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Page 1: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate
Page 2: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

Introduction to Profile

From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade.

Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate Priest. This is a newly

created position where it is envisaged that the Vicar of Biggleswade will also accept

responsibility as priest-in-charge of the rural parishes of Dunton, Wrestlingworth

and Eyeworth working collaboratively with the appointed priest.

We are seeking a prayerful and reflective colleague and team member who

welcomes exciting opportunities and challenges. The parishes are distinct in

character, but they are all excited at the prospect of working supportively with a

new Associate Priest. The person appointed will need to develop and communicate

a vision as to how the parishes can best work together to share God’s love.

It is envisaged that the Associate Priest will spend 0.5 of their time in three adjacent

rural communities; and the remainder of their ministry just south west in the rapidly

growing parish of Biggleswade, a traditional market town expanding at an

exponential rate as new residential developments are established. It is anticipated

that modern 4-bedroomed accommodation will be available in the village of Dunton.

A willingness to work with all ages, and participation in a range of worship styles is

essential, as is enthusiasm to explore new ways of ‘being church’ within our

neighbourhoods. We hope the successful candidate will be happy to provide a visible

presence in each of the parishes and encourage an openness to embrace change. A

sense of humour would be helpful, as would a willingness to be vulnerable and a

preparedness to take risks.

Our parishes enjoy excellent access to road and rail communications: we are located

some 15 miles south west of Cambridge and central London may be reached in

approximately 40 minutes by train from Biggleswade. The area is well served by a

number of colleges, schools and nurseries – many with 'outstanding' OFSTED reports

and with close links to our churches.

Guy

Revd Guy C Scott

Page 3: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

Contents

1. New Associate Priest Profile Page: 1

2. We are able to offer Page: 2

3. Accommodation Page: 3

4. Location Page: 4

5. Our Vision Page: 5

6. Community Page: 6

7. Education Page: 7

8. Worship Page: 8

9. Pastoral and Ecumenical Page: 9

10. Leadership Page: 10

11. Ministerial Team Page: 10

12. Organisations Page: 11

13. Buildings Page: 12 / 13

14/15. Finance & Expenses of Office Page: 14

16. Communications Page: 15

17. Strengths and Opportunities Page: 15

18. Priorities for the Next Five Years Page: 16

Page 4: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 1 of 16

1. New Associate Priest Profile

Who has a versatile approach to worship from traditional to a

less formal style

Who can relate

to all ages and can continue to build on our work already established

with the church schools

Who will encourage our pastoral work

Who will promote

unity and communication across

all the parishes

Who is

willing to be part of the

community life’s outreach

With the understanding to

develop the growth of spirituality through a balance of tradition, teaching, practical

interpretation and a down-to-earth

philosophy

Who will contribute to mission and

out-reach

Who will accept the challenges of small

rural churches and a growing market

town

Are You

This

Priest ?

Page 5: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 2 of 16

2. We are able to offer

Excellent

communication links

Road, rail, air and

popular schools

for all age groups

A vision

for the future in

three rural

communities, and a

thriving town within

a rapidly growing

population

Reaching

New People diocesan

funding and

expertise for mission

outreach

Accommodation

Enthusiastic

leadership teams,

who are open to new

ideas and

approaches

Welcoming and

supportive

communities of faith

Page 6: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 3 of 16

3. Accommodation

29 Fen Reach, Dunton,

Bedfordshire

Detached Family Home Three Separate Reception Rooms Four Very Good Sized Bedrooms En-Suite & Jack & Jill Bathroom Excellent Garden Size Large Kitchen Dining Room Double Garage & Driveway 'Outstanding' Ofsted Local School 3.9 Miles To Station Energy Rating: C/77

Location

Proceeding from Biggleswade into

Dunton along Dunton Lane that

becomes Biggleswade Road, continue

straight over the roundabout and into

the village. Proceed to the left and

take the turning on the left into Boot

Lane. Continue along Boot Lane where

the road becomes Fen Reach.

