PARISH PROFILE BENEFICE OF COLEFORD WITH HOLCOMBE, BA3

PARISH PROFILE BENEFICE OF COLEFORD WITH HOLCOMBE, BA3 1

SECTION 1 Description of Area, Benefice, Deanery and Diocese Transport Links Communication SECTION 2 Parish of Holy Trinity, Coleford SECTION 3 Parish of St Andrew s, Holcombe SECTION 4 House for Duty Priest SECTION 5 Accounts 2

PARISH PROFILE THE BENEFICE OF COLEFORD WITH HOLCOMBE: Holy Trinity, Coleford, St Andrew's, Holcombe and the (redundant) Old Church of St Andrews. Description of the benefice The benefice of Coleford with Holcombe, in the Diocese of Bath and Wells, falls within the Archdeaconery of Bath in the Deanery of Midsomer Norton. Coleford and Holcombe are on the edge of the Deanery, with neighbouring villages such as Mells and Leigh on Mendip in the Frome Deanery under the Archdeaconry of Wells. The Local Ministry Group meets monthly and is composed of clergy from parishes to the south side of the Deanery. Coleford with Holcombe, Chilcompton with Stratton-on-the-Fosse and Westfield with Radstock. The Rectory The Rectory was built in 1982 and is situated next door to Holy Trinity Church in Church Street, Old Coleford, It has 4 bedrooms, a downstairs a sitting room, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, hall and study. It has a detached garage with a wide gravel area suitable for other parking and a burglar alarm is fitted. The study is reached without going through the main house. The garden is mostly lawned and there are a number of old trees. Church Services and Worship The Liturgy used in both Holy Trinity, Coleford and in St Andrew's, Holcombe, is Common Worship with a series of booklets throughout the year. At the close of each service the congregation can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, in the Church Hall in Coleford and in the Hundred Room in Holcombe, and leaves with a copy of the Newsletter. Weekly services: Holy Trinity, Coleford St Andrew's, Holcombe Wednesday 10.am Holy Communion Thursday 10 am Holy Communion held in the Church Hall congregation small congregation approx 15 Sunday 09.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 11.15 am Holy Communion held in Holy Trinity congregation approx 22 congregation approx 25-30 Annual services for All Souls Day Memorial Service Womens World Day of Prayer Remembrance Day - are held at one of the two village churches. All festivals are celebrated in both churches. A small service of Holy Communion is held in Scott's Close Holcombe and communion is taken to the home of any person within the benefice who asks to receive it. 3

Village and Parish News The benefice has an attractive website which feature both churches separately. They can be found on: www.colefordchurch.co.uk www.holcombechurch.co.uk www.facebook.com/colefordchurch www.facebook.com/holcombechurch 'On the Map' is a long established monthly publication. Priced at 70p per issue, or 5 annual subscription it is delivered free to subscribers. The cost of its production is assisted by the sale of advertising space to local businesses and the sponsorship of donors. It contains up to the minute reports from both Parish Councils, news from the villages' clubs and organisations; promotional pages of fundraising events and village activities and 'diary dates' for the months ahead. Description of area The benefice is set 750ft above sea level on the edge of the Mendip Hills on the former Somerset Coalfields. To live in this picturesque part of the world is delightful. The villages are surrounded by beautiful countryside including the Somerset levels and the historic towns of Glastonbury and Wells. The seaside towns of Weston Super Mare to the north and Lyme Regis to the south are close by and visits to estates such as Longleat or Stourheard are attractive destinations. The performing arts, along with many art galleries and museums are situated conveniently in Bath, Frome, Bristol and Wells. Transport Links Coleford and Holcombe lie within a triangle formed by Radstock, Frome and Shepton Mallet in north east Somerset. Local buses, although limited, run to these nearby villages, towns and cities. The cities of Bath and Wells are each within a half an hour s drive and Bristol and Salisbury are within an hour and a half away. There are three motorways, the M4, M5 and access to the M3. The journey time by rail from Bath to London Paddington is less than an hour and a half and rail connections from Frome, Bath, and Bristol service journeys to the South West and the Midlands. Bristol International Airport offers regular flights to many UK and international destinations 4

