This is the website for the churches of the Wye Reaches Benefice
Our group of parishes is at the far south of the Diocese of Hereford.
We span the England/Wales border with the River Wye often
forming a parish boundary.
• St. Dubricius, Whitchurch • St. James, Wyesham
• St. Peter, Dixton • All Saints, Bishopswood
• St. Swithins, Ganarew
Safeguarding
If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, or if necessary, report the matter to your Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Mandy McPhee 07875757396 or m.mcphee@hereford.anglican.org
Appointment of our new Bishop.
There was a reminder that the process for appointing our new Bishop has started
so that we have a Bishop in place by the start of the next Lambeth Conference.
Ross and Archenfield Deanery
Deanery Mission Action Planning (MAP)
We were told that in our deanery there are no ‘working villages’ as all are now used as commuter bases or homes for retired people.
Future staffing of Ross and Archenfield Deanery The Rural Dean reported that Intergenerational Missioner Christine Cattanach will be working with us for another four years. He asked that we talk with Christine to crystallise how we can reach out, connect and draw in younger people.
The Rural Dean added that Kevin Cecil of Wye Reaches is also to retire. He said it may be an opportunity to replace Kevin’s full-time post with a 0.5 post and this is being considered by the Deanery Action Committee. He spoke about the pressure we are under to pay for posts and difficulties in recruitment. It was pointed out by Patrick Darling that moving down to 6.5 stipends could result in a drop in giving and that we were only a few thousand pounds short of supporting 7 stipendsT
Deanery Synod
The Rev’d Canon Kathleen Baldwin spoke about the work of the RossCommunity Food Larder. Based in the basement of St Mary’s Hall, the Larder seeks to help individuals and families who are facing hardship. It is supported by members of local and district churches, Ross Town Council, the Lions Club and many others in the Ross area. First opened in May 2011, the larder currently helps an average of 65 people each month. It works on a voucher scheme with vouchers available from local agencies such as Age UK, Festival Housing, Job Centre Plus, British Legion, clergy and pastors in Ross and SSAFA. Around 90 vouchers a month are issued. It is open each Tuesday morning staffed by volunteers. More information can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/ friendsofrosscommunitylarder
Running alongside the larder, a Job
Club provides help with CV writing and interview techniques. Rev’d Simon Tarlton explained that the club was initially
the idea of Rev’d Jill Talbot-Ponsonby. Computers, printers and internet access are available and he and Reader Emeritus Derek Glover are on hand to offer help and advice. Between 20 to 30 people attend each week, mostly regulars making small but significant steps. Help with drug and alcohol dependency, family illness and debt is also offered. He said some had started to engage in terms of faith, attending church festivals.
The presentation was followed by the Treasurer’s Report. Deanery Treasurer Paul Baker reported that all but 6 of our parishes now paying their ‘offer’ by direct debit. He said the parish offer 2019 currently stands at £375,735, up 0.4% on 2018 actual and down 1.6% on 2018 offer. This was due to two to three parishes having major problems and means we are short of paying clergy stipends by some £4K.
Benefice Prayer
Safeguarding
If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, or if necessary, report the matter to your Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Mandy McPhee 07875757396 or m.mcphee@hereford.anglican.org
| Herefordshire Council Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub | ||
| Children – 01432 260800 Adult – 01432 260715 (week day office hours) | ||
| Emergency Duty Team – 0330 123 9309 (after 5 pm, weekends and Public Holiday) | ||
| Shropshire County Council | ||
| Child or Adult Concern – 0345 678 9021 (week day office hours) | ||
| Emergency Duty Team – 0345 678 9040 (after 5 pm, weekends and Public Holiday) | ||
| Telford and Wrekin County Council – Family Connect | ||
| Child or Adult Concern – 01952 385385 (week day office hours) | ||
| Emergency Duty Team – 01952 676500 (after 5pm, weekends and Public Holidays) | ||
| Powys County Council | ||
| Child or Adult Concern – 01597 827666 (day time) | ||
| Emergency Duty Team – 0845 054 4847 (after 5 pm, weekends and Public Holiday) | ||
| Worcestershire County Council | ||
| Children – 01905 822666 Adult – 1905 768053 (weekday office hours) | ||
| Emergency Duty Team – 01905 768020 (after 5 pm, weekends and Public Holiday) | ||
| NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 | Child line (help line for children): 0800 11 11 | |
| National Domestic Violence
Helpline: 0808 2000 247 |
Action on Elder Abuse: 0808 808 8141 | |