The Joint Benefice of High Hoyland, Scissett and Clayton West.

Transcription

1 The Joint Benefice of High Hoyland, Scissett and Clayton West. Deanery of Kirkburton, Archdeaconry of Halifax. St. Augustine s Church, Scissett. All Saints Church, Clayton West. 1

2 The Location The Joint Benefice is comprised of three villages High Hoyland, Scissett and Clayton West. All villages adjoin each other; two are located alongside the A636 main road which runs along the Upper Dearne Valley between Wakefield and Denby Dale and onwards to Holmfirth. High Hoyland is a long established village, now a small farming and residential community, set on top of the hill looking over towards Barnsley, reached by minor roads. The view from above Scissett, looking North. As the industrial revolution gripped the area, Clayton West and Scissett became industrialised with the arrival of textile mills and coal mines. While the coal mining has gone, the farming and industry remain. Housing ranges from 18 th century farms, 19 th century terraces, through to modern housing estates, the building of which is still ongoing in the area as the villages become increasingly popular amongst commuters to Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester. The transport links are particularly good, being less than ten minutes drive to the M1 motorway, and also having good bus services to Wakefield, Huddersfield and Holmfirth. Trains are available from Denby Dale, linking into the trans-pennine network. Many amenities exist within the villages, including a petrol station and MOT station, post office and mail delivery depot, small supermarket, village stores, hair salons and a number of other small businesses. A few small industrial estates and factories also provide employment in the villages. Recreational facilities exist - there are several playgrounds, a swimming pool and fitness centre, bowling green, football and cricket fields; public houses and eateries are available and there is the very local tourist attraction of steam trains at the Kirklees Light Railway. The swimming baths, fitness centre, supermarket, petrol station and post office are all located close together on the A636. 2

3 Within Clayton West and Scissett, there are nurseries taking children from the age of four months, two first schools, a school welcoming those children with behavioural, social and emotional difficulties (ranging from Key stage 2 to Key stage 4) and the middle school accepting children aged 10 to 13 years. There are also good community organisations: Rainbows, Beavers, Scouts, the community choir, walking groups, book club, Darby and Joan Club, friends of Cliffe woods and several sport teams. The primary schools in Scissett (above) and in Clayton West (below) In addition to the handy transport links and the availability of many local amenities, lovely countryside surrounds the villages, providing the opportunities for pleasant walks across fields and through woods, some detailed in the Denby Dale Parish Council leaflets; beautiful views are available from many doorsteps. 3

4 Desirable Qualities in Our New Priest Worship A person who is prayerful and spiritual; whose faith is lived out in their actions and ministry; someone who is willing to encourage lay ministry and its development. Communicator A person who is a good communicator; approachable, and who would be happy to join in aspects of village life and activities, including our Churches Together community, and to continue our good relationships with our village schools and nurseries. Leader A person with visionary leadership skills, able to inspire our congregations, to help us grow in faith and encourage new people into our church life, especially the younger generations. Outreach A person who is willing to work alongside our imaginative, enthusiastic teams to help us to continue the development of mission within the local community. Last, but not least, we need someone who has a good sense of humour and ready for a new challenge in their life, with a huge resource of energy. 4

5 St Augustine s Church Scissett CHURCH HISTORY St Augustine s church was built in1837, was consecrated in 1840 by Bishop Longley of Ripon, later becoming the Archbishop of Canterbury, to serve the spiritual needs of the new and growing industrial village of Scissett, as well as those of the neighbouring village of Skelmanthorpe. The new parish had been carved out of the ancient parishes of High-Hoyland and Emley. Through the strenuous efforts of the then resident vicars and their Parish Church councillors, Skelmanthorpe was enabled to build its own church (St Aidan s) in 1894, leaving Scissett a parish in its own right, with a population of about 100 people. Through the influence of the Nortons (a devout, generous and benevolent local family) who owned a good proportion of the village and employed a greater part of its inhabitants there developed a strong family-like bond which embraced both church and village which served both of them well for the next century. This is in evidence even today as Bagden Hall Hotel (The Norton family home) is the ideal wedding venue for the reception after the church service It was from the church at this period that almost every village organisation, society and co-operative event sprang many of which still survive, nothing was done which did not incorporate church involvement and the church s goodwill. In 1983 all this was to change to some degree, when the parish was enjoined to the parish of High Hoyland and Clayton West with one Priest-in-Charge and one curate to serve the joint parishes. In 1985 the curate was withdrawn, leaving the Priest-in-Charge to continue alone. At present there is a curate at St Augustine s, who shares her duties with those at All Saints, Clayton West. One notable feature that has remained constant throughout the church s history has been the strong ties between the church and the Church Aided School, now the lead school in a newly formed academy trust. Around 2004 the church was re-ordered with regard to the interior layout, this new look gave scope to widen the church s involvement in local parish affairs, and has enabled the space in church to be utilised in a much better way. In 2014, the church had a devastating theft of lead from the roof. This caused 50,000 plus in damages to both the inside and outside of the church, resulting in it being temporarily closed due to health and safety issues. In the darkest times there were talks that the church may never re-open as raising such a substantial amount of money seemed impossible, but as they say every cloud has a silver lining and this led to the formation of the Friends of St. Augustine s Group, which set out to raise funds to repair and re-open the church. 5

