Priest in Charge Elmton with Creswell And Whitwell with Steetley In

Priest in Charge
Elmton with Creswell
And
Whitwell with Steetley
In the
Diocese of Derby
1
Thank you for nding this prole.
We hope that you see in it the next stage in your
Ministry.
The Parishes are located in a semi-rural area of
Northeast Derbyshire that was once reliant on coal
mining but now has a population of 10,360 who mainly
commute to the local towns of Chestereld, Worksop
and Manseld. Although not located in the famous
Derbyshire Dales we are surrounded by beautiful
countryside with easy access to the M1 motorway to the
west and the A1 to the east. The World Heritage site of
Creswell Crags is just outside the village. Clumber Park
(National Trust) is just a short drive away.
The four Churches are in good order and the Church
family is about 132 strong with 70-100 communicants
on Sundays.
We hope we have whetted your appetite to discover
more about us in this prole.
2
Revd Canon Helen Guest
Rural Dean of Bolsover and Staveley Deanery
The Rectory
Sheepcote Road
Killamarsh
S21 1 DU
Tel 0114-2482769
[email protected]
Dear Colleague
Welcome to the Bolsover and Staveley Deanery
My name is Revd Helen and I am the Rural Dean. I do hope that you will consider joining
us. There has been a considerable shift within the deanery over the past few years due to
strong clergy appointments and the recent appointment of a new deanery Lay Chair.
From June 2013 the Deanery Synod has been shaping the deanery via a Deanery Mission
Action Plan with Commitment, Collaboration and Cohesion being the primary focus. To this
end we endeavour to:
•
Use a deanery prayer
•
Produce a deanery handbook-in process
•
Produce a deanery resource handbook- in process
•
To hold a deanery pilgrimage in 2014 to visit all the churches within the deanery- in
process
As a deanery we share the following:
•
Annual deanery confirmaon service aer Easter
•
Annual Lent evening services with guest preacher
•
Annual Advent Service
•
Deanery Youth events throughout the year
•
Journey in Faith Course
As a Chapter we meet regularly .The meetings are well run, time specic, informative and
have invited speakers . Those with Permission to Ofciate are welcome to join us. We have
held an evening Chapter where all ministers, ordained and lay were invited.
As a Rural Dean you can be assured of my continuing pastoral care, of my help and support.
Helen
Revd Canon Helen Guest
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Page Number
Introduction to the Parishes
•
•
•
•
The Villages
Schooling
Transportation
The Vicarage
•
•
•
•
•
Buildings and Lay Resources
Regular weekly Services
Traditions
Additional services
Baptisms, Marriages
and Funerals
5
The Churches
Mission Activity
9
12
Finances
The Present Situation
13
Our Vision
What we Have and What we Need
4
Person Specication
14
Application Process
14
Introduction to the Parishes
Both Parishes lie in the extreme NE corner of Derby Diocese within
Chestereld Archdeaconry and Bolsover with Staveley Rural Deanery.
The combined population of the Parishes is 10360 (Bolsover District
Council data 2013).
Worksop and Chestereld offer major hospital facilities and other
specialist treatments.
The area is well placed for visiting places of historical interest. Creswell
Crags is renowned throughout the world as a prehistoric site and has
opened a new visitors' centre and improved access to the site. The area
has been popular with a number of landed families over the centuries and
boasts several houses and parks of interest. The Duke of Devonshire's
Chatsworth estate and Welbeck Estates (formerly the Dukes of Portland)
both own land in the Parishes.
The Villages
Whitwell, an agricultural village for centuries and is still rural in character.
Mining started c.1890 and the colliery was one of rst to close in the
1980`s. Whitwell village now has a small Industrial complex and a large
quarry. Whitwell is one of the most attractive villages in the district,
especially around the church.
Whitwell has a small selection of shops (Co-operative, SPAR shop,
independent butchers, newsagent) as well as several pubs and clubs.
There is a thriving Community Centre hosting a full range of activities
including bowling, amateur dramatics, dance classes, regular coffee
mornings, pilates and social events. This is where the Church holds its
fund raising activities. There are clubs for cricket, rugby, football, rugby
and bowls.
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The Shops
The Centre of the Vill age
Hodthorpe is adjacent to Whitwell and was built to house much of the
colliery workforce. It is a socially and economically deprived area. Both
Whitwell and Hodthorpe villages contain some employment opportunities but
many occupants commute to adjacent towns for employment.