© Thomas Morris Estate Agents

Page 7: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 4 of 16

• Church of St Peter

Church Lane, Wrestlingworth, SG19 2EU

• Electoral Roll: 32

• Small rural village on border with Cambridgeshire

• Church School

• 6.3 miles from Biggleswade

• Approximately 300 houses

• Population: 750+ people

• Church of St Mary Magdalene

High Street, Dunton, SG18 8RR

• Electoral Roll: 43

• Small Bedfordshire Village

• Church School

• 3.5 miles from Biggleswade

• Approximately 275 houses

• Population: 700 +

• Church of All Saints

High Street, Eyeworth, SG19 2HJ

• Electoral Roll: 12

• Small rural village

• 4.7 miles from Biggleswade

• Population: 90

© AA Media Limited 2016

• Church of St Andrew

Shortmead Street, Biggleswade, SG19 0AT

• Electoral Roll: 133

• Market town, with extensive housing developments during last

decade which are continuing

• Church Lower and Middle Schools

• Population: c.25,000

4. Location

Page 8: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 5 of 16

We will help to build strong

communities within the parishes.

• We will play a positive part in our

local communities by engaging in

local issues.

• We will provide community events,

and/or a venue for events where

appropriate, seeking to enhance the

life of our area.

We will reach out in mission.

• We will invite people to share in the life

of the church. This may be to services of

worship, but equally it may be to social or

community events.

• We will place mission at the heart of all

that we do.

• We recognise the importance of children’s

work for engagement with young families

and commit ourselves to exploring ways of

sustaining and developing this work.

• We will worship with joy, grow in faith, and serve with love and welcome all.

• One of our priorities will be to establish a Christian presence in the continually

growing market town, as we work together with our partner parishes.

5. Our Vision

As God’s people in the Benefice of Dunton, Eyeworth and Wrestlingworth, we recognise the challenges

and opportunities facing us as rural parishes, believing that God’s future is one where we share a

vision of people coming to and growing in faith, offering a welcome to all, sharing God’s love in word

and deed, reaching out in mission and helping to build a strong presence in our communities.

We will work and pray

together to further the

mission which God calls us

to share.

• We will seek to support

each other in our

mission and ministry by

recognising that worship

is the springboard into

mission.

• We will pray for each

other and to worship

together regularly to

build up the life and

witness of the church.

• We will take the

opportunities to grow in

faith and understanding.

We will offer a welcome

to all.

The gospel is for all people

and we want to be as

inclusive as possible in

everything we do.

• We will seek to offer a

warm and effective

welcome to everyone

who attends our church

services. Initially by

those who act as sides-

people but recognising

that this is the

responsibility of the

whole church family.

Page 9: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 6 of 16

Market town adjacent to AI, and on mainline rail route London to Edinburgh.

Rural village close to Biggleswade and A1 with majority of commuters and some local employment.

Population c.25 000 Population of 750+ with a mixture of ages.

Within new residential developments many families, singles, couples of all ages: many commuting to the Capital, Cambridge, Bedford, Milton Keynes

Church School, Village Hall, Recreation ground with Pavilion. Parish Council. Mixture of housing including small new development

Leisure facilities include Sports Centre and indoor swimming pool, many pubs, hotel and numerous restaurants and coffee shops. Traditional market square, with twice weekly market and various shops, some independent.

Leisure facilities include the village pub (The March Hare), and community garden. Large number of village organisations including Youth football teams, Youth Club, WI, Book Groups, Singtastic ladies’ choir. Dunton Folk presents concerts in the church of national and local folk groups, and the Big Weekender which organises village events.

Football, rugby and cricket teams for men, ladies, children and young people.

The Church is fully involved in the community, supporting village events, holding Christmas and summer fairs, quizzes and hosting concerts and fund-raising events.

Large retail park south of the town: includes M&S, Outfit clothing stores, Cotswold Outdoor, TK Maxx, Matalan, Boots, Homebase, Laura Ashley, Next, and 24 hour McDonalds soon to open.

Dunton Church hosts high speed broadband on the church tower so that it can be used throughout the village.

Small rural village, originally agricultural but now mainly commuters.

Rural village close to Cambridgeshire border, mainly commuters.

Population of 90 people with a mixture of ages. Population of 750+ with a mixture of ages.

Small amount of expansion over recent years Mixture of housing with some new development

Modern Village Hall Church School, Village Hall. Village preschool. Joint Parish Council with Cockayne Hatley.

The Village Hall is used for Church and village fund raising and social events.

Leisure facilities include the village pub (The Chequers) which serves food and hosts some village clubs such as the Darts team and Petanque . Large number of village clubs and organisations, including WI, Friends of Wrestlingworth School, Badminton Club, History Society, Carpet Bowls, Youth Club, the Parish Walking and Wildlife Group and the Goodwill Fund.