6 With the dedication of the congregation, the community and the Friends of St Augustine s to raise the roof - the goal was achieved through many fundraising events in the community, a sponsored walk up Snowdon, coffee mornings, November Fair, Film Nights, and a large grant from Listed Places of Worship. In September 2016 there was a celebration weekend, which started on the Saturday morning with a coffee morning, giving the community an opportunity to look around the church. In the evening there was a concert featuring The Yorkshire Philharmonic Chamber Choir, and two youth music groups from Shelley Musica. On the Sunday a service of Thanksgiving and Dedication was held, with Rt Revd Jonathan Gibbs, Bishop of Huddersfield, taking the lead. The Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication FRIENDS OF ST. AUGUSTINE S The group was formed when the devastating lead theft happened as previously mentioned. They meet once a month and organise events throughout the year to raise the church s profile and to raise money for various items, so far they have helped to raise monies for the church roof repairs and funded the purchase of folding tables for use at various events. They also are actively working to get the church back to the heart of the community. CHURCH BUILDING The church is located at the top end of beautiful and spacious grounds set well back from the main road. Vehicular access to the building is along an un-adopted narrow lane off Busker Lane. There is a fairly new tarmac path leading from the main Wakefield Road up to the rear and front door of the church. Handrails have been provided on the steeper sections. There is a small tarmac area at the end of the church providing parking for up to 8 cars. The graveyard is closed and is maintained by Kirklees Council. There is a small area designated for the burial of cremated remains. At the back of church approx. 1400sq. m. of land has recently been acquired by the church, with possibilities for development. The building itself is 180 years old and is built in the Gothic style. The interior consists of a narthex, the Kent room, where refreshments are served after each service, and it is also used as a meeting room. 2WC s with facilities for the disabled, a kitchen, a 6

7 gallery (mainly used for storage), the main worship area which can seat 150 on non-fixed chairs, a chancel and a small vestry (mainly used for storage). The stained glass windows are colourful and beautiful. One in particular, has been of keen interest to researchers... that by Henry Payne, a famous artist and stained glass window maker. There is a wrought iron screen,designed by Mr. Hodgson Fowler, the Durham Cathedral architect, and was given by Mr. J. Waites, one time organist, in memory of his wife.. The church is fully equipped with a modern sound system and hearing loop. The building is in quite a good state of repair although the stonework is showing signs of weathering and will need to be attended to in the near future, and the tower is in need of immediate work, which is planned for late summer St Augustine s Church is a Grade 2 listed building. MESSY CHURCH Parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and their families and friends are encouraged to come along to Messy Church sessions which involve whole families being interactive with approximately 6 crafts. Everyone is welcome. This did start off being called the Augustinies and was held every second Sunday of the month, for children aged between 0-5 and 5-10 years, both being separate groups and then coming together. This has now changed to Messy Church and involves whole families getting interactive with approximately 6 crafts. This is followed by a time of worship. Afterwards a meal is provided for all attending. At the moment, Messy Church is held twice a term at St Augustine's but it is hoped that the frequency will increase to complement the local ecumenical Messy Church network.this is followed by a time of worship. Afterwards a meal is provided for all attending. At the moment, Messy Church is held twice a term at St Augustine's but it is hoped that the frequency will increase to complement the local ecumenical Messy Church network. WEBSITE We have a website which informs the wider community of what is going on at the church. There is now a prayer chain for anyone to use should an urgent matter for prayer occur and the website directs them to contact Revd Kate Currie 7

