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Parish Profile 2016 www.knockholtandhalsteadchurches.org The United Benefice of St. Katharine’s Church, Knockholt St. Margaret’s Church, Halstead
Parish Profile 2016www.knockholtandhalsteadchurches.org
The United Benefice of
St. Katharine’s Church, Knockholt St. Margaret’s Church, Halstead
Parish Profile 2016 • The United Benefice of St. Katharine’s, Knockholt & St. Margaret’s, Halstead The United Benefice of St. Katharine’s, Knockholt & St. Margaret’s, Halstead • Parish Profile 20162
Situated in the NW corner of Kent just outside the London Borough of Bromley and 2 miles from exit 4 on the M25.
The United Benefice of St. Katharine’s, Knockholt & St. Margaret’s, Halstead • Parish Profile 2016 3
The United Benefice ofSt Katharine’s, Knockholt
withSt Margaret’s, Halstead
Patron: The Dean and Chapter of Rochester Cathedral
WELCOME
We are delighted that you are interested in our Benefice and hope that this profile of St. Katharine’s and St. Margaret’s and the villages they serve will help you to decide whether God is calling you to join us as Rector. Like all parish communities, we face challenges and opportunities in taking the Lord’s work forward and this profile sets them out.
Parish Profile 2016 • The United Benefice of St. Katharine’s, Knockholt & St. Margaret’s, Halstead The United Benefice of St. Katharine’s, Knockholt & St. Margaret’s, Halstead • Parish Profile 20164
OUR VISION
To grow a community based on the knowledge and love of God and on being good neighbours.
We are seeking
a full-time priest for the United Benefice: -
� A priest seeking to serve God through prayer, worship and action.
� A compassionate and well-balanced spiritual leader with pastoral and communication skills.
� A Priest who inspires by teaching and preaching, encourages church music, is a sensitive listener and counsellor, with a sense of mission to the benefice.
� A Priest who is a leader who recognises, fosters and uses the skills of church members and will encourage the development of Children and Youth work.
� A Priest who has computer skills and a sense of humour and will enjoy belonging to village communities.
We offer:
� Two friendly and welcoming Church communities where the Parish Priest has a valued place.
� A loyal and hardworking team within both Parishes covering a wide range of activity.
� Active Parochial Church Councils.
� Churches in good repair and fitting places for worship.
� Excellent links to the two primary schools, one a Church of England School.
� A delightful rural area, with most of Knockholt being designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but still close to major transport links & with a wide range of excellent schools.
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THE CHALLENGES
We need the help of a priest to develop these challenges::
1. To show the relevance of the Christian Faith to the whole community and to encourage greater involvement through a planned programme of mission. Like many parishes, the average age of those attending services and taking part in church activities is rising. The only exception is the Earlybirds Service in Knockholt which is achieving greater family attendance.
2. To respond to new opportunities through the development of Fort Halstead (450+ houses) Warren Court (45+ homes) and the establishment of a Care Home. These parishes were primarily agricultural less than a century ago but are now mainly commuter villages with London easily accessible by train. Increasing numbers of people have busy family lives with
little time for church based activity which will mean a consideration of all our Service patterns.
3. To identify, encourage and support lay members of the Parishes to take up training in various appropriate fields including the development of Children and Youth work.
Parish Profile 2016 • The United Benefice of St. Katharine’s, Knockholt & St. Margaret’s, Halstead The United Benefice of St. Katharine’s, Knockholt & St. Margaret’s, Halstead • Parish Profile 20166
THE MINISTRY TEAM
� The Rector
� Two Church Wardens in each Parish
� Interregnum Administrator
� Interregnum Coordinator of Services and School Assemblies
� An organist and a choir director in Halstead
� An organist/choir director in Knockholt
� Two Parochial Church Councils
� Joint Pastoral Committee
� Wedding Administrator
� Many committed volunteers
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OUR MINISTRY AND OUTREACH
Joint activities for children include an annual children’s club on Good Friday, a 5 day annual holiday club in July/August, monthly Tots Praise services with attendance of twenty pre-school children, and young people participate strongly in the Christingle and Mothering Sunday services.
For adults, there are regular Alpha courses, with a popular course for young mothers on a weekday morning. Other groups include a Men’s Fellowship; Wives Fellowship; fortnightly discussion groups; annual Lent Courses and an active Prayer Chain.
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OUR CHARITABLE GIVING
Both PCC’s have a policy of giving one tenth of their church collections to charity on an annual basis.
St. Katharine’s do so towards the end of each year and spread their donations between 15 to 20 charities.
St. Margaret’s spread theirs amongst a different charity each quarter, with additional regular support given to Eric and Rhena Clouston, our CMS mission partners in Bangalore, working in Christian education.
Support is also given to CoGS (Children of Gambia Services) by both Parishes.