Steetley, a small hamlet with very few inhabitants but there is some
current industrial development nearby.
Creswell. The village's development closely followed that of the coal
industry which nished in the village in 1991.The parish is identied as an
area of high social deprivation and is classied as a priority ward (National
Index of Local Deprivation). The village is currently enjoying a period of
regeneration.
The former colliery 'model village' has been the subject to a phased scheme
of regeneration aimed at improving the housing stock whilst preserving the
unique heritage of the model village. Village housing is a mixture of local
authority, private landlord and private ownership of varying styles and ages.
The existing new housing estates on the village outskirts are attracting new
families to the village and there are plans for further developments including
160 further houses. Other community based projects linked to the
regeneration of Creswell have included the formation of a Village Company.
Membership of the company is open to all residents of the parish who buy
life membership for £1. The Village Company has worked in partnership with
a number of other agencies to successfully fund and provide a wide range of
community based training opportunities including First Aid Courses,
Computing Courses, Photography and Music based activities. The company
now operates from two previously derelict shops to offer training facilities, a
Charity shop, Café, a heritage display area and a newly opened music
studio. Other regeneration projects have included the building of a new
Youth Club and the building of a nursery with family medical facilities under
the supervision of Sure Start. The village is able to offer most of the facilities
one might need on a daily basis. The main street is home to a range of
shops; there is a Post Ofce, a library and a leisure centre with swimming
pool and squash courts. There are clubs for football, cricket and bowling.
There are two medical practices based in the village and a dental practice.
The entrance to the village
6
The Church Rooms
Elmton.The village of Elmton was the original focus of the parish but the
development of the colliery at Creswell during the late 19th and early 20th
centuries saw Creswell become the more populous part of the parish. The
hamlet of Elmton retains strong agricultural links and has a population of
approximately 100. The village today consists of St Peter's church, the
village public house, Elmton School Room and a number of dwellings.
Elmton continues to be a thriving farming community, preserving such
customs as Rogation Sunday and Well Dressing. The Harvest Auction held in
a local pub is one highlight of village life. The population of Elmton is a
cross section of all ages, the majority of whom attend school or work
outside the village.
The School Room
The Entrance to the Village
Schooling
There are good primary schools at Creswell (Controlled Church Infants
and Nursery School feeding to Creswell Junior school), and a Sure Start
Nursery, Hodthorpe (which also has an after school club) and Whitwell
(which has a play scheme).
The nearest secondary schools are in Clowne, Bolsover, Warsop,
Shirebrook and Staveley.
The local Authorities provide school buses to Clowne, Warsop and
Staveley. There are several private schools within a short driving
distance.
Transportation
Creswell, Whitwell and Hodthorpe are all served by bus routes to
Chestereld and Worksop.
The Robin Hood rail line serving Worksop and Nottingham, provides links
to the national rail network, with stops at Creswell and Whitwell.
Both villages are close to J30 of the M1 motorway and have easy access
to the A1 trunk road.
Airports at East Midlands, Doncaster and Leeds/Bradford are within an
hours driving time.
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Our communities have excellent websites showing more details of
facilities, activities and the local area. Use (ctrl+click) to open this link
and view the village websites www.whitwell.com & www.creswell.com
The Vicarage
The vicarage is located in High Street, Whitwell adjacent to the Old
Vicarage which is across the road from the Church. It is on the outskirts
of the village with views overlooking the closed graveyard across the road
to the front and open countryside to the rear.
The detached house built circa 1969 has study, dining room, sitting room,
kitchen, utility room, toilet and kitchen on the ground oor. There are 4
bedrooms and family bathroom to the rst oor. The ground oor of the
house is parquet oored except for the kitchen and utility rooms.
The front garden is small with vehicle hard standing leading to a
detached stone garage and store. The rear garden adjacent to pasture
land on one side is very private with stone patio, lawn and fruit trees.
Front View
Rear View
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The Entrance Drive
The Churches
St Lawrences, Whitwell
St Lawrence's is the Parish Church of Whitwell with Steetley. A church in the area
was mentioned in Domesday (1086). The present edice (and the Chapel at
Steetley) is mentioned in Simon Jenkins`s book - "Thousand Best Churches"- as a
warm, friendly lovely atmosphere. The Nave - c. 1180- has clerestory windows, rare
in village churches at that time. The Chancel and Transepts (chapels) are 14th
century. Modern additions include Parish room with W.C. Fine organ, good tower
(though the peal of bells is not in use). The church is well kept (Quinquennial Report
-2009). The Church interior was re-decorated in 2008 with a new heating system
and the boiler was replaced in 2014. The Parish room was thoroughly refurbished in
2009 and redecorated in 2014. The building is grade II* listed.
