The Weaver Parishes. Alton with Bradley-le-Moors, Denstone, Ellastone with Stanton and Mayfield. 0.5 Associate Minister (Priest) Based at Mayfield

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1 1 The Weaver Parishes Alton with Bradley-le-Moors, Denstone, Ellastone with Stanton and Mayfield 0.5 Associate Minister (Priest) Based at Mayfield Licensed to all the parishes within the area known as the Weaver Parishes. January 2018

2 2 Weaver Parishes Profile Alton with Bradley-le-moors, Ellastone with Stanton and Mayfield The Weaver group of four parishes (six Churches) was formalised in February A current rearrangement has resulted in Denstone having its priestly provision provided by the Rocester group of Churches. The present incumbent was licensed in 2009 and for the last 11 years there has been a 0.5 Associate Minister living in Mayfield. There are five places of worship and with the incumbent based at Alton and the Associate Minister at Mayfield. There is good geographical coverage. The benefice has had the benefit of the services of a retired priest and a lay reader for many years. We are currently seeking to appoint a.5 Associate Minister who will be licensed to all the parishes within the area known as the Weaver Parishes There is an elegant four bedroom Georgian Vicarage at Mayfield, with well-kept gardens where the Associate Minister will live. The house is 80 yards from the Church and is within the same Conservation area. The Associate Minister will offer ministry on Sunday to the grouping of parishes plus the equivalent of at least two further days a week. Expenses of office will be met by the grouping of parishes and holiday entitlement will follow diocesan guidelines. The Incumbent and Church communities are praying for someone who: Is sincere, energetic and an enthusiastic Christian in priest s orders. Is welcoming and approachable to all parishioners. Enjoys the countryside and rural communities as well as the active life of a working village and is willing to support village activities that are organised both by the Church and other village groups/associations. Is willing to engage with a socially diverse, yet lively village that supports the church in its community. Is committed to drawing people into a personal faith in Christ, with a special focus on families. Is able to work collaboratively with the incumbent, visiting priests, lay readers and lay teams and who can maintain and encourage a happy accord within the four parishes. Is committed to local schools, in particular that at Mayfield, in assisting with Christian learning. Is able to lead worship in a variety of church traditions, respecting the mores of those Churches. Main responsibilities Living in the vicarage in Mayfield, the main focus of the Associate Minister s pastoral ministry will be at the Mayfield end of the grouping. Being licensed to all the parishes within the grouping, the Associate Minister will be entitled to attend all four parishes PCC meetings. It is expected, however, that the focus will again be at the Mayfield end of the grouping and he/she may from time to time be expected to chair the Mayfield PCC. The Sunday and weekday worship rota will be arranged by the incumbent. The Associate Minister will be expected to lead worship at all the churches according to the rota.

3 3 The Associate minister will prepare and perform most of the occasional offices for churches at the Mayfield end of the benefice. Within the grouping there are two Church of England first schools. The Associate Minister will be ex officio School Foundation Governor at Henry Prince C of E (C) School, Mayfield and act as the main link between the church and this school. Work with the Incumbent and PCCs to implement Mission Action Plans. The post will be subject to an enhanced CRB check. If you would like an informal conversation about this post please contact the incumbent The Reverend Brian Leathers. The Vicarage Lime Kiln Lane Alton Stoke on Trent Staffordshire ST10 4AR Telephone: briantopsey@gmail.com Visits to the church at Mayfield as well as the vicarage may be arranged with the incumbent. The outgoing priest shall continue to occupy the vicarage until February but has kindly agreed to show prospective candidates around the house and grounds. All applications should be sent to: The Bishop of Stafford Ash Garth, 6 Broughton Crescent Barlaston Stoke on Trent ST12 7DD Tel: Closing date for applications is With provisional interview date

4 4 St John the Baptist, Mayfield Mayfield is a large scattered village comprising three hamlets, Middle and Upper Mayfield, Church Mayfield and Mayfield proper. The older parts of Mayfield are Middle and Upper Mayfield, with some houses dating back to the C16. Modern Mayfield includes two C19 textile mills, a large ex council estate, and a fair amount of Trent and Dove social housing as well as new private housing developments, a village shop, the primary school, an excellent pub and a very thriving Village Hall. It is only the scattering effect, the lack of a single village centre that leads to the parish lacking a perfect sense of community. Despite this there is strong support for both community and church events as varied as music society concerts, beer festivals and even pop up restaurants. Mayfield is well situated for travel to the nearby market towns of Ashbourne and Uttoxeter and to the larger towns of Derby, Burton upon Trent, and Stoke on Trent, all less than 4O minutes away by car. London is just under two hours by train and there are three international airports, East Midlands, Birmingham and Manchester within one hour s drive time. Mayfield is part of Weaver Ward in East Staffordshire, but the post coding, nearness of health, library, and recreational facilities tends to identify the village with Ashbourne and Derbyshire. This has an impact on schooling where, sadly, the preference is for people to send their children into Derbyshire for the two tier schooling system as opposed to East Staffordshire s three-tier system. Mayfield Vicarage The two textile mills, the large JCB factories nearby, agricultural work and distribution transport provide good local employment. There is also a growing population of commuters attracted by a rural setting and an easy commute to local large towns and cities. Mayfield is a very desirable place to live, with people enjoying good health and with no areas of deprivation. Although we have our active Church, excellent pub and village shop and a vibrant Village Hall, we do not have essential amenities such as police station, library, leisure centre, GP or dentist close by. Local transport is somewhat limited, hence the need for car ownership and peoples tendency to associate with Ashbourne for these essential services.

