Rural Church and Community Matters

2012-05-25T08:05:00.001+01:00

NEW RESOURCES FOR RURAL CHURCHES

FROM THE ARTHUR RANK CENTRE

The Arthur Rank Centre has just launched four new resources on its website. All are outcomes of the Rural Life and Faith Project run by Simon Martin. Please feel free to circulate widely and put links from your blogs, websites, diocesan websites etc to the resources.

Journey To Faith: a Local Rural Church Training Course in Evangelism. www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/publications-and-resources/rural-evangelism

This is a low key, simple training programme that can be run by any local church – or group of churches - over 2 half-days. It requires no outside or expert help; all the material and resources that are required are freely available to download. Besides the material required to run the two course sessions, there are other resources, optional supplementary material, links to good material and ideas elsewhere, and a Resource Manual that every participant can take away with them to use in their own church to improve their ministry of witness & evangelism. This has already been trialled to good effect in Chichester Diocese.

Resources for Rural Places of Worship. www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/publications-and-resources/rural-church-buildings

This is a comprehensive online information and advice hub covering every aspect of rural church buildings, with links to details elsewhere and numerous case studies. It includes: theological foundations; listed places of worship and statements of need & significance; ecclesiastical exemption & non-exemption; looking after the building; funding; miscellaneous other building issues (e.g. bats, metal theft, security); getting the most out of the building; opening up the building for visitors; energy efficiency & sustainability; church art works.

Equipping for Rural Mission: a simple toolkit to help you understand your local congregation and the community your serve. www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/publications-and-resources/profiling-tools

This toolkit helps provide a firm foundation for longer-term planning for community-based mission by small, rural or dispersed churches. There are four significant elements to it: Gaining an accurate picture of the nature, state and population of the local communities served by the church(es) - which includes an understanding of what needs are most acute there, and what resources or facilities already exist to help meet those needs; gaining an accurate picture of the resources, abilities, gifts and people present within the local churches - which enables an assessment of what may and may not be realistic for the local church; investigating what possibilities exist for partnership with other local bodies, agencies or organisations – whether church-related or otherwise; realistically assessing in what areas and in what ways the local churches can and should engage with and serve their communities.

Developing Rural and Small Church Worship: training & resources for small & rural churches. www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/publications-and-resources/rural-worship-training

This has been designed to meet the combined needs of lay people across various denominations for preparing and leading worship in small and, most frequently, rural settings. This is especially in situations where other resources and support are not immediately available. This includes: A set of answers and training materials in response to the sort of FAQs that often arise in these circumstances; a directory of web-based resources and links; access to our fully-searchable bank of worship resources, and further examples of good practice that have been developed; more detailed case studies of how contextual worship has been developed and employed in rural circumstances.

2012-05-22T07:14:00.002+01:00

NEW LOGO FOR FARMING CHARITY

RABI the charity which provides grants to aid farmers and farmworkers in need of support has a new logo and strap line which was unveiled at the annual meeting recently.

If you would like to know what RABI can do to help - Just Ask!

2012-05-22T07:10:00.001+01:00

NEWS from the Church of England

Government agrees £30 million extra to resolve VAT concerns

The Church of England has welcomed today's agreement with the Government over the future funding of alterations and repairs to its 12,500 listed buildings, which will provide £30 million a year extra money. This is on top of the £12 million already in the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS).

The Bishop of London described this as an acknowledgment from Government of the unique heritage value to the nation of cathedrals and churches and the way in which these alterations are enabling them to serve their local communities in a range of ways alongside being centres of worship.

Despite not persuading the Government that maintaining zero rated VAT for alterations is the best way forward, church leaders today said that the £30 million a year extra money that the Chancellor has committed to the LPWGS will enable the equivalent to the VAT bill to be paid out on all alterations and repairs to listed church buildings. The Scheme pays out to those denominations and faiths with listed buildings

The LPWGS will in future be ring fenced and no longer vulnerable to cuts in departmental budgets and it is planned to re-introduce monthly pay outs from October. The scheme will be guaranteed for the duration of this Parliament. Parishes have shown they need a much greater degree of certainty in the funding they receive and this will now be met by ironing out some of the more unhelpful characteristics of the current LPWGS.

The Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres who chairs the Cathedrals and Church Buildings Division and who led the discussions with the Treasury said “We owe a debt of gratitude to the Second Church Estates Commissioner Tony Baldry, for his role in brokering this agreement, and to Anne Sloman, and Janet Gough who have worked tirelessly in a very short window of opportunity but the Chancellor made it very clear that he was moving to ease the impact on the churches in recognition of the massive contribution made by congregations up and down the land to the life of their communities”.