The Church has accommodation for 200 and 66 persons are on the church roll.
The Present PCC of 12 (including Lay chair, two Church wardens, Treasurer,
Secretary, one Reader, three Deanery Synod members) meets monthly except in
August and December.
All Saints` Steetley (Chapel)
The Chapel dates from c. 1150 but following the ruination of the village
after the Black Death the chapel was ruined after Reformation and only
restored in 1886. It is now in an isolated location although modern
industrial development is starting nearby. Accommodation c. 56-60.
9
St Peter's, Elmton
The Church dates from 1771. The building is in good condition with three
bells in the tower (which can be rung) and a restored Brindley organ. The
last quinquennial inspection occurred in 2010 and there are no
outstanding issues. The church has a small vestry but no other facilities.
The Elmton School Room has been subject to improvement with grant aid
and the involvement of the local residents association. This is a pleasant
meeting room with kitchen and disabled toilet facilities.
St Mary Magdalene, Creswell
Dating from 1900 this is a spacious church with Vestries for the Vicar and
Choir. The original organ is played at all services. There are kitchen
facilities and toilet facilities suitable for use by the disabled. Repairs to
the tower in spring 2003, were subject to grant funding and were further
supplemented by funds of approximately 50% raised through a successful
200 Club Lottery. The last quinquennial took place in 2012 and there are
no outstanding building issues. In the last few years a nave altar has
been added and new glass inner doors provided. There is accommodation
for 400 with 66 on the (combined) rolls. The Church Rooms adjacent to
the church are well used by church groups and the wider community.
They have recently been the subject of total renovation and
refurbishment at a total cost of £88,000, of which £74,000 has been
raised through a two year period of sustained fund raising activity. The
Church Rooms now offer a good sized meeting room, toilet facilities with
disabled access and a modern well equipped kitchen.
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Regular Weekly Services
Service
Whitwell
Creswell
Elmton
Steetley
1800
Sunday
(10-15)
1515 2nd
Sunday
(8-12)
(attendance)
Said Communion
Sung Communion
0930 Alternate 0930 Alternate
Wednesdays
Wednesdays
(8-12)
(9-12)
0800 1st Sunday
(11-12)
0930 Sunday
1045 Sunday
(27-52)
(30-35)
1045 4th Sunday
(4-10)
There is a single 1030am united sung Communion service whenever there
is a 5th Sunday in a month. The location of this service rotates between
Elmton, Creswell and Whitwell.
Traditions
The Parishes are middle/high in their churchmanship. Vestments are
worn. A Eucharist bell is rung at elevation of Host and other times during
the communion services. Common Worship and Common Praise Hymns
are the main service books in use but others are available. Recorded Bell
peals are played from the Whitwell tower before main services, Creswell
has an eight bell peal which is rung before services.
Additional Services
The following are a selection of the additional services held throughout
the year most are led by the incumbent except where there are time
clashes (e.g Christmas Eve) when a Reader takes one of the services. Ash
Wednesday service, Stations of Cross in Holy week, Ofce of Compline,
Maundy Thursday foot washing Service. Good Friday 12-3 p.m.
Christmas Eve: Midnight Mass 11.30, Christmas day 9 a.m. communion.
Annual Steetley Open Air service; Christmas Eve early evening service;
Elmton Rogation service.
Baptisms are held once each month.
The incumbent/reader also ofciate at either Creswell or Whitwell
Remembrance Day Service each year.
Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals
Whitwell 2013
Steetley 2013
Creswell 2013
Elmton 2013
11
Baptisms
20
3
36
5
Marriages
6
0
4
0
Funerals
28
0
30
1
The Churchyard at Steetley is open but all plots are now reserved.
The Churchyards at Creswell, Whitwell and Elmton are now closed and the
responsibility of the District Council.
Mission Activity
Whitwell and Steetley
An active competent Reader and licensed lay members conduct Home
Communion services where needed.
Two members of the Congregation make social visits to those unable to
attend church.
Weekly Bible Studies; Weekly Lent group; Ladies group 1st Monday are
all led by the Reader.
