassing most of the village and includes the Whippingham Community Hall built in 1931 by Samuel Saunders a famous local boat builder and aviation pioneer, the Forge was the originally the smithy to the Royal Estate, and today is run as a steel fabrication company. Whippingham Primary School was built in 1864, funded by Queen Victoria who took a keen interest in the education of children of the estate workers. The Folly Inn, a historic and popular waterside inn with spectacular riverside views is popular with locals and yachtsmen alike. A short distance along the river is Island Harbour, a peaceful marina offering 200 berths to annual and visiting yachts. Other popular places of historic interest include Padmore House, Barton Manor and the Alms houses. Today s industry includes GKN Aerospace, one of the Island s biggest employers and Whippingham houses its research centre. St Mildred s Church is a grade 1 listed building, set in a conservation area, and was Queen Victoria s place of worship. It has many beautiful and historic features and it becomes quickly apparent what personal attention and loving care it received from Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and many other members of the Royal Family, from its very design and building to its many beautiful features and memorials within it. It houses a grade one listed Father Willis organ built in 1868 and is used each Sunday by our regular organist, but unfortunately we have no choir. The church is a popular venue for weddings and baptisms with 13 weddings in It is a popular tourist attraction approximately 20,000 visitors each year. A team of volunteers manage to keep it open four days a week (Apr Oct) offering a wide range of facilities for coach

10 parties and visitors. Income from the visitors enables the church to pay its Parish Share and the essential bills. The graveyard is well kept by a team of volunteers; amongst its famous graves are Uffa Fox, Samuel Saunders and the parents of Earl Mountbatten. Separate from the church set in an ample car park, and adjacent to an orchard is the Church Centre, a spacious area with toilets and a well equipped kitchen. This area is used as a coffee/gift shop during the opening season, also for fundraising events and meetings. The grassed orchard is a real sun trap Annual events include, the May Fair, ecumenical barbeques, the village Show and occasionally wedding receptions. The May Fair The Church Centre Our historic church has been thoroughly restored. Phases one and two saw the restoration of the tower and spires, roofs of the Royal Pew, chancel, The Battenburg Chapel and the Bell tower. Phase3 and the final one has seen the restoration work on the vestry, transepts, nave roofs, parapet gutters and valleys. The water damaged interior plaster work has been restored. Throughout the work members of the PCC had monthly meetings with the architects and the builders to ensure that all work was completed satisfactory standard.

11 St James, East Cowes East Cowes was the home of Queen Victoria who with her husband Prince Albert bought the Osborne Estate in Osborne House was one of her principal residences until her death in The town was also the home of John Nash, the famous architect, who built the original church of St James whilst the church was rebuilt later in the nineteenth century the tower is the remaining part of Nash s church. The Gort Family bought the Nash home, East Cowes Castle, (General Gort commanded the BEF in France 1939/40) and family members are commemorated in a side chapel and also the reredos to the altar. East Cowes was for many centuries a ship building town. RIBs are built for the RNLI and there is an inshore rescue boat repair centre, the Rector is invited to dedicate all new lifeboats. The main engineering business is now GKN Aerospace having premises on the waterfront and at Osborne. The island has been an important holiday destination, from the time of Queen Victoria, and remains so today. East Cowes is one of the ports of entry to the Island and makes the town very busy during the summer months. A number of large festivals (Rock, Osborne House events, Cowes Week and sailing events) are held on the Island and swell the numbers passing through East Cowes. The population of the town is about 7,300 with some areas of population in deprivation. The local school had 20% of its pupils on FSM. There can also be seen very strong contrasts of wealth within the town. The town has a mixture of public and private housing and has an expanding community with nearly 1,110 houses planned over a ten year period. With the opening of Waitrose and with GKN Aerospace securing contracts for the foreseeable future the town is now seen to be on the up. Mainland families are also choosing to settle in the town with family members commuting to the mainland for work.

12 Princess Victoria laid the foundation stone of the original church 1831 which was then greatly enlarged between 1864 and The designer of the original church John Nash has a tomb next to the tower. The church can hold about three hundred people or about four hundred school children and is used by the town for carol concerts and Remembrance Day services. The local schools use the church for special services. There is choir and vicar s vestry. The church is set in a conservation zone and is the largest public covered space in East Cowes and is designated as such for emergencies. St James Church St James Church Hall The church hall is relatively new, built in 1989, and is well appointed with a good kitchen and toilets. This facility is used by the church for social events and meetings. The church has an organ, a Walker listed grade II, and a clavinova, music is provided by an organist who is assisted when required by a stand in organist. The singing for services is led by a small choir. The hymn book in use is Hymns Old and New There is also a tradition of informal prayer groups and bible study groups being run throughout the year. The Jigsaw Festival is an all year round activity with collecting jigsaws and involving the wider community in making up the puzzles this culminates in a weeklong festival in early August. The scope of the activity is varied and warrants a web site.

13 Contacts St Mildred s Church Wardens: Peter Robinson Robin Mainstone Old Rd East Cowes sandprob@talktalk.net Kingslea Park East Cowes mainstone10@gmail.com Secretary: Jean Kirby jeanckirby@outlook.com Treasurer Sue Richmond Web sites iow.uk.com/whippingham-church whippinghameastcowes.org.uk St James Church Wardens Reginald King Rose Mitchell reginaldk2009@hotmail.com rosejmitchell@googl .com Treasurer Jill Traill Web site whippinghameastcowes.co.uk

14 Benefice Summary Parishes Patron Number of PCCs Number of Church Wardens Buildings Church Yards St Mildred s Whippingham, St James East Cowes The Queen Two Four St Mildred s Church. & Church Centre St James Church & Church Hall The Rectory Victoria Grove East Cowes St Mildred s Open current graves & garden of remembrance for cremated remains St James Closed since 1878 Designated area for cremated remains Average Sunday Attendance St Mildred s 27 St James 40 Number of occasional offices per annum 2016 Church Baptisms Weddings Funeral Services Crematorium Services St Mildred s & 2 blessings 3 1 St James Resolutions if Passed Church Tradition Pastoral Reorganisation N/A Middle of the road None Further Information Residential Homes Six (Regular contact with three) Coburg Court Gordon lodge Kynance Powys House Hazelwood House Solent View

15 ST MILDRED S & ST JAMES INCUMBENT-PERSON PROFILE We pray that our new incumbent will; Be person rooted in prayer and desiring to grow in holiness filled with faith and the Holy Spirit. Be a people s priest with his/her feet on the ground. Be a good listener and communicator, approachable and pastoral. Be able to support and develop our existing ministry of youth and children s work. Be willing and able to actively engage with the wider community to further God s work in renewal and mission in the joint benefice of Whippingham & East Cowes. Have the necessary leadership skills to work collaboratively and delegate effectively. Discern,encourage, mentor and nurture the gifts of the lay people in the ministry of the church. Assess the changing needs of the community and the church, and to change things when required. Have good administrative and organisational skills.

16 Schools Ministry Enabler (0.2 post) This newly created role will develop depending on the skills of the post holder but it is expected that it will include the following elements: Helping parishes on the Isle of Wight to develop and build supportive relationships with schools (CoE, Community and Fee-Paying) Sharing of appropriate schools work and collective worship resources across parishes, encouraging the sharing of good practice across the Island. Liaising with the Diocesan Education Department Act as an Isle of Wight representative on the Diocesan Board of Education.