Description of the villages of Coleford and Holcombe Coleford is divided into three areas. Old Coleford, where Holy Trinity and the Rectory are to be found; Highbury, the upper part of the village and Lipyate, a small area on the edge of the village. The book, 'A Good Foundation' published in 2009 and written by Julie Dexter and Valerie Bonham, the recently retired priest-in-charge, provides a detailed history of Coleford. Holcombe's special place is to be found at St Andrew's Old Church. A place of worship for a thousand years it is now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Visitors from both villages and beyond enjoy 4 services a year in this old church which is also home to a colony of bats. Coleford is the larger village with a population of approximately 3,000. Holcombe has a population of 1,000. The housing in both villages is mixed, reflecting the families who live here. Some can claim to be part of the history and structure of the villages and others are new. There is provision of social and sheltered housing in both villages: Douglas Yates Court in Coleford and Scott's Close in Holcombe, whilst providing accommodation for their residents, also facilitate a meeting place for coffee or house communion. Scott s Close Although many people commute out of their village for work, others remain locally where there are opportunities for employment in the quarries and concrete works, in agriculture and farming. Smallbusinesses in nearby business estates also provide employment. The local shops and service industries similarly are a source of income. Douglas Yates Court Schools www.bishophenderson.co.uk There is one school in the benefice, Bishop Henderson Church of England Primary School with 140 pupils, mostly from Coleford. Situated in Coleford, it is a Voluntary Controlled primary school with a pre-school nursery attached. OFSTED judged it as a 'good' school in its most recent report. Holy Trinity Church provides 3 Foundation Governors, one of which is the incumbent in an ex- 5

officio capacity and who regularly leads assembly. The children attend church several times a year. A Children's Centre, administered by Somerset County Council, is situated on the premises. Jack and Jill Primary Church School in Kilmersdon, some of whose governors live in Holcombe, is also attended by children from Holcombe. This is a Voluntary Aided school. Nearby secondary schools include Writhlington School, Radstock, and in Midsomer Norton there are two: Norton Hill School and Somervale School. The area also has a number of independent schools. Young people The young people from both villages are able to locally enjoy membership of Brownie/Guides, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, Football, Youth Club as well as a young team of majorettes 'The Stardust Majorettes'. Medical services Both villages share the doctors surgery, Mendip Country Practice, based in Coleford which also provides a pharmaceutical service. Hospitals for the area include Royal United Hospital, Bath; Circle Bath Hospital in Peasedown St John; Southmead in Bristol and smaller hospitals in Frome, Shepton and Paulton. Shops There is presently one small shop in Holcombe but in Coleford there are grocers shops, one with a post office, and independent businesses which include an undertaker, a hair dresser and a fish and chip shop. The main supermarkets and high street shops are a short drive or bus ride away in Radstock, Midsomer Norton, Frome or Shepton Mallet. Recreation There are two playing fields in Coleford, each with a toddler play park, one situated in Highbury and another in Lower Coleford. The recently formed Coleford Revival Group staged a Village Day on the Playing Field in Highbury. It began with an open air service conducted by the incumbent. Coleford is proud of its connections with carnival and the Huckyduck Carnival Club is based in the village. Holcombe too has a Playing Field with a small play park, benches and is variously home to the Holcombe Football Club each weekend and the Holcombe Gala in the summer. Other activities in Coleford and in Holcombe include theatre groups, Welcome Club, ladies groups, a gardening club, a variety of sports clubs, cycling and walking. Swimming pools and gymnasium can also be found nearby. 6

Village Venues and their activities Coleford The Royal British Legion (RBL) Memorial Hall A social club for the welfare and benefit of members of the Royal British Legion, the Memorial Hall is ideally located for the village and is generously offered by its members to the village who are enjoy the use of the Hall for entertainment, leisure and sporting facilities and many successful fundraising events The RBL's own Remembrance Day service, the Poppy Service, is conducted by the incumbant at the RBL Memorial Hall The Memorial Hall's car park is home once a week to the Mobile Library and the Citizens Advice Bureau Holcombe Holcombe Village Hall founded by the Miners Welfare Trust was recently updated to provide disabled access and toilet as well as WiFi. The Parish Council meets in the Village Hall once a month and the village's clubs and organisations meet here. Pubs Coleford. The Eagle in Highbury Kings Head in Old Coleford. Holcombe The Duke of Cumberland The Holcombe Inn A good relationship has been built between the pubs and the churches who are each represented in the other's establishment at various times and in various ways. King s Head, Old Coleford 7