5 5 The Church The Church dates back to 1158, and is built from Hollington stone. The chancel was added in the 14 th century and the tower completed in The church is, in appearance and layout, very similar to a reformation church without a cross, hangings and altar, and has an unusual three-sided communion rail and altar table. The church has efficient sound and heating systems and is fairly access friendly; there is seating for 220. In 2001 the replacement of the lead roof and strengthening of the North aisle took place and the church is now in good repair. Within 70 yards of the Church there are the Church Rooms, complete with a small car park. There is a simple kitchen; lavatories and a good sized meeting room. We have plans to upgrade these rooms and the success of funding applications will influence the scale of improvement. However, importantly, we do have funds sufficient for a reasonable upgrade. Church Services The Church is a place of many aspects for me, a place of quiet introspection, a place for reflection as well as a place to celebrate and just have a good sing Catherine Mellor We currently hold one Family, two Morning (Common Worship), one morning Holy Communion and one early morning HC on the fourth Sunday. Our tradition is low evangelical and we use Anglican Hymns Old and New. Many of the congregation enjoy the lay team s BCP services. We have many and varied special services at Mayfield- these are very popular and fill the Church with people who do not often attend Church but who now feel part of the Church Community and do, indeed, help and support the church in many ways. Typically we have: an annual memorial service around All Saints Day, Songs of Praise where people choose their favourite hymns, a truly wonderful Service of Nine Carols, a children s Christmas Eve Nativity Service as well as high attendance at Remembrance Sunday, Harvest Festival and Mothering Sunday. As well as these traditional festival

6 6 services, the church undertakes a number of special services to celebrate some aspect of village and church life. These have included a celebration of the Sunday School and its leaders, 500 years of the church tower, baptisms and a gospel concert. These services regularly attract up to 100 members of the congregation. Baptisms and Confirmations. Charlotte and her four children were all baptised during a Family Service. The sun shone, the church was still full of Easter flowers and family, friends and congregation were all delighted to support them on such a special and happy occasion. For me it showed just how important the church is to our community. Charles Wimbush (Churchwarden) Like most churches, Mayfield has a number of Christenings each year both from local families and incoming families. Unusually Mayfield also has a good number of confirmation candidates and is the largest provider of such candidates in the benefice. This is both the work of the recently retired priest and strong ongoing community and village links.

7 7 Church Community Sunday Club. It s fun and friendly and Margaret is nice. We learn things and make things to take home to my Mum Hazel (8). There is a busy and very active Sunday Club with children who regularly read in church, take part in plays and together with the Henry Prince School Christingle Service, provide a happy blend of young people and adults. There is a regular attendance of 32, a Church Community of around 90 and there are 69 on the electoral roll. The Church lay team are lucky to have a lay reader, Mrs Sheena Bryden, who assists the incumbent and is active throughout the benefice, and a number of people experienced in reading services. Janet Knox is our organist and she is heavily involved with the Christmas Choir. The PCC fulfils all the important roles for any church and we have two excellent grounds-men. These men also tend to the vicarage lawn. The church has its own PCC consisting of 16 members, 3 of whom are Deanery Synod members including the current Lay Chair of the Uttoxeter Deanery Synod. The PCC meets 4-6 times a year with the associate priest or PCC Vice Chairman acting as chair. The church conducts a variety of events during the year that act as both fundraisers and community events, ranging from regular events such as Shrove Tuesday pancake parties and Harvest Suppers to specific events celebrating some aspect of village life or commemorating a special village event. The church and vicarage are often used as the base for these events, including Mission Weekends, church parties and Fayres. There are strong links with Mayfield Scout and Guide groups, First Responders and Heritage group amongst others, as well as Mayfield Music, a music society that puts on concerts in the church.