Anne Sloman, Chair of the Church Buildings Council said, “the fact that the Treasury offer went from £5million to £30million is a recognition of the tremendous value for money to the nation as a whole that our buildings represent. We are grateful to parishes up and down the land who have lobbied so hard since the Budget to bring this point home to the government, and even more grateful for the massive contribution volunteers make by their efforts, week in and week out, to keep our beautiful churches in good repair for worship and adapted to serve the community in so many creative ways.”

Notes

Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

A House of Commons Library note on ‘VAT & Churches’ (13/4/12) sets out the background to the establishment of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, administered by DCMS, which currently refunds the VAT paid on repairs (not alterations) to UK listed places of worship, up to a specified amount: http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN01051.pdf

Prior to the Budget DCMS funding for the LPWG scheme was cut from £23 million during 2010-11 to £7 million during 2011-12.

Additional information about the Listed Places of Worship Grant scheme and the effect of the Budget announcement on listed churches can be found on the Churchcare website at: http://www.churchcare.co.uk/news.php

Impact on Churches and Cathedrals – Further Detail

In 2010-11 £120 million was spent on repairs, of which £23 million of VAT was reclaimed from the Listed Places of Worship Grant scheme.
Across the English dioceses an estimated £100million is spent on alterations to listed church buildings each year.

45% per cent of England's Grade I listed buildings are Church of England churches.
12,500 churches are listed, out of a total stock of 16,000 (78%).
These listed churches are heavily biased towards medieval structures – the CofE has 8,000 of these (60% of our listed churches) yet nationally, medieval buildings form only 15% of listed buildings.

Listed Places Worship New Grants Scheme

Q & A

What are the new arrangements?

HM Treasury has guaranteed an extra £30 million per year for the rest of this Parliament for the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme – in addition to the £12 million per year - for alterations and repairs to listed places of worship. I.e. the total annual value of the new scheme will be £42 million.

When does this come into effect?

From 1 October 2012.

What does this mean for claimants?

· From 1 October 2012 all claimants should receive a full payout on the equivalent of the VAT they have incurred on repairs and alterations to listed places of worship. The scheme will be reviewed in October 2013 to check it is on target, we hope no adjustments will need to be made but it is very difficult to estimate demand at this stage and the fund is cash limited.

· The aim is to move to monthly disbursements (current quarterly payments) for the new scheme.

What protections are in place for this new scheme?

The Government has promised ring-fenced funding of at least £42million per year, guaranteed by HM Treasury and the DCMS for the rest of this Parliament.
The LPWGS will be protected from any further spending reductions affecting the current Spending Review period.
The scheme will be reviewed every six months from October 2013.

What are the transitional arrangements to protect projects at an advanced stage?

The Government has stated that all projects with a signed contract by Budget Day i.e. 21 March 2012 will be honoured under the current arrangements (zero rate VAT on alterations to listed buildings).
As part of a consultation it is prepared to consider other criteria to identify projects at an advanced stage and also to accommodate large projects by extending the period within which these projects must be completed.
The Cathedral and Church Buildings Division has proposed that the transitional period be extended to March 2014 to accommodate larger projects and that the granting of a faculty or other planning permission and/or a written application for funding be accepted as indicators that projects were at a sufficiently advanced stage on Budget Day to qualify for zero rating on alterations to listed buildings.
The HMRC consultation closes 18 May 2012. We have been promised “generous transitional arrangements”. As soon as we know what that means in practice we will disseminate details.

Who will manage the new LPWGS?

A “dual key” is being set up with details of the scheme and subsequent changes needing formal sign off by HM Treasury and DCMS ministers.
The funding for and operating the scheme will continue to flow via DCMS.

What is included under the new scheme?

The new scheme will retain the current restrictions on which VAT costs associated with the repair and maintenance of listed places of worship are not eligible for compensation – i.e. professional fees, organs, bells, and clocks and other listed buildings owned by cathedrals and churches.
These categories will be kept under discussion in future six monthly reviews.

Janet Gough

Director, Cathedral and Church Buildings Division

17 May 2012

2012-04-24T09:45:00.001+01:00

THE ARCHWAY FOUNDATION

http://www.archwayfoundation.org.uk/

Archway is celebrating 30 years of serving those who are hurt by loneliness. This year we are holding several fund raising events to help replace some of the funding lost by the withdrawal of grants from the PCT.

Can You Help?

Sunday April 29 - Kennington United Churches Choir will be holding a concert at the Holywell Music Rooms at 2.30pm in aid of Archway and The Gatehouse. This is free with collections for the 2 charities concerned.