CHURCHES HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, COLEFORD Vision Statement Holy Trinity Church in Coleford is a warm and friendly church where every person is loved and respected as an individual, reaching out to as many people in the village as possible. Built in 1831 it is held in great affection by the village families who have recently contributed to a fund established for work to renovate the tower clock. Several church members work tirelessly and voluntarily to maintain the fabric and surrounding areas. ñ The recent quinquennial inspection report is awaited ñ The building is in a good state of repair. ñ The wiring and heating system has been replaced ñ The church was redecorated and recarpeted in 2011 ñ The high front wall has recently been repointed and made safe. ñ The driveway has been renewed ñ The wall at the rear of the church has been rebuilt by a member of the congregation Children There is a small area in church where children can play quietly under the supervision of a parent/guardian. Holy Trinity PCC passed a motion admitting baptised children, following a period of preparation in the company of their parents, to receive the Sacrament at Holy Communion. Church members ñ The average Sunday congregation numbers 25-30 and the attendance at festivals and special services is greater. ñ A rota ensures readers and intercessors for services ñ An organist and a choir (supplemented on occasions by recordings) provide music and accompaniment. ñ Provide refreshment in the Church Hall after the service. ñ A member of the congregation is licensed to assist in the administration of the chalice at Holy Communion ñ Three members of the church currently hold a DBS certificate 8

PCC ñ The PCC meets bi-monthly and the APCM is held in March. ñ Holy Trinity currently has 2 churchwardens ñ The PCC has one representative at Deanery Synod Finance ñ A copy of the 2013/2014 accounts for Holy Trinity and for Coleford Church Hall are attached ** ñ The Parish share is currently 16,455 ñ There are 42 people on the Electoral Roll ñ Planned giving through the envelope scheme ñ Additional finance is met through a variety of fundraising events ranging from quizzes, sales and fairs. Charitable Giving ñ The PCC selects a charity, from a list the congregation has suggested, to receive the offering from the Harvest service at school and church and the proceeds from the sale of Harvest produce. ñ Overseas and home charities are chosen alternate years ñ Lent Lunches raise money for Christian Aid Church Hall The Old Miners Welfare Hall (Church Hall) was gifted to the village in the early 1960 s to be administered by the church. It is situated opposite the church and is used by Holy Trinity for meetings and some social gatherings. Financially, the Church Hall currently pays for itself but may struggle to find funding for future major work. The Church Hall is available for lettings and car park spaces provide another means of revenue. 9

St Andrew's Church, Holcombe Vision Statement: To be a church who welcomes everyone of all ages and who demonstrates the love of God to all in the community every day. Built in 1885, St Andrew s was consecrated by Lord Arthur Hervey, Bishop of Bath and Wells. The vestry was built in 1906 and the meeting room was constructed in 1985 to commemorate 100 years of worship at St Andrew s and is known as The Hundred Room. This offers a valuable meeting place with the opportunity to serve refreshments, storage and display space The graveyard for St Andrew's is not in the ground around the church building but is situated at the Old Church. Fabric Recommendations from the 2012 Quinquennial inspection have been met. The church is in good repair, is centrally heated and new lighting has been installed. Sound systems are in place to facilitate playing recorded music. A loop system is also installed The organ, a Sweetland dedicated in 1891, is regularly tuned and in fairly good condition. The church has one bell, recently repaired and rehung. Of special interest is the font, the base of which is the original font from the Old Church of St Andrews. Recently commissioned is a ceramic basin which lines the font and contains blessed water. Among the stained glass windows is one by W. Webb, dated 1946, in memory of a soldier of the Royal Artillery who died in Malaya in 1942. On the wall and in the pews are examples of the dedication and skill of the village needlewomen and men. The Holcombe Quilting group have created and given wall hangings including one depicting the Nativity as well as some patchwork cushions. These latter complement the individually handcrafted kneelers, some of which celebrate local clubs and groups. PCC/ Church Officers ñ St Andrew's PCC meets bi-monthly ñ Representatives from its PCC attend Synod both at Deanery and Diocese ñ Four members are licensed by the Bishop to assist with Communion. ñ Four members of the congregation have DBS clearance ñ One of the churchwardens takes communion to members of the parish who are housebound. The PCC is supported by members of the congregation in a variety of tasks required to keep the church a pleasant place to worship and to be the 'face' of the church in the community. 10