Fund-raising events include village coffee mornings. The church is represented in most of the village organisations and involves itself in all aspects of community and village life.

6. Community

Page 10: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 7 of 16

7. Education

There are excellent links between the churches

and the schools. The schools celebrate all church

festivals and end of term services in the churches.

The incumbent led fortnightly Acts of Worship.

This has continued during the vacancy and is led

either by a retired priest or a member of the

church. In addition, there is a presentation of

Open the Book to both schools every term, by a

group drawn from both Dunton and

Wrestlingworth churches.

There are two Church of England VC Lower schools in

the village parishes, with the majority of children

going to one of these schools. The schools are

federated, with Dunton having 65 children and

Wrestlingworth 54. Both schools have been assessed

as Outstanding by Ofsted and with Good SIAMS

judgements. Dunton school provides wraparound care

for pupils where required. Recently the school had

permanent buildings built to replace temporary

classrooms. Wrestlingworth has a privately-run pre-

school based in the Memorial Hall.

Biggleswade offers St. Andrew’s C of E Lower School on

two sites, one on the new development for ages 4 to 9

and Edward Peake C of E Middle School, near to the

development for ages 9 to 13. Additionally Biggleswade

Academy offers education for ages 4 to 13 and Lawnside

Lower School for ages 4 to 9. Stratton Upper School

caters for students between 13 and 18. Ivel Valley

School is a co-educational school for ages 3 to 19 living

with special needs.

There are numerous pre-school establishments both in

central Biggleswade and on the new development area.

In the past the incumbent has

been an ex-officio member of the

joint Governing body for Dunton

and Wrestlingworth schools and

members of both PCCs are

foundation governors

Page 11: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 8 of 16

Biggleswade

Sunday 8:00 Holy Communion

9:00 Worship in the Community

(at the East Site of St Andrew’s Lower School)

10:00 Sung Eucharist followed by refreshments

10:00 Family Communion * (1st Sunday of the Month)

12:00 Baptism (4th Sunday of the Month)

18:00 Choral Evensong at St Andrew’s

20:00 Sunday @ 8 – Informal Worship, lay led (2nd Sunday of the Month)

Tuesday Wednesday Friday

9:00 Ministry Team Morning Prayer

Feast Days Monday to Friday

19:45 Sung Eucharist (with incense)

Tuesday 19:15 Eucharist (said)

Thursday 9:30 Eucharist (said, with sermon and a hymn- followed by tea and coffee)

No Sunday School and no service at St Andrew’s School. This service is mostly held at St Andrew’s, but occasionally at St Andrew’s East Site School

Dunton Eyeworth Wrestlingworth

1st Sunday 9:30 Parish Eucharist 11:00 Parish Eucharist

2nd Sunday 8:00 Holy Communion 9:30 Parish Eucharist 11:00 Sunday Praise

3rd Sunday Benefice Eucharist

4th Sunday 9:30 Sunday Praise 15:00 Family Praise 11:00 Parish Eucharist

5th Sunday Benefice Eucharist

8. Worship

Page 12: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 9 of 16

9. Pastoral and Ecumenical

There is a street representatives network covering

the Parishes, working out of the individual

churches. These Street Reps, in addition to

delivering the church newsletter, try to be a

neighbourhood friend by keeping an eye out for

those who may need support due to ill health, the

birth of a new baby etc and send cards when

appropriate. They do not undertake pastoral

visiting.

Within the Parishes, Dunton has had a

Local Ministry Development Team since

June 2014, which was re- mandated in

May 2019. Reflecting its mission

statement ‘To share the love of Christ

within the whole community’ it is

known as the Dunton Church Community

Team (DCCT). There are currently

seven lay members supported by a

retired priest. As well as supporting the

PCC and priest, the DCCT provides

informal pastoral support with several

members acting as baptismal visitors.

These visitors accompany the vicar to

meet the family before the baptism and

support the family at the service.

Contact after the baptism is

maintained. A card is sent on the first

anniversary and the family and friends

invited to celebrate with other baptism

families at a Teddy Bears Picnic in the

summer.

Within the south aisle of St Mary

Magdalene there is a prayer corner

which is updated monthly.

There are no churches of other

denominations within the Village

Parishes and neither are the

parishes part of a Churches

Together. However, there are

members of other Christian

denominations who regularly

worship within the Parishes.