Thursday July 26 - Creation Theatre Company will be performing The Merchant of Venice at The Said Business School in Oxford. This is a Gala Night for Archway whereby all profits on the night (after costs covered) will be donated to Archway! So the more people who attend - the more we benefit! If you are a fan of Creation do come that night and pass on this date to all of your friends who might be keen. Tickets are obtained via their website www.creationtheatre.co.uk or box office 01865 766266

Sunday September 16 - we are holding a 30 mile sponsored cycle ride around Oxford to Abingdon and Oxford again - hoping to have 30 riders raising a fair amount in sponsorship. So do think about joining in or sponsoring a rider. We will also need support people too. If you are not a cyclist you might know others who would like to join in and cycle for us.

for more information contact:

The Archway Office

2012-04-07T12:00:00.002+01:00

2012-04-07T11:53:00.003+01:00

2012-04-04T13:42:00.002+01:00

2012-04-04T13:40:00.005+01:00

Nick Read. the Associate Agricultural Chaplain for Hereford Diocese provides a monthly briefing on agricultural issues. Here is April's briefing:-

GM update

Britain’s first field trial of genetically modified (GM) wheat has started at Rothamsted Research in Hertfordshire, amidst tight security. The wheat has been modified to produce a non-toxic odour from a naturally occurring chemical found in peppermint plants known to repel aphids and attract predators that kill aphids. The trials are funded by the Biological Sciences Research Council and do not involve commercial sponsorship. It is the third GM trial in the UK, the others both involve GM potatoes.

Morrisons supermarkets have dropped a GM-free feed requirement for poultrymeat and eggs on the grounds that there is no evidence that GM material is transferred through feed. This has prompted demands from the Soil Association for all GM products to be clearly labelled. The UK has a high dependence on imported soya imports to supply the poultry sector, and many of these contain GM produce.

Bovine TB update

The Welsh Environment Minister, John Griffiths, has rejected plans for a badger cull in Wales (see previous notes) in favour of a badger-vaccination programme, and he has asked Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer to design a five-year vaccination programme. The Welsh Government expects to vaccinate around 70% of the badger population in the North Pembrokeshire “Intensive Action Area” (IAA), the area originally designated for a badger cull. In response, the British Veterinary Association has disputed whether a vaccination programme for badgers would be effective and the NFU in Wales is considering a legal challenge against the decision. Meanwhile, the Badger Trust in England has sought permission for a judicial review of Defra’s decision in December to carry out two pilot culls in west Somerset and west Gloucestershire.

The panel of independent experts who will oversee the badger culls in England have been named. It will be chaired by Christopher Wathes, Chairman of the Farm Animal Welfare Council. The other members are: Ranald Munro, a forensic pathologist and former head of pathology at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency; Neville Gregory, Professor of Animal Welfare Physiology at the Royal Veterinary College; Piran White, Deputy Head of the Environment Department at York University; Timothy Roper, Emeritus Professor at Sussex University and an expert in badger behaviour; and Peter Watson, Executive Director of the Deer Initiative.

New EU regulations introduced at the end of January, which prevent livestock farmers from restocking for 60 days after a positive TB test, are causing severe problems for many livestock farmers and disruption to the supply chain as people are prevented from replacing lost cattle. Dairy farmers face lower milk yields and calf-rearers are not able to trade as normal.

Weather issues

Official drought status has been declared over the whole of the South East, the Anglian Region and East and South Yorkshire as England and Wales received only 32% and 81% respectively of its long term rainfall average for March. Groundwater levels, which are below normal in all but four indicator sites across the country, are unlikely to be recharged before the summer. Restrictions on agricultural abstractions have been imposed in East Anglia, the South East and the Midlands. A “drought group” has been established, chaired by the CEO of the Environment Agency, which plans to meet on a bi-monthly basis.

The unseasonably warm, dry weather is also raising fears of increased midge activity, which as a vector for the Schmallenberg Virus (see February briefing) could lead to more cases of the virus. By the end of March the virus had been detected on 223 farms covering 22 counties, though primarily in Kent, West and East Sussex. This compares to over 1,000 cases recorded in Germany and over 800 in France.

Sow stalls

By 1^st January 2013 it will be illegal across the EU to house sows in stalls, which restrict their movement, except for the first four weeks of gestation. Stalls were introduced partly because of the high levels of mortality that occur as sows roll over, crushing feeding piglets. Sow stalls and tethers were banned in the UK in 1999, leading to higher costs of production for the UK pig industry relative to European competitors; the higher welfare standards did not translate into higher prices for UK producers. There is increasing concern that a majority of European Member states will not be compliant with the legislation by the January 1^st deadline. 12 expect to be fully compliant, 7 expect to be 90% compliant and 5 between 70-89% compliant. Three appear to have made no provisions. UK representatives expect the EU to exact penalties against non-compliance though identifying whether piglets had been born in compliant or non-compliant systems will be difficult. The UK is planning to resurrect a “Pig Industry Task Force” to bring retailers and suppliers together to try and get an agreement that retailers will only source from compliant sources.

2012-03-21T17:42:00.005Z

Beginners Guide to using social media 25th April.