8 8 Church Pancake Party. Church events seem to bring the entire village together. It makes us realise we are one big community whether you have been born here or more recently settled in the village. Martin Balderson (30 years resident) Ecumenical Links The Methodist chapel closed in 2002 but the Ashbourne Methodists contribute to the Church Magazine and together with the Roman Catholics, share community events such as Blessing of the Wells during past well dressing celebrations. Village Communications The Church magazine (also styled Village News) is the main communication tool of the church. A substantial magazine, it is read by approximately 40% of the village and delivered by annual subscription to 280 homes and is a truly excellent, entertaining, straight talking and informative monthly magazine that covers all aspects of village life with a positive focus on church activities, rather than just a list of Rotas linked to a central diocesan newsletter.

9 9 The church has an active website that features both church and village information and is updated on a frequent basis. It has proved a good source of wedding enquiries as well as providing information on forthcoming church events. A church newsletter (A5, two sided) has been produced each Sunday at the morning service covering basic details of the service and weekly updates on activities. Mission Action Plan Our Mission Our mission is to provide a source within this parish for Christian teaching, guidance and example, to maintain a welcoming and lively Church that is a comfort, lodestone and sanctuary for the distressed and which can provide a traditional celebration of the usual ceremonies and Services. We intend to generate an affection for and reliance on our Church by parishioners, thereby allowing people to discover the heart of God, reaching new generations and transforming our community. To achieve the above, our mission plan is broken down into specific areas: - Maintain a welcoming church and be of value to the community Remain confident in our ability and enduring self-sufficiency Improve communication with the village and community Run inclusive services Support Mission, local, national, and international Involve children and young people Be fiscally responsible PCC Finance Committee Build the Church- The PCC Finances Owing to the ingenuity of past PCC s and the generosity of the village people, the Church is in reasonable financial shape: has funds to upgrade the Church Rooms, pay its share and keep house and grounds in good order. However, we are not complacent and our Treasurer keeps us focused. The Future. Mayfield Church has a strong base in the village and a small but vibrant church community that engages with many areas of the village. However, we recognise that we could, as a church, do more to actively promote ourselves within the village across all areas and groups within our community and would welcome an incumbent who would lead the church in reaching out to all aspects of the community, continuing the growth of our church within Mayfield.

10 10 St Peter s Ellastone The Church Originally there was only one church in the parish, St Peter s. Later St Mary s Stanton was established as a Chapel of Ease to St Peter s. Over the years the churches have established distinct identities, however we come together with joint PCC meetings and try to support each other s fundraising activities St Peter s Church is a Grade 2 listed building sited centrally in the village over looking beautiful countryside with it s own car park, a lovely church yard particularly in spring when there are hundreds of daffodils, snowdrops and crocus in flower. There are several Yew trees, one dating back to 850AD. The churchyard is maintained by volunteers and has good footpaths. The church tower dates back 1586 and one of the bells believed to be from the now derelict Calwich Abbey is even older dated The church is in a good state of repair and includes a kitchenette, and toilet, a regularly serviced organ, a sound system with a hearing loop and six bells that are occasionally used by visiting groups. Inside the church there is a heritage display and in the Calwich chapel exhibits showing the link between the church and the ancient Augustinian Priory of Calwich. The Church community We have a small but committed congregation eager to move forward with mission and ministry and open to new ideas.we have a bible study group which includes people from out of the parish and a group for organising fund-raising events such as Bingo with fish and chip evenings, a village fete and an Autumn Fair. We also hold a Harvest supper in conjunction with St Mary Stanton all supported by enthusiastic villagers Services Regular services are Holy Communion, Morning Prayer and a Family service after which we have tea or coffee, and in summer an Evening service. Our annual Carol Service is always well supported by both villagers and others from outside. The Minister conducts baptisms and weddings preparations and we have a variable number of baptisms, weddings and funerals each year. At Wootton we have joint ownership with St Mary s Stanton of a small Reading Room, which is available for Church and Charity events. Although not owned by the church the Parish Hall opposite is used for church social and fund raising events. Unfortunately there are few children in the village as we have no school but they are welcome to our services and we have a small play area for them. The Village Ellastone is a scattered rural village with a population of approximately 600 reaching on its South-eastern edge to the River Dove, eastwards to Calwich on the road to Mayfield, Northwood and Stanton and north towards Wootton and the Weaver Hills. Villagers are from long standing families and more recently newcomers who travel out of the village for work, others are retired and there are several farming families. There are plenty of activities including tennis and bowls clubs, painting classes Tia Chi, circuit training and a Monday club open to all ages that gives a warm welcome to all newcomers.

