|
June
2004
Culmstock is a rural parish
within the valley of the Blackdown Hills, that includes
Culmstock Beacon, a famous landmark. The river Culm runs through the centre of the village.
It has a population of approximately 820, made up of a good
mixture of retired people, young families and those in between.
The village has a Post Office & Stores and two inns. There is
one council housing estate of thirty-five houses and a few
Housing Trust properties, the remainder properties being
privately owned. The outlying district is made up of four
hamlets, Prescott, Maidendown, Nicholashayne and Upcott. There
is a primary school in the village, the number on the roll being
between 80 - 90 and a visit from the Vicar is always welcome. At
11yrs. the children continue their education at Uffculrne Senior
School. Medical care is covered by the staff at the Medical
Centre in Hemyock. There are several active village groups,
Mother's Union, Women's Institute, Cancer Research, Brownies,
Guides & Scouts (meeting in Hemyock). We also have a Playgroup
and the following clubs:- Keep-fit, Aerobics, Craft, Yoga,
Cricket and Football.
|
General details of the Village
|
|
The building is structurally sound and of Anglo-Saxon
foundation, some parts dating from the 13th. century. It has a
tower with an extraordinary feature, a Yew tree growing in the
masonry at the top, which is said to be over 200 years old. In
the south aisle wall is a Piscina of 14th century date. Stained
glass windows date from 1896 to 1990's. The font is 14th century
and an open area to the south-west corner has been created as a
children's area. Under the tower the space has been converted
into a meeting room and the Baptistery a kitchen area. The
Church has a ring of eight bells, regularly used. The bells were
completely overhauled in 1977. The Churchyard is closed for
burials and responsibility for its upkeep lies with Mid Devon
District Council.
The congregation comprises an average of 25-30 regular
worshippers mainly in the older age group. There is also a
children's group which meets intermittently and they enjoy
creating something for special services.
|
The
Church
more
details can be found on the main All
Saints' page |
|
1st & 3rd Sundays in the month, 10a.m. H.C. Common Worship
2nd Sunday, 8a.m. H.C. & 6.30p.m. Evensong, both BCP.
4th Sunday, 8a.m. H.C. - BCP. 10a.m. Family Service.
On a 5th Sunday we have a combined 10a.m. Communion
Service with the other two parishes, taken in turn at each
church.
Other services are Christmas-eve midnight communion,
Christingle, Mothering Sunday, Harvest Festival followed by
Harvest Supper and Remembrance Sunday, Mothers Union Advent
Carol Service, weddings, baptisms and funerals as required. We have a 'planned giving arrangement' - income just balancing
expenditure. The clergy expenses are shared between the three
churches, our share £800 per annum. We enjoy a very good relationship with both the
Methodist and Baptist churches in the village. We also have
close links with St. Cyprian's in Bonn with a group of four
males visiting us regularly. Three years ago we had a party of
28 visit us for five days, a most enjoyable and successful
event. Being a serving church we are involved with various
village groups - Parish Council Village hall committee, Women's
Institute and Evergreens in particular. As a congregation we are
friendly, welcoming and hospitable to visitors and permanent
in-comers alike. We recognise the need to involve the local and
wider community in our efforts to know Jesus and make Him better
known to all, and to offer support to those in need.
|
Current
Services
|
|