ORCC and OCVA, in partnership with OSCP (Oxfordshire Stronger Communities Partnership) and Insight Oxon, are holding a hands on event in Kidlington on the evening of the 25th April 2012 for novice social media users.

It is aimed at people that have no real previous experience of using social media but who want to be able to use it as a consultation tool to get wider engagement from their local community.

Come and learn about how to set up a Facebook page or a Twitter account and how to make it work for you as a community.

Places are limited, for more information and to obtain a registration form to book a place please contact Beth Weston by email or call 01865 883488

2012-03-13T16:36:00.002Z

BOOK NOW

for the annual LSP and Community Planning Conference in West Berkshire

BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE

Saturday 28th April 2012

10.00am - 3.00pm

Newbury College, Monks Lane,

Newbury RG14 7RW

A conference for communities, Parish Councils, community planning groups and all involved in the West Berkshire Partnership

The whole event will provide a great opportunity for communities to pick up information, to meet over 28 key organisations and get tips on developing projects.

The conference is free of charge and there will be lunch and refreshments provided.

“I had a great day and came away with lots of good ideas and contacts to pass onto my community"

Feedback on the 2011 conference

To book on line click Conference booking and details

To download publicity Conference booking and details

To download programme Conference booking and details

To download full workshop information Conference booking and details

To download details of organisations in the market place Conference booking and details

Last date for booking places is 13th April 2012.

For further information ring 07966 236408

2012-03-02T11:59:00.000Z

Oxfordshire Rural Community Council is seeking a new Chair to take over from the present incumbent, who reaches the end of his permitted term of office at the next AGM in October 2012. Set up in 1920, ORCC is the oldest of the 38 Rural Community Councils in the country. Its mission is to achieve socially, economically and environmentally sustainable communities across the county; everything it does is rooted in developing communities and enabling them to identify and achieve their aspirations. It is a progressive organisation, with a committed and effective Board of Directors, who together ensure that ORCC has a clear and well-founded strategic direction. The Board works collaboratively with the staff team and shares their enthusiasm for working with communities. Its members have a range of backgrounds including private business, charity consultancy and public service. Most Board members are also active in their own communities so their understanding of the importance of community empowerment and locally-based action is rooted in direct experience.

ORCC’s strength and reputation is founded on our independence as a charity without association with particular sectional interests or party politics. We regard this as being of central importance and will expect our new Chair to reflect this in their approach.

We are looking for a Chair who will make a significant contribution to the motivation and inspiration behind our organisation. We want someone who will work with the Board to lead us through a period of substantial political and financial change in a way that retains and builds on the team ethos that so characterises ORCC. The new Chair will have the vision and ability to identify new opportunities, raise our profile amongst key players (including both public and private sector) and build new relationships.

We are proud of what we do and aspire to high standards in every aspect of our work. We have reached, and adhere to, the top level of our national network’s Quality Standards and the internationally recognised ISO 9001 standard. That means we routinely invest time and trouble to continuously improve the way the Board functions, the way we treat our staff, and the way we manage our finances. We want the new Chair to share that commitment to quality.

The role of the Chair

To lead the overall governance and policy direction of ORCC
To ensure that the Board works effectively across all its functions and that the Board’s decisions are implemented
To take a leading role in representing and promoting the work of ORCC to other organisations, including potential partners and funding bodies, local government, the general public and its own members as appropriate
· To support the Chief Executive, liaising with her on a regular basis to keep an overview of ORCC’s affairs; and on behalf of the Board, to act as her line manager, including ensuring that an annual appraisal is conducted
· To ensure continuity in the role of CEO in the eventuality of this being necessary
· To chair meetings of the Board and such other committees as may be required from time to time; to liaise with the CEO on agendas and preparations for such meetings
· To participate in the annual joint Away Day (for staff and Board) which is a primary part of the process of developing the ORCC Strategic Plan; and as appropriate in other events and conferences organised by ORCC.
· To play an active role in the overall financial management of the organisation, and ensure that opportunities for income generation are explored and pursued, in particular from sources outside the statutory sector
· To represent ORCC at the annual Policy Conference and AGM of our national parent body, ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England)

Person specification

In addition to the qualities needed by all Board members, the Chair of ORCC should possess the following qualities:-

Proven success of effective leadership of a similar sized organisation (or larger)
An understanding of, and commitment to, the community development approach that underpins all ORCC’s work
An understanding of the current political and financial climate that statutory and voluntary sectors are operating in now and in the medium to long term
Strong negotiation and influencing skills to be able to promote and position ORCC in the Oxfordshire context and to establish and sustain positive relationships with those organisations and individuals identified as crucial in the year/s ahead
Sound understanding of financial management
Sound understanding of strategic planning and an ability to play a lead role in the organisation’s strategic planning process
An ability to work collaboratively with other organisations

The Chair will also demonstrate

Tact and diplomacy,

Good intedrpersonal skills and copmmunication skills

Impartiality, fairness, and the ability to respect confdidentiality

CV to be submitted by Monday 16th April Interviews Friday 27th April.