11 11 St Mary s Stanton The Village Stanton is a quiet village with a history of quarrying, lead mining and farming. Gilbert Sheldon (Archbishop of Canterbury ) was born at Hillock Farm in 1598 and the Village Hall is named after him. We enjoy panoramic views of the Weaver Hills and on the outskirts of the village is a nature reserve owned by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. The Church The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, was completed in 1848 and is a Grade 2 listed building in a good state of repair. We have recently repointed the exterior West Gable including taking down of the Bell flèche and rebuilding back. At the same time the bell was removed for cleaning and repair and then reinstated. Further exterior work is necessary, as per the last quinquennial report dated Nov 2015, as and when funds are available. During the last decade or so other major works have been carried out which have included a completely new roof, electrical rewiring and refurbishment of the lead windows which means the building is in a very good state of repair. The Churchyard is open and it has been decided that over-burying will take place in the future. There is a designated area for the burial of ashes. The Village Hall The Church also owns the Village Hall which is let to a committee for a nominal insurance rent and is used by the Church for many of our fundraising and social events. There is an Afternoon Club which meets on a Monday afternoon, fortnightly, this is open to all. Members enjoy a varied programme of crafts, games, talks and outings. The Church supported the village when a defibrillator unit was installed in the old telephone kiosk. The PCC is represented on the Village Hall Committee and Parish Council. Services We hold a special family service on the 3rd Sunday of the month, having a Family Service Leader here. We often have several primary aged children at the weekly services. There is a play area at the rear of the Church. Occasional offices are prepared and performed by either of the Benefice s priests. We have a small number of baptisms, weddings and funerals each year. Sunday congregation averages 13.

12 12 The parish of Alton with Bradley le Moors is part of the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands, with a population of almost 1,300. Alton with Bradley le Moors Alton The village of Alton has good facilities, including a medical centre, an excellent village hall, post office, shops and public houses, one of which is owned by the community. It is also home to the world famous theme park, Alton Towers. In addition to St Peter s Anglican Church, there is a small Methodist Chapel and a strong Roman Catholic Church of St John the Baptist. Adjacent to the latter is the RC Youth Centre for the whole of the Birmingham Archdiocese, catering for young people from 9 upwards, and covering an area from the Staffordshire Moorlands down to Oxford. There is a good relationship between the three Churches of the village. St Peter s Church was dedicated in 1167 but has been altered quite considerably since that time. One of the most important changes of recent times has been the reordering of the North aisle: other obvious earlier alterations are the removal of the plaster from the walls in the 1930 s and the addition of the South aisle at the beginning of the 19 th century. The 8ft wide centre bell aisle is wonderful for weddings and other activities. The church has a fine ring of bells installed in The churchyard is closed and maintained by the parish council. There is a churchyard extension which is open but not used, and maintained by the PCC. The North aisle reordering, which originally met with some resistance, has been a great blessing. Even the doubtful have recognised the wisdom of those who sought to make the change and have said so. It enables us to have meetings, Lent lunches, various courses, children s groups and Services with small numbers in a congenial environment. In addition to the facilities provided by this reordering, St Peter s also has a sound system and a 3m wide retractable screen with a fixed projector. The service pattern of St Peter s is fairly traditional with morning and evening worship, two of the morning services being Morning Prayer, but there is a Eucharistic Service at some time every Sunday. The mid-week service of Holy Communion is well supported. Alton has three lay led cell groups, in addition to which some Church members are part of the Ellastone Bible study group. Sunday School is available for young people on Sunday mornings. There are no Church youth groups but all branches of scouting and guiding meet weekly in the village hall. Alton has a well established Pastoral Team which meets regularly and in addition to normal pastoral work offers transport for non-drivers and, at intervals, useful talks, with tea, open to the community.

13 13 The Church style is traditional Anglican with a strong biblical base and has lay involvement in the Services with readings, intercessions and as communion assistants. The Church has two organists, both with musical degrees. Baptism preparation is arranged by the Minister as necessary, baptisms always taking place during the morning Sunday Service. The incumbent encourages baptism and marriage, seeing them as pastoral and mission opportunities. Re-marriage is church is accepted at St Peter s in accordance with diocesan policy and in agreement with the Bishop. Bradley St Leonard s Church was founded in A small building reached by the right of way over a private garden. Services are held 3 times a month at 9:30am (Holy Communion) or 2:15pm (Evening Prayer). The Churchyard is a beautiful open space. There is a committed congregation of about ten people at each service. Two members are able to play the organ at the services. Communication in the Parish is through a lay produced monthly Parish News and a weekly notice sheet. Alton and Bradley are used to working in a multi-church benefice, having been in a close and supportive group of 4 villages for 21 years before unofficially joining the proposed Weaver Group in July 2006 and legally in April Alton and Bradley work quite closely together, sharing most social and fundraising events. We would look to a much closer working together within the whole benefice, recognising that we are part of the one Christian Church.