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OUR SERVICES
We have an integrated service pattern, namely:
1st Sunday 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion (BCP) Knockholt 10.30 a.m. Family Service (CW) Halstead
2nd Sunday 9.00 a.m. Choral Matins (BCP) Halstead 10.30 a.m. Family Communion (CW) Knockholt
3rd Sunday 9.00 a.m. Early Bird Service (30 mins) Knockholt 10.30 a.m. Family Communion (CW) Halstead
4th Sunday 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion (BCP) Halstead 10.30 a.m. Family Service (CW) Knockholt 6.00 p.m. Holy Communion Badgers Mount Hall
When there is a 5th Sunday, there is a 10.30 a.m. Family Communion (CW) Service at St. Katharine’s and St. Margaret’s alternately.
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ATTENDANCE at SERVICES at both CHURCHES during 2015
Service Time St. Katharine’s St. Margaret’s JointElectoral Roll 84 103 Earlybird 9am 30 + 28 children n/a Christingle 10.30am 58 82 School Christmas Service 9.30am 190 100 Christmas Lessons & Carols 6.30pm 55 143 Christmas Crib Service 4pm/5pm 218 124 Christmas Midnight Communion 11.30pm 29 37 Christmas Day 8am & 10.30am 72 30 Good Friday (incl. Holiday Club) 10.30am 17 50 Easter Sunrise in Rectory Field 6am – – 15Easter Sunday 10.30am 57 85 All Souls 62 Remembrance 10.30am 120 130 Baptisms 12 20 Weddings 2 9 Funerals 3 20 Confirmation June 2016 7 confirmees at a joint serviceQueen’s 90th Birthday 2016 - 120
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OUR PARTICIPATION IN SERVICES
At both Churches, sidesmen and other members of the congregation read lessons and lead intercessions and assist with the chalice at Holy Communion services, and with bell ringing. Coffee is served and enjoyed by the congregation after the 10.30am services.
There is a Flower Team at each church who arrange a wide range of flowers and greenery for the non-Lenten weeks and particularly for Christmas; Easter; Harvest and at weddings and funerals.
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OUR MUSIC
RSCM Voice for Life graded awards system. All choir members have earned their light blue ribbon and are working towards their dark blue or red ribbon. They have a large repertoire of unison and two-part music which they perform regularly.
The committed Adult Choir sing at Matins and at the Family Communion Service and excel on special occasions such as at Christmas when choir numbers are augmented for the popular service of Carols by Candlelight.
Music plays an important role in our services and we have 2 talented organists.
St Margaret’s currently has a dedicated Choir Director. The Youth Choir (6-15 years) follows the
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OUR FINANCES
Our finances are managed not only by the respective treasurers of each church but by a keen group of fund raisers from the PCCs, along with the generosity of local villagers and parishioners who donate on a regular basis.
St. Katharine’s income and expenditure in 2014 was £41,326 and £42,397 respectively and in 2015 the figures were £47,329 and £46,541. As at year-end 2015 we have unrestricted funds in reserve of £68,278. St. Katharine’s income for 2014 and in 2015 was boosted by significant one-off donations and , in 2015, also a legacy of £11,000.Throughout the last 10 or so years we have spent over £100,000 on the upkeep and maintenance of our Church, with new heating; lighting and sound systems being installed.
St. Margaret’s figures over the past 2 years have shown a slight reduction in funds available and this was mainly due to a one-off payment for legal fees regarding a local hall owned by the Diocese and now under the control of a committee via the Albemarle Agreement.In 2014 our income and expenditure was £70,000 & £71,000 respectively and in 2015 the figures were £56,000 & £63,000. As at year-end 2015 we have unrestricted funds in reserve of £46,000.Our income in 2014 was enhanced by a donation of £10,000 and the higher expenditure figure was mainly due to repairs to our church.
We believe the financial situation of both churches to be in a good position for the years ahead and a copy of both the latest Financial Reports up to 31st December 2015 are available to be sent via email if desired.
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THE RECTOR IN THE COMMUNITY
Current involvement by the Rector includes membership of the Board of Governors of Knockholt C of E School. The Church is represented at weekly assemblies at both Knockholt School, with 200 pupils, and Halstead Community Primary School, with a growing roll of 87 pupils. The Rector
is ex-officio chairman of two Knockholt charities: the Church Lands Charity and Hampton Cottages Almshouses along with the combined Knockholt and Halstead Goodwill Fund.
The Rector contributes the lead article for the two Parish Magazines, with circulations of 500 households in Halstead and Badgers Mount and 225 in Knockholt. The Halstead magazine is produced ten times a year whilst the Knockholt magazine is monthly. Both at an annual subscription of £7.20
We have a Benefice web-site overseen by the Rector and managed by a web-master. The Benefice also has a monthly on-line newsletter managed by one of our parishioners.