TO EXPRESS AN INTEREST OR FOR FURTHER DETRAILS CONTACT : 01865 883488 e: orcc@oxonrcc.org.uk

2012-02-24T09:56:00.000Z

Ecclesiastical launches its Hands Off Our Church Roofs campaign at St Peter’s Church, Blackley, Manchester.

The aim of the campaign is to see sophisticated electronic alarm systems installed on the roofs of British Anglican churches across the country. The leading church and heritage insurer Ecclesiastical is investing £500,000 of its own money to install roof alarms free of charge on some of the country’s most badly affected churches. It is backed by the Church of England Church Buildings Council, the Association of Chief Police Officers and Minister of State for the Home Office, Lord Henley.

Starting this month, Ecclesiastical will fit alarms to churches in most of the 42 mainland English dioceses and a number of alarms in Scotland and

Wales

. Signage will then be displayed at all churches to warn thieves of the existence of church roof alarms in the area.

John Coates, Ecclesiastical’s director of church insurance said: “The attack on Britain’s churches has reached catastrophic proportions and we simply have to do something about it. Every day an average of seven churches are targeted by criminals, who see them as easy pickings. This campaign will ensure they won’t be easy any more. The first stage of the campaign is for Ecclesiastical to fit these alarms free of charge to the most at-risk churches in the country. Because we won’t be revealing the details of these churches, this will create a deterrent as all churches in the area will display signage.

Stage two – and this is where we are seeking broad public support – is for other churches to purchase their own alarm systems and thus ensure we make our churches as hard a target as possible for metal thieves. As times are hard, we recognise that in some cases this is going to require fundraising by the church and its local community.

The alarms use concealed sensors on the church’s roof to detect the presence of a metal thief. Upon activation, the alarms emit powerful blue flashing lights to draw attention to the church while speakers broadcast a loud, recorded message warning the criminal that an alarm has been activated. Depending on the agreement with the alarm company, an alarm signal will be sent to a remote monitoring unit and will trigger security personnel to attend the scene.

Ecclesiastical has already piloted the use of roof alarms in more than 100 churches over the last few years. The insurer’s experience has shown that where roof alarms have been fitted, metal thefts have reduced significantly or stopped completely.

2011 was the worst year on record for church metal theft claims. Ecclesiastical, which insures over 96% of the country’s Anglican churches, received more than 2,600 metal theft claims from churches by the end of the year, surpassing the previous worst figure of more than 2,400 in 2008. Other aspects of British life which have been badly affected by metal theft include transport, utilities, communications, health and many more. In addition to roof alarms, Ecclesiastical has also helped churches fight metal theft by providing them with free SmartWater forensic marker liquid, which is applied to the metal so that it can be traced. The insurer also gives detailed risk management advice and has also been involved in lobbying Government for a tightening up of the laws relating to the sale of scrap metal.

A national survey conducted by Ecclesiastical in December last year revealed that almost half of the UK’s population (49%) is ‘appalled that someone can steal lead from a church’, while a further 37% are ‘saddened’ by the crime.

Support for the campaign

Lord Henley, Minister of State for Crime Prevention and Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction, said: “Metal theft from churches affects the fabric of our communities. We all need to work together to protect our churches and I very much welcome the Hands Off Our Church Roofs campaign led by Ecclesiastical.”

Anne Sloman, Chair, Church of England Church Buildings Council, said: “Although we are campaigning vigorously for legislation to regulate scrap yards, we also have a responsibility to do everything we can to help ourselves. We urge parishes to look carefully at the benefits of roof alarms which do offer extra protection.”

The Bishop of London, The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Richard Chartres, said: “The Church of England is the custodian of 45% of all Grade 1 listed buildings and since the metal vandals have descended in such hordes over recent years our duty of maintenance has become nearly impossible. New Government legislation will undoubtedly help, but we all need to remain vigilant and try to get a step ahead of these well-organised raiders. I am grateful to Ecclesiastical Insurance for taking an initiative in these matters.”

Richard Crompton, Association of Chief Police Officers, said: "As the ACPO lead on Heritage Crime I am very happy to support the Ecclesiastical Insurance ‘Hands off Our Church Roofs’ Campaign. The theft of lead, particularly from churches is a major issue which has upset and affected communities right across the country. This sort of crime strikes at the very heart of communities and damages and destroys our shared heritage. The installation of roof alarms is a proven way of deterring thieves and represents another step forward in the fight against heritage crime".