8 CHARITY SHOP The church established a Charity Shop in the village in March This serves many functions and volunteers who run the shop are mainly nonchurchgoers. The shop provides low cost clothing, books, toys and household items to the local community and generates income, to help in the overall running of the church providing muchneeded funds. In 2016 the Charity Shop raised SOCIAL EVENTS The church is used for social events such as Brass Band Concerts, Children s Choirs and Orchestra and the Academy s Christingle Service. We hold a November Fair, which generates income for the church through various stalls etc, this is run by the Friends of St. Augustine s. We also have strong links with the local Academy School, and join in their Summer Fair usually serving the teas. Scissett C.E. Academy, has 6 classes with 185 pupils ranging from 4 to 10 years old, and currently has 24 staff in teaching and support roles. Staff members are extremely friendly, welcoming and see a strong connection between the life of the school and the church. Traditionally the incumbent has been very much part of the school and regarded as a valued colleague. The school has been housed in its present building since 1972 and has undergone a range of improvements with assistance from the Diocese to respond to the changing needs of the current educational climate. The governing body hold meetings on a half termly basis. Governing body members include seven from the parish of All Saints, Clayton West with High Hoyland. School and Church links are an important aspect of life at the academy. The last incumbent regularly took the Wednesday assembly, leading lively, exciting and enjoyable worship within a Christian ethos. Children regularly visit the church as part of their curriculum activities, and are involved in services at special times of the year. We are continuing to strengthen ties with the academy and middle schools and also Hillside Nursery. 8

9 The Parish of Clayton West with High Hoyland: Our Christian faith at All Saints is expressed in our vision:... to be a vibrant and integral part of the community, that is financially viable whilst offering support to others High Hoyland and Clayton West are villages equi-distant from Barnsley, Wakefield and Huddersfield, very close to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the motorway network (M1) and on the boundary of the Peak District. The parish is within the Kirkburton deanery, an area of the Episcopy of Huddersfield. The village of Clayton West itself, has a population of around 3200 people, it is rural, surrounded by beautiful countryside some involving sheep, dairy and arable farming. Alongside the A636 which continues to Holmfirth is a range of small industries and businesses. High Hoyland village is within the metropolitan area of Barnsley. Clayton West continues to grow with commuters travelling to Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester to work; it is an area which is being considered for further housing developments by Kirklees Metropolitan Council. All Saints Church has two church wardens, actively involved in committees and events. Our secretary is very methodical in presenting agendas and minutes of meetings on time. Our part time curate is exceptional, now in her third year of training and supported by the Rural Dean. Services at All Saints follow the pattern below: Sundays: 9.15am sees a Parish Communion service on the first, second and third Sunday of the month 8am communion every 4th Sunday, followed at 9.15 by a lay-led service introduced by a member of the congregation with a speaker from the wider community. The fifth Sunday of any month is a Churches Together service at one of the four places of worship in the Parishes. Monday morning is Morning Prayer 9am; mid-week communion takes place at 9.15am alternately at All Saints and St. Augustine s churches. There are occasional other mid-week services eg. Blessing of the garden of Remembrance / Ash Wednesday evening service. Other Sunday services at the moment include a Memorial service, an Advent service and a Carol service. Children are welcomed at the 9.15 Sunday service with story time / craft activities linked to the theme of the day and / or readings. The age range of these children can be between 0 10 years with an average of eight children attending each week. When presentations by the children occur, there are often early evening / Saturday afternoon rehearsals prior to the event. 9