Members of both PCCs attend Parish Council meetings and report back accordingly.
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THE PARISHES
These two parishes on the Kentish North Downs have been a United Benefice since 1983.
Halstead
The village of Halstead and the nearby settlement of Badgers Mount have a total of 1700 inhabitants. The number could increase if a major housing development goes ahead on the soon to close Fort Halstead research site.
Halstead Church is first mentioned in 12th century documents and the remains of the medieval church are protected by English Heritage. The present church was built in stages in the 19th century, being consecrated in 1881. A North Room extension, added in 1992, includes a kitchen and toilet facilities. The fabric is in good order following works carried out after the quinquennial inspection in 2012.
The adjoining churchyard also dates from Victorian times. It is tended by an enthusiastic working party every month, and a paid contractor carries out grass cutting.
The village of Halstead has a general stores/newsagents/post office; two pubs; a recreation ground for cricket, football and netball, and a children’s play area. There are four halls for public use: the Village Hall; Parish Room; Centenary Pavilion, and, at Badgers Mount, a Memorial Hall. In addition to the Primary School, there is a nursery school, with a roll of 24 and rated “outstanding” by Ofsted.
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Regular events include a Horticultural Show and Fair in September, Harvest Lunch, a Christmas Fair, biennial Open Gardens for charity, and pantomimes, revues and plays by Halstead Players. Active groups include the Horticultural Society, Royal British Legion, and table tennis and other sports clubs.
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Knockholt
The village of Knockholt is the highest village in Kent lying on the crest of the North Downs 20 miles south of London. It is bordered by Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has about 1200 inhabitants.
St Katharine’s Church was consecrated on 12 May 1281, the north aisle being added in 1881. In 1994 a cloakroom and kitchenette was built to the east of the vestry with disabled access. In 1998 a glass-enclosed space was formed at the west end of the north aisle and is used as a crèche, for meetings and as a choir vestry. The organ is a fine two manual Percy Daniel organ. It was installed in 1934 and overhauled and restored in 1998. There is a sound system incorporating a loop, installed in the church.
The fabric committee have dealt with repairs
required by the 2014 Quinquennial inspection, leaving the fabric in good condition.
The large churchyard is particularly beautiful in the spring when there is an abundance of snowdrops and daffodils. Many people value the peace and tranquillity to be found in the churchyard throughout the year. A valiant team of workers keep it in immaculate condition all year round. The Knockholt village War Memorial is in the churchyard and is the centre of a well attended Remembrance Day Service each year.
Knockholt has a general store, petrol station & garage, three pubs, auction rooms (Bowen’s Yard) and a recreation ground for football, cricket etc., and a children’s play area next to the village hall/centre.
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The village has various thriving clubs and societies including a Cricket Club, a Tennis Club, a Bowls Club, an Amateur Dramatic Society (KATS), a
Horticultural Society, and an Allotment Association. There is also the Evergreens Club for the over 60’s.
Knockholt also has two award winning garden centres (Coolings) with restaurants and a nature trail.
St Katharine’s Church of England (Voluntary Aided) Primary School is situated over the road from the Church. This is an extremely popular and successful school with 200 pupils. There is also the Rainbow Play Group which currently has 36 young children registered and an After School Club.
A feature of life in Knockholt is the biennial Carnival, one of the largest in the South-East and including an annual firework display and supporting many charities. Members of the church take part in this and are very much involved in other village organisations.
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THE RECTORY
The Rectory is situated in Church Road, Halstead, adjacent to St Margaret’s Church which is about half a mile north of the village cross roads.
It is a detached, light and airy house built in the 1960s, with a recently installed conservatory, and in 2014 was painted externally. There are four bedrooms; two reception rooms; Rector’s study; a kitchen and a large enclosed reception porch. There is an attractive, well laid out and secure South facing garden. Should the new incumbent find the garden not adequate for fruit and vegetable growing, there are 2 allotment sites in Halstead and 1 in Knockholt, all with very enthusiastic growers!
There is an attached garage and ample car parking space. A large hard surface car park is situated between the Rectory and the Church.
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LOCAL FACILITIES
There is a wide range of secondary schools in Sevenoaks, including the new Trinity Comprehensive School, with grammar schools in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. The local authority is Sevenoaks. www.sevenoaks.gov.uk
There are GP surgeries close by in Chelsfield, Green Street Green, Otford and Sundridge and at various locations in Sevenoaks. There is an Accident and
Emergency Department at the Princess Royal University Hospital at Farnborough, Kent and a minor injuries unit at Sevenoaks Hospital, which is excellent.
Knockholt railway station has regular services to London and both villages are served by hourly daytime buses to Bromley, Orpington, and Sevenoaks and beyond. There are school buses to surrounding secondary schools.
Further information can be found on our joint website: www.knockholtandhalsteadchurches.org