A Deanery Youth Group was founded by a member of the congregation in
2012 and a team works with 11 to 18 year olds at 3 events each year.
The Ladies fellowship leads in fund raising activities at the Community
Centre (the PCC hires this building since there is no longer a Church
Hall). These activities include coffee mornings (6 p.a.), Shrove Tuesday
Pancake lunch, Bingo.
Via outreach we retain links with other denominations and organisations
in the district.
Summer and Winter Fairs are held and various lunches e.g. at Christmas
and Cream teas at May Day.
The village band appears at a Christmas Carol Concert in church, we also
join with the Methodists for the Lessons and Carols Service.
A monthly Church magazine and a weekly pew leaet are produced.
Elmton and Creswell
There is an active branch of the Mother's Union which enjoys one of the
largest memberships in the Diocese. A well supported Luncheon Club
helps to support the running costs of the Church Rooms at Creswell.
Church social events include Coffee mornings, a Harvest Supper and a
Silent Auction, both of which are organised by a committed group of
volunteers. Other equally well supported fundraising events include a
Christmas Bazaar, Summer Fair, Harvest Auction, Well Dressing Weekend
and Gift Day. The Creswell Colliery Band plays at Christmas and for the
Disaster Memorial Service.
A weekly pew leaet is produced.
Finances
Finances are held separately by each of the Parishes.
Broadly speaking regular income creates an annual breakeven with costs
after Parish Share, Incumbent and Reader's expenses are paid by each
Parish.
There have been many thefts of lead from the roof of St Lawrence Church
in recent years and uninsured losses have made it a struggle for Whitwell
to pay 100% of the share but this was achieved in 2013.
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The Present Situation
All Churches
We have a well-qualied organist (Whitwell and Creswell), a volunteer
organist (Elmton) and separate enthusiastic choirs. Participants available
for services are 1 Reader, Sides persons, Eucharist assistants, Lesson
readers, Intercessors and ower guilds. There are cleaners for all
buildings.
Whitwell and Steetley
There is much affection for the church in the village, though not through
attendance at Services. Events such as the Fairs, Bingo and Coffee
mornings are well supported by the local community. A number of young
children and teenagers attend, which is encouraging. A few young adults
appear periodically but the early service start time may deter them and
others after a busy working week.
A Junior Church (Sunday school) is held on the 2nd Sunday. Several
young people participate in the Deanery Youth group.
Members of the congregation are active within many Clubs and Activities
within the village and are thus able to maintain Church awareness within
those groups.
Creswell and Elmton
The parish supports a Lenten study group and regularly prepares
candidates for conrmation. The Sunday school takes place each Sunday
at 10.30am in the Church Rooms. The children join the adult
congregation in time to be blessed during communion. There is a monthly
Family Service with said Eucharist on the 4th Sunday of each month
which baptism families are encouraged to attend to be welcomed into the
church family. Other young people are servers, choir members and bell
ringers.
Our Strengths and Our Weaknesses
Like every Community we have our strengths and weaknesses- we don't
claim to be perfect or free from problems or difculties. We want to be
honest about the challenges we face.
Strengths
Good core of willing and interested
people who are loving and friendly
but…
Financially secure but…
Lovely village communities
Beautiful church buildings
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Weaknesses
..we can attend sporadically and
need more help to be regular
worshippers
… we need help to develop a more
robust stewardship programme.
We continue to learn to be more
supportive and caring of each other.
We need help to evangelise in order
to ll them.
Our Vision
We envisage:
The development of an additional dimension to our worship and
broadening the age prole of our congregation whilst enjoying
Christian fellowship praising God.
Person Specication
We are seeking a minister who will;
•
Be community minded, seeing pastoral work in the community as a
priority and keeping the Church at the heart of and reaching out to the
community.
•
Be both a teacher and a leader who has an earnest concern for
people to know Jesus and who will work towards building and deepening
the spiritual dimension of our Church family.
•
Use the Bible and God's love for all as the basis of his/her ministry.
•
Have a pastoral heart for the congregation and sensitivity towards
our differences.
Ultimately, we are looking for someone who has read this prole
and genuinely senses that God may be calling him/her to this
post.
Thank You for Reading this Prole
Contacts for Further information
All enquiries should be addressed to the Rural Dean or Archdeacon of
Chestereld.
Applications should be addressed to the Bishop's ofce.
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