10 Children from school years three and four are encouraged to join the choir this is an area which is planned to activate at the start of the new school year. We have a full complement of voices in the choir, any one of four organists/ keyboard players support the services; music is important to our church family and is eclectic. Our electoral roll has 66 members with 20% living outside the Parish. Members of the PCC play an important part within development groups core group (development of liturgy and ministry within the community we have had one candidate since 2007 undergo ordination and who is now a full time priest; another is intending starting training as a Reader), buildings group, finance and social group and outreach group (includes exploration of social media). Weddings/ Baptisms and Funerals are pre-planned by the clergy and the families involved; pre-baptism visits are often undertaken by members of the congregation. Communion is administered at local care homes on a monthly basis by clergy from local churches and supported by church members and a pianist. The elderly / infirm are able to receive home communion - this is an aspect of church life which we hope will be conducted by willing lay people in the future. Our priest supports two local schools and a local nursery; in the case of the church school the priest is a member of the governing body. Church members are involved in Made in Clayton West and the increasing number of activities being offered by local people (this is a local initiative promoting village life); the Darby and Joan Hall has a thriving luncheon club for adults aged 60+ throughout the village. Christmas Live (a re enactment of the nativity story at a number of locations around the village) and Carols around the tree are well-supported by the villagers and are always followed up in church with refreshments. Our monthly coffee mornings and Sunday refreshments support the sale of Fairtrade goods; other charities supported regularly are Compassion and Esmerelda; a village in Masara; the Anglican Church in Baghdad and Samaritan s Purse. Harvest time has seen recent support for the Mission to Seafarers, Farmers in Crisis and local foodbanks. Christian Aid is organised through Churches Together by a member of our community. 10

11 Study time in recent years has made use of Alpha, Pilgrim 1+2 and Emmaus courses timed to run during the early evening or after a mid-week service. When appropriate, confirmation classes are organised. During 2013 to 2014 two interior spaces were created to house a kitchen with fridge and microwave and also a toilet with facilities for the disabled and baby changing. Our font was re-sited to the rear of the Lady Chapel where all pews have been removed. The space created has seen improved accommodation for coffee mornings / craft fairs; workshop and/or display space is now available; group meeting space with audio-visual facility is available for church / community use. We have developed a hiring policy after enquiries for use of the church were made during A team of cleaners from the congregation maintain the interior of the church on a weekly basis. Volunteers cut the grass on the south side of the church. There is a small working party which endeavours to keep the grass at low levels in High Hoyland churchyard on a monthly basis we need to attract more individuals to help with this task. Our last QI was September We recognise that our immediate priority is to examine our spire and the slating on the roof. Using grant monies and parish giving we intend that by the summer of 2017 we will have hired a MEWP (Mobile Elevated Working Platform) for a day; members of our building committee and our architect will thus have the opportunity to prod and poke (inspect closely) the structure to determine the degree of upkeep /repair which is deemed necessary. Improvements to the vestry space are needed initial thoughts have been developed. The rectory is large and spacious with well - maintained gardens to both the front and the rear. The ground floor is comprised of two family rooms, kitchen, cloakroom and study. The first floor has five bedrooms, a box room, bathroom and separate toilet. All Saints Church, Clayton West has met its Parish share consistently; our average weekly giving is 385 with 77.5% gift aided. However, the forecast is a possible loss of 1800 plus 25% Gift Aid meaning 2250 during All clergy expenses are paid in full. We have a financial and social committee which works on a tri-annual stewardship campaign. During 2017, from Lent to Harvest time, we have a talent initiative every member of the congregation has 5 to grow during that period. In addition we have regular events music concerts / craft fairs / 11

12 coffee mornings / treasure hunt - throughout the year; these are advertised throughout the village via the church community and social media. The PCC are very mindful that our next challenge is to raise the required monies to match the funding which successful applications to Heritage Lottery or elsewhere may provide to ensure that our spire and roof are sound for future generations in the village. There are informal close relationships between the Dearne Valley Five Parishes however these may change as there is some movement between the parishes in the Kirkburton area; the deanery of Kirkburton itself, flourishes. All Saints, Clayton West is a member of Churches Together renewing the declaration of intent annually. Church members support Holiday Club, based at the Methodist church and fifth Sunday services which are held in churches throughout the two villages. Lent / Alpha / Pilgrim / Emmaus courses are hosted by churches in turn and lead by a rota of clergy. Our core group organise and lead the fourth Sunday services which take the form of Morning Worship at 9.15am (preceded by 8am communion). Members organise visiting speakers who talk of their Christian beliefs put into practice in the wider world. Attendance at the first Lead Your Church into Growth (LYCiG) conference in 2016 by our curate and a PCC representative will influence the direction our mission takes in the near future and in which we hope our new priest will be fully involved. Further information and photographs are available on our website: 12