Biggleswade has a Parish Visiting Group

who visit those who for health reasons or

seniority are unable to come to church.

Part of their remit is to take Communion to

individual’s home and Nursing Homes.

House Groups take place during school

term times.

There are First Steps Baptism Courses for

those seeking Baptism.

During Lent there are Study Groups.

There is a Churches Together Organisation

which include St. Andrew’s, Trinity

Methodist, Baptist, Roman Catholic,

Community and Pentecostal Churches who

all meet together for a number of services

which include Good Friday and Pentecost.

Page 13: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 10 of 16

St Peters, Wrestlingworth The PCC consists of nine members, including a Church Warden, a Deputy Church Warden and one Deanery Synod Member, who meet on alternate months, with other meetings convened as and when required. The PCC are loyal and active, working to maintain the status and standing of the church in the community. The age range of the PCC is between 50 and 80.

St Mary Magdalene, Dunton The PCC of Dunton has five elected members, one co-opted member one Ordained Clergy, one Deanery Synod Member and one Churchwarden who meet on alternate months. The PCC has a small standing committee that meets occasionally and then reports back to the PCC at the next meeting. With one exception the current age group of the PCC is over 50.

10. Leadership

All Saints, Eyeworth

The PCC of Eyeworth has six members, which include

one Church Warden and one Deanery Synod Member.

The PCC meets on alternate months. The age range of

the current PCC is over 40.

St Andrew’s Biggleswade

The PCC of Biggleswade has eighteen

members, which include the Vicar (Chair of

Deanery Synod), Reader (Lay Chair of

Deanery Synod), two further Deanery Synod

Representatives, two Churchwardens, twelve

voted PCC Members and one PCC Secretary.

The PCC meets every 6 weeks with a

Standing committee of Vicar, Church

Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary deciding

the Agenda for the PCC meeting and, if

necessary, making urgent decisions.

Biggleswade has a Child and Vulnerable Adult

Team and all those working in these areas

must have up-to-date DBS certificates. The

age range of the PCC is 20 years upwards

11. Ministerial Team

There are visiting

ordained ministers and

lay-readers who are

supporting with

services, prayer

meetings and pastoral

care within the

Benefice during the

Vacancy.

Biggleswade Ministerial Team consists of

Rev. Guy Scott, Rural Dean and 4 readers:

Rosemary Bentley (Deanery Lay Chair)

Colin Dixon and

Christine and Tony Elcombe

Page 14: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 11 of 16

Dunton

A monthly Sunday Club is held. The current age range is from reception to young teenager and

the average attendance is 12. The club is faith based with prayers and a Bible story on which

games and crafts are based. Recently there has been some success in maintaining attendance

after young people move up to Middle school. During the summer a Holiday Club is run on 3

mornings at the church, with a trip out on the fourth day.

Little Angels is a group for carers and toddlers. The format is faith-based with stories, songs

and play. Although attendance has dropped we are working to engage with families.

There is a small choir which robes for services.

Friends of Dunton Church support the church by organising fundraising events including social

evenings, Harvest Supper, cream teas and carol singing around the village.

Eyeworth Ad-hoc coffee mornings are held throughout

the year. These are all well attended by

most ages.

Wrestlingworth Monthly coffee mornings and afternoon teas

are held. These are well attended by the

local community.

12. Organisations

Biggleswade 10+ for children in school year 5 and above.

14+ for children in school year 9 and above.

Both groups enjoy a very varied programme of activities including games and trips out.

St. Andrew’s also supports uniformed groups of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.

A Holiday Club is held in the Summer, when 180 children make lots of noise, enjoy activities, games and crafts linked to a Christian theme during the first three days, followed by a trip out on the fourth day.

St Andrew’s has a broad musical tradition. There is a robed choir which sings at the 10.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. Sunday Services and on other special occasions, which is accompanied by the rich tones of the newly refurbished traditional church organ.

The musicians of the St. Andrew’s band lead the modern songs of worship during the Family Communion and some other services.

The bell-ringers ring for the main services on Sundays and celebratory and special occasions. The bell tower has 10 bells and is a training facility.

The Friends of St. Andrew’s supports the continuing restoration of the church building.