Financial Matters ñ The treasurer keeps financial matters in good order by which payment of all services and utilities are met. ñ St Andrew's Current Parish Share is rated at 10,200 and is category E ñ An active fund raising programme includes St Andrew's Gift Day, an annual concert, coffee mornings, quizzes, bingo and skittles ñ The Electoral Roll stands at 29 Charitable giving ñ The Christingle Service offering is given to the Children's Society ñ Response to appeals at Lent, Harvest and Advent as well at times of special need at home or overseas, for example the Somerset Flood Relief Fund, is good. ñ St Andrew's is a collection point for the Food Bank. Children. ñ There is a 'Children's Corner' beside the chancel step ñ St Andrew's PCC passed a motion admitting baptised children, following a period of preparation in the company of their parents, to receive the Sacrament at Holy Communion. St Andrew s Outreach and witness ñ St Andrew's fundraising events, held at venues other than the church building. ñ The church building is also used for social outreach. Illustrated talks on a variety of topics, concerts, window displays and exhibitions attract visitors for which, often, there is usually no charge but voluntary donations are encouraged. The Old Church of St Andrews It is the Old Church, now redundant and in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust, which remains as the outstanding feature of Holcombe s early history. Believed to be dedicated in 928 this Norman church the first written record of which appeared in 1242 when the Earl of Gloucester confirmed that he had earlier given land and the advowson of the chapel at Holcombe, to the Abbot at Keynsham. It was restored, or possibly rebuilt In the 14 th /15 th Century. In the 18 th Century pews, panelling, pulpit and minstrels gallery were installed, financed by the Lords of the Manor, the Salmon Family as were the altar and the altar rail, chancel choir stalls and the gold lettered wooden boards bearing The Ten Commandments. In the 19 th century The Lord s Prayer and the Creed were added. 11

The Old Church has two bells in the bell-tower both believed to be cast in Bristol. The Old Church graveyard remains the parish burial ground. Over the last decade the old graveyard, for which St Andrew's PCC is responsible, has been extended and this newer graveyard is the responsibility of the Parish Council. Four services are held at the Old Church during the year. Three are Evensong celebrated during the summer months of June, July and August and the fourth is a candle-lit service of lessons and carols held the first Sunday following Christmas Day. Each of these services is enjoyed by visitors together with congregation members from both Holy Trinity and St Andrew s. Musical accompaniment at services has been provided by an accordion and once a harp. There are key holders in the village. There is no supply of either water or power to the Old Church. Because it is frequently visited by family members tending graves, waste bins are collected weekly, by Mendip Waste. OTHER CHURCHES IN COLEFORD AND HOLCOMBE Roman Catholic Churches St Cuthberts Roman Catholic Church, Holcombe. Mass is celebrated monthly by a visiting priest from nearby Downside Abbey. Methodists As the Methodist chapel in both villages have closed, the members of the Methodist congregation often meet at Douglas Yates Court, Coleford. They also attend Holy Trinity or St Andrew s churches. There are Methodist churches in Frome, Radstock or Midsomer Norton. The Gospel Hall, Coleford 12

House for Duty Priest The benefice has to offer Two well maintained parish churches plus the much-loved, historic, Old Church in Holcombe. Loyal and enthusiastic congregations who will provide support to the incumbent's ministry and administration of church affairs. An opportunity to encourage young families into church A welcoming community in each village that has a good relationship with its parish church. An attractive location Good schools A comfortable and well situated Rectory The Rectory, Coleford The Priest we seek We are seeking someone who: ñ Is a person of prayerfulness, ñ Who regularly engages in Bible study and theological reading. ñ Is able to share their own deep faith ñ Is able to reach out to and be a recognised and significant member of community life ñ Will continue to take the church out into the community. ñ Will develop a children's and young people's ministry. ñ Is willing to undertake pastoral visits ñ To have an active care and concern for the vulnerable and lonely. ñ Sensitive to the style of worship which the present and future congregations will enjoy. ñ Is a good communicator. ñ Will work harmoniously with the church team. ñ Is an effective administrator able to undertake all duties with good humour and tolerance ñ Has an ability to recognise and encourage good ideas proposed from within the community ñ Is willing to empower members of the lay community to take those good ideas forward. The authors of this profile very much hope that it gives a clear and balanced portrait of our benefice and hope it will interest and encourage you to make a formal application for the post. August 2015 13

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