Andrew Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire and campaigner for tougher sentences for metal thieves said: “Theft of metal from places of worship is a crime against society and should be dealt with and punished accordingly. I welcome any moves to deter these thefts and wish the Hands off our Church Roofs campaign every success.”

John McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington and a sponsor of the Early Day Motion Theft of metals from war memorials and places of worship said: "The Hands Off Our Church Roofs campaign has my full support. Theft of metal from churches has been a nightmare problem in Hayes and is a cause of great concern in the community. This initiative is a very positive way of taking action."

Actress and model Liz Hurley said: “Beautiful old churches are at the heart of so many of our communities and I find it truly shocking that anyone would steal lead from a church roof. I heartily endorse the campaign to have alarms fitted.”

[The Diocese of Manchester recorded the highest number of church metal theft claims in 2010 and has been in the top ten worst hit areas for many years.St Peter’s is located in a deprived area of the city and has suffered a number of metal thefts from its roof. The church could not afford to fit a roof alarm so Ecclesiastical has paid for one to be installed as part of the campaign]

2012-02-17T17:17:00.000Z

The Arthur Rank Centre multi-church ministry workshops take place in 2012

13-14 June and 10-11 October 2012.

Spaces are still available on both courses and they are designed to equip rural clergy, readers and lay leaders to work in complex situations.

The course explores both mission and ministry and provides plenty of time for discussion and reflection of the participants own situation.

Further details and booking forms are available from www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/mission-and-ministry/arc-training/multi-church-ministry-workshops

Or contact Katrina Sealey katrinas@arthurrankcentre.org.uk

Tel 024 7685 3075

The Arthur Rank Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LG

2012-02-13T09:46:00.000Z

NEWS FROM THE OXFORDSHIRE

NATURE CONSERVATION FORUM

WILDLIFE SELLS CEREALS

Company using conservation to sell product I thought you might like to see this Jordan's advert. A company talking about the importance of wildlife in a mainstream advert.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKqfJxwDaCg&list=UU2AX4eH2f-3cEfpX7zXUd4w&ind

SUSTAINABLE BLEWBURY RECEIVES GRANT FROM

NORTH WESSEX DOWNS AONB

"Sustainable Blewbury" has recently received a grant from the North Wessex Downs AONB Sustainable Development Fund. The project aims to preserve, improve and create areas of chalk grassland in and near the village of Blewbury in South Oxfordshire. To help get the very best from the grant, the project team have arranged a visit by wildflower expert Charles Flower to look at the sites, particularly the area where a new wildflower meadow will be created. Charles will advise on the best mix of plants and the best methods for establishing them. If you would like to attend the meeting in Blewbury at 11am on the 27th February 2012 please contact Oliver Cripps on olivercripps@northwessexdowns.org.uk or Peter Cockrell on peter@cockrell.plus.com. If you would like more information about Sustainable Blewbury and the project please visit www.sustainable-blewbury.org.uk.

GARDENING SPECIALIST

Full time, based across Oxfordshire £16,830 to £17,802 pa Restore has received funding in memory of Rob and Peggy Langford to employ a full time Gardening Specialist. He or she will support our recovery groups and enable people in Oxfordshire to garden. The closing date is Monday 20th February 2012. http://www.restore.org.uk/get-involved/work-with-us/current-vacancies

Saturday 18 February 10.30

THE IMPORTANCE OF TREES IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT

A leisurely walk, led by Ian Gourlay to look at the trees in the area north of the city centre starting in St Giles and ending in the University Parks. Time about 1½ hours. Meet at the War Memorial at the top of St Giles in front of St Giles Church Janet Keene, Tel/fax: 01865 820522 www.ouwg.org.uk

Lots more news and information is available from ONCF at www.oncf..org.uk A weekly bulletin is available to come direct to your email inbox.

2012-02-13T09:42:00.000Z

TRAINING FOR COMMUNITY ACTION

The Introduction to Community Action course is for anyone who would like to be more confident about speaking up and taking action in their community. This might be your local neighbourhood, or a community of people who have something in common. The course is aimed at people who have not done any previous training in community action. This course takes place across seven sessions and leads to a level 1 Open College Network qualification.

The course is for people who would like to get involved in community action for the first time, or who have recently become involved in a local project.

- Got an idea which would improve your community?

- Want to get involved in a group?

- Want to have your say about local decisions?

- Recently decided to get involved?

The course is free although we do ask that you give us a £10 deposit which we will refund to you at the end of the course so long as you have attended the course in full. We’ll pay your travel expenses to get to the course venue and any child or other care costs while you are there. As well as building your confidence to speak up and turn ideas into action, the course also leads to a Level 1 Open College Network qualification in ‘Community Development Work Skills’. To gain the accreditation, you will need to complete a workbook during the course – help will be available to complete it.