Page 15: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 12 of 16

All Saints, Eyeworth The church is a Grade I listed building originating from about 1320 AD and added to in the 15th century with some major repairs done in the 18th century. The steeple was struck by lightning in 1967 which resulted in the demolition of the tall steeple but did allow the use of modern materials that have improved the floor and heating. Of particular interest are the monuments to the Anderson family, a stained-glass window in memory of the daughter of Viscount Peel of Sandy, and a memorial plaque to the Reverend Maurice Peel who died in action in 1917.

13. Buildings

St Mary Magdalene, Dunton

The church is a Grade II* listed building first mentioned in 1189 when Richard I confirmed its possession to the priory of Holywell in Middlesex. The building of the present Church started about 1330 with the nave, chancel, tower and south aisle using grey ‘clunch’ stone from Burwell near Cambridge for window moulding. It was not until the early 15th century that the north aisle and arcade of the nave were constructed. It was at this time that the clerestory windows over the nave arcades were added and a shallow roof constructed over the nave. All priority 1 items from 2013 quinquennial have now been completed. The 2018

quinquennial identified urgent masonry repairs needed to east window in south

aisle and a chancel buttress. In addition, plant growth on turret should be

removed and stone work repaired.

All priority 1 items from 2013 quinquennial have now been

completed. The 2018 quinquennial identified urgent masonry

repairs needed to east window in south aisle and a chancel

buttress. In addition plant growth on turret should be removed

and stone work repaired.

St Peter's, Wrestlingworth

The church is a Grade I listed building built of sandstone, flint and clunch. The original construction of an aisle-less nave and chancel dates from the 12th century, parts of which are still visible. The south aisle was added in the early 13th century and the north aisle towards the end. About 1330, the chancel was remodelled, and a new chancel arch built. The tower and turret were added in the 14th and 15th centuries and the clerestory in around 1500. The last

addition was a Victorian porch to the south door. The 19th century

seating was replaced with chairs in 2009. The quinquennial inspection report of 2017 highlighted the turret and windows as high priority restoration projects. In October 2018 a large quantity of lead was stolen from the roof. Sourcing and funding a suitable replacement is now a priority.

Page 16: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 13 of 16

St Andrew’s Biggleswade

This is a Grade II* building. The manor of Biggleswade was first given to

Lincoln cathedral in 1132 and by 1200 the building became a Royal

Peculiar and consisted of a small part of the south aisle and the priest’s

room for visiting friars. The church had first vicar in 1262. At the arrival

of John Rudying in 1467, the north wing was added and therefore the

made body of the church became roughly the size it is now. He added

his own tomb in the Chancel but it has never been used. In 1687 the

original tower fell down and a new tower was built in 1720 using grey

ashlar stone, with the base still as the body of the church made of dark

ironstone rubble. The tower now has 10 bells and is used a training

facility. The church was used as a refuge when in 1785 a fire destroyed

over 100 dwellings in the town. During the 1870’s the church was

reorganised with the building of the Choir vestry and the pews were put

in. The east window, north stained glass window and three south

stained glass windows replaced old windows. Behind the vicar’s stall

there is a “Leper’s window” replacing the original doors.

The Vestry was added in

1954 after a fire in the

Chancel and in same year

two more stained glass

windows were added near

the Memorial altar. In

2000 the “Millennium

window” replaced a plain

window and this portrays

some of Biggleswade

history and old buildings.

St. Andrew’s has new

interior doors and

disabled access south

doors. These lead to the

hall which has three

separate rooms using its

divider. If the divider is

removed two of the rooms

become one large space.

Page 17: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 14 of 16

The current benefice arrangement for paying the stipend contribution of the parish share splits it between the three

parishes: Dunton – 40%, Wrestlingworth – 40%, Eyeworth- 20%. Both Wrestlingworth and Eyeworth have received Pastoral

Aid Support Grants (PASG) from the Diocese for several years. Parish shares for 2019, as adjusted for PASG, are as

follows:

Dunton £18,659

Wrestlingworth £14,763

Eyeworth £ 3,353

Biggleswade £73,924

The parishes have paid their Parish Share, albeit with the aid of PASG where granted, for the last few years with two

exceptions: Wrestlingworth in 2016 and 2018 and Eyeworth in 2017.

Summary of latest audited accounts:

BIGGLESWADE DUNTON EYEWORTH WRESTLINGWORTH

Income from giving,

including gift aid

80,273 23,849 1,364 10,413

Income from fundraising 19,391 4,651 539 948

Other income 162,276 8,853 15,618 21,444

Total income

261,940

See Note 1

37,353 17,521

See Note 2

32,805

See Note 3

Parish share 71,491 18,659 2843 10,163

Other expenditure 182,844 14,062 21,240 15,334

Total Expenditure 254,335

See Note 1

32,721 24,083

See Note 2

25,497

See Note 3

Charities supported See Note 4 Christian Aid, The

Bishop’s Harvest

Appeal, Children’s

Society (Christingle

Service)

Christian Aid

Milton Children’s

Hospice

Christian Aid, The

Royal British Legion,

The Bishop’s Harvest

Appeal

Note 1 – This includes income and costs associated with the organ repairs and south doors exceeding £99,000.

Note 2 - This includes grants and costs associated with roof repairs exceeding £19,000.

Note 3 – This includes costs and grants associated with ongoing roof repairs exceeding £17,000.

Note 4 - Charities Supported

Hands at Work: parish partnership with Mafambisa community in South Africa including annual visits

Christian Aid

Bishop's Harvest Appeal

Children's Society [Christingle Service and collection boxes]

Christmas Toy Service

Leprosy Mission [collection boxes]

Save the Children Yemen Appeal £1000

Hands at Work rebuilding Cyclone Appeal £1600

Lent USPG

250 Shoe boxes sent through Operation Christmas Child

St Andrew’s pay for part time secretarial support. There is no support expenditure in the village parishes

EXPENSES OF OFFICE

Clergy expenses are met in full.

14 /15. Finance & Expenses of Office

Page 18: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Biggleswade, Dunton, Wrestlingworth & Eyeworth Combined Profile Page: 15 of 16

17. Strengths and Opportunities

16. Communications

There is a weekly notice sheet which is used in services listing the readings, current and future events across the parishes. The 'A Church Near You' website is used to provide information about the three churches. Dunton publishes a monthly Parish Newsletter and advertises in the Dunton News Magazine. Eyeworth and Wrestlingworth use the Village Link magazine to keep the community informed about key news and dates. Facebook enables the Benefice to reach a wider audience, and times of services appear in the Biggleswade Chronicle. Dunton’s website is www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7686/ Wrestlingworth’s website is www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7696/

St. Andrew’s produces a weekly notice sheet and a sheet which contains all

the readings for each Sunday.

There is a Monthly Magazine which includes a letter from one of the

Ministry Team.

The website is under review and will be updated in the near future.

www.biggleswadeparishchurch.co.uk

Within the Benefice each church is friendly and

welcoming, with a faithful core of worshippers. Making worship more accessible and inclusive

to all in order to grow our church family.

The churches reach out to engage with

the local community in faith and love.

We have a monthly Bible Study, Lent courses

and prayer groups within the Benefice.

We are not afraid to try

new forms of worship.

We are continuing to develop

more Benefice-wide activities.

St Mary Magdalene has a

strong and thriving LMDT. Building on our work with children and association with

local schools to make us more relevant to children.

We need a wider age range of people to help

support the Benefice.

Developing the fabric of our churches to give

us more amenities for our communities.

Enabling us to speak with confidence about our faith and bring

others to faith by example; developing our lay ministry.

Maintaining the fabric of our beautiful historic

churches remains a priority.

In Biggleswade we have begun to develop a

church community within new residential areas.

Reaching New People through Mother’s Union activities such as

Drop in Coffee and Play sessions for parents and toddlers. We look forward to

increased ministerial support

To take existing groups into the wider

community beyond church buildings.

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18. Priorities for the next Five Years

1. Growing Together

A priority for integration, finding ways of

working and sharing together.

2. Sunday Worship

To continue to develop skills in the way

we lead services, to make them more

accessible.

To be innovative and daring in how we

explore and include all in our worship.

• 3. Children and Young People

To build on the existing strengths and

successes of our current work.

To work with our church schools through

Open the Book, good communications and

shared resources

• 4. Continue to sustain the contacts made in the community by trying out new initiatives such as Café Church (at Wrestlingworth), Lunch Clubs, and Saturday Family Breakfasts with worship themes and craft activities.

5. To plan for change, including

possible church re-ordering in

Dunton and Biggleswade, in

appropriate ways in order that we

may fully engage in transforming

worship, as well as in mission and

service to the wider communities.

Page 20: Introduction to Profile...Introduction to Profile From the Vicar of St Andrew’s Biggleswade and Rural Dean of Biggleswade. Thank you for your interest in the position of Associate