There will be a taster session in Oxford on Monday 30th April from 12-2.30pm including lunch. You can come along, find out a bit more about the training and decide whether you want to commit to the training in full.

If you live in Oxford, Banbury or Bicester contact Catrina Pickering email catrina.pickering@ocva.org.uk or telephone 01865 251946 or 07540 703366. For the rest of Oxfordshire contact Beth Weston email beth.weston@oxonrcc.org.uk or telephone 01865 883488.

2012-02-10T19:17:00.000Z

The Community Buildings Forum 2012 is aimed at Management Committees of Community Buildings and Village Halls across the county of Buckinghamshire, and this year will be covering the following topics:

· Fire Safety – Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

· PRS and PPL music licensing

· Preparation for localism – knowing what you want and how to approach funding

We will be running the forum twice as usual, to give more opportunity for hall committees to participate, by running it in the North and South of the County:

· Tuesday 13^th March 6pm – 8pm at Little Horwood Recreation Ground Hall http://communitybuildingslittlehorwood.eventbrite.co.uk/

· Wednesday 14^th March 6pm – 8pm The Ken Williams Memorial Pavilion, Hazlemere http://communitybuildingshazlemere.eventbrite.co.uk/

If you would like to book a place on either date please click on the links above or contact Sarah Allwood on 01296 744726 or via email sarah@communityimpactbucks.org.uk

This event is free for Community Impact Bucks Subscribers. Non-subscribers will be charged £15 per head. Light refreshments will be provided.

Unsubscribe
Forward to a friend

Community Impact Bucks Registered Office Address Unit B, The Firs Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP22 5DX	Telephone 0845 3890389 Websitewww.communityimpactbucks.org.uk	Registered Charity No. 1070267 Company Registered in England & Wales, No. 3508718

2012-02-10T18:55:00.000Z

2012-02-10T18:35:00.000Z

NEWS FROM COMMUNITY IMPACT BUCKS

Community Oil Buying Scheme Takes Off!
Average saving on 1000 litres in January = £45.50

The community oil buying scheme launched by Community Impact Bucks at the start of January is going from strength to strength. Already there are co-ordinators in 6 communities and members from across the county.

One of the questions most commonly asked is ‘How much is the oil?’ There is no single answer to this as regular buyers will know as the price varies from day to day. What we can say is that buying in bulk is the best way to get a good price. On 27 January the price paid by members was 56.45p per litre, which compares to the highest price we were quoted of 67p per litre and an average price of 61p per litre. A saving of £45.50 for members of the scheme on a 1000 litre order!

So if you buy oil and don’t already get the benefit of buying in bulk, why not consider becoming a member. And if your community hasn’t yet got a co-ordinator, why not volunteer? The time commitment is small, the benefits are large – and don’t forget co-ordinators can join the scheme for free.

There’s plenty of information on our website. Or send us an email or phone Samantha or Leona on 0845 389 0389 and we can tell you all about the scheme.

Community Impact Bucks Registered Office Address Unit B, The Firs Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP22 5DX Telephone 0845 3890389 info@communityimpactbucks.org.uk	Websitewww.communityimpactbucks.org.uk

2012-02-09T18:05:00.000Z

THE ARCHWAY FOUNDATION IS 30 THIS YEAR

http://www.archwayfoundation.org.uk/

Serving those hurt by loneliness

As part of the 30th anniversary year the Archway Foundation is hoping to attract 300 supporters who will each contribute £10 a month.

This income is needed to help plug the gap left by the loss of statutory funding.

To find out more about the work of Archway look at the website http://www.archwayfoundation.org.uk/

if you would like to set up a standing order to support Archway then contact the office by using the contact us form on the home page of the website.

Your contribution can make a huge diference to the work of the organisation and to the well being of its friends.

2012-02-09T17:51:00.000Z

FREE MEMBERSHIP FOR BULK-BUYING HEATING OIL

Save money on the cost of your heating oil!

Oxfordshire Rural Community Council (ORCC) is giving away

250 FREE memberships for Bulk Oil Buying Scheme between now and 31 March.

ORCC, Oxfordshire’s long established community charity, has set up a social enterprise that will

reduce the cost of your domestic heating oil each time you place an order!

The scheme is designed to help purchasers of central heating oil to save money by buying in bulk.

By operating county-wide, the scheme makes it possible for new or existing local community oil-buying groups to make the most of their collective purchasing power.

Under the Warm Homes Healthy People scheme (more about it below) households at risk can benefit from cheaper heating oil with FREE membership.

HOUSEHOLDS AT RISK are households unable to meet the cost of fuel prices over the winter, perhaps

families with young children / older people / those with a disability, long term illness / out of employment.

IF YOU ARE WORRIED about the cost of your heating, or if you think that there might be people in your community who could benefit, please get in touch.

(Do you have neighbours / people in your congregation who could benefit who may not get this email?)

For free membership Email oil@oxonrcc.org.uk OR

Apply on-line www.oxonrcc.org.uk/home/bulk-oil-buying-scheme OR

Phone 01865-883488 (but we would prefer an email or on-line application if possible)

More details about the Scheme Below

WARM HOMES HEALTHY PEOPLE – Oxfordshire’s initiative to help you keep warm and well this winter

KEEP THE HEAT IN YOUR HOME By insulating your home and making sure your heating is set for the right time and temperature (between 18° and 21°) you can stay warm without an enormous energy bill.

GET FINANCIAL SUPPORT. There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. Financial help, such as the Winter Fuel Payment, is available to people finding it hard to meet their heating costs.

EAT WELL AND KEEP MOVING. Food is a vital source of energy - try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly. Moving around generates body heat, and helps to keep your body warm.

GET A FLU JAB. You can get a free jab from your GP to protect against seasonal flu if you are over 65, have a long-term health conditions or are pregnant.

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF AND OTHERS. On cold days try to avoid going outside. If you do need to, remember to wrap up warm. If you have an older neighbour or relative, look out for them during winter to make sure that they are safe and well.

FIND OUT MORE – 0844-887-000

MORE ABOUT THE ‘ORCC TRADING LTD’ SCHEME

Over the last few months our members have saved around £50 compared with the market average price for 1000litres of heating oil (a staggering £120 against the highest prices). That is the power of bulk oil buying.

To take advantage of the scheme you pay an annual membership fee (£20 Domestic / £30 Community Building / £100 Business). It covers as many oil orders as you need in the course of the year.

To be included in the next month's order round send your membership application and annual fee to ORCC Trading Ltd at least one week before the order deadline (next oil order deadlines are 12.00 noon, 23 February, 29 March 2012)

Monthly bulk oil order price (as at 27 January 2012) 56.45p per litre - Member price (kerosene)

67p per litre - Highest price quoted by a supplier 61p per litre - Average price quoted by suppliers:

(All prices +5% VAT)

How it works

1. Contact your local co-ordinator and let them know how much oil you want to order. Allow up to a maximum of two weeks for delivery of oil from the monthly bulk oil order date. (In most cases delivery will be sooner.)

2. Once a month your co-ordinator lets us know the total oil needed from your area.

3. At the end of each month, the bulk oil purchase is negotiated by our oil buyer.

4. We then tell your co-ordinator when to expect delivery and how much it will cost, and he or she passes the information to you.

5. You pay the supplier direct for the oil they deliver.

All you need do to take advantage of this scheme is complete a membership form and arrange annual payments. We will do everything else.

Payments by cheque payable to ORCC Trading Ltd

sent to ORCC, Jericho Farm, Worton, Witney OX29 4SZ

by direct bank transfer (BACS) A/c. no. 93043754; sort code 20-97-48.

(Please give your surname as a reference.)

2012-01-21T19:20:00.000Z

Growing the Rural Church: a Conference for Rural Church Leaders and Members at Scargill House

There are clearly challenges facing rural churches, whatever denominational stream they are from.

With pressure building on a reduced number of paid leaders and clergy, historic buildings to be maintained and communities made up of a cross section of new arrivals and families that have lived in an area for generations, it is not easy pulling the threads together to grow the rural church.

However there are many positive signs of growth from around the country as rural churches have responded to these challenges.

To help church leaders, clergy, PCC and church members learn from others who are making progress growing the rural church, Andy Ryland, Diocesan Rural Officer for Ripon and Leeds, has worked with the Scargill Movement to bring together some of the country’s leading practitioners so that we can learn together how to address three key issues associated with rural church growth.

· Reaching rural communities both new and long standing

· Buildings - burden or blessing

· Enabling participation - empowering the people of God

The three day conference will address these themes on separate days so you can attend as a day delegate or stay for the three days and enjoy the hospitality and good food that Scargill is building a reputation for, since it reopened in 2010.

Day one: Tuesday 6^th March 2012: Reaching rural communities both new and long standing

Bishop James Bell, Leslie Morley, Simon Mattholie, Bob Baker, Pauline Broadwith and Karin Shaw

Day two: Wednesday 7th March 2012: Buildings - burden or blessing?

Peter Aires, Leslie Morley, Nigel Walter, Alice Ullathorne

Day Three: Thursday 8th March 2012: Enabling participation - empowering the people of God

Pete Atkins, Leslie Morley, Elizabeth Clarke, Sian Lockwood OBE, Cursillo Volunteers

To book your place phone Scargill House, where staff will be able to design a package around how you want to attend the conference, either keeping the cost down as a day delegate or staying over and enjoying the special experience of staying at Scargill at the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

1 Conference Day (including lunch) £19

1 Conference Day and 1 night’s stay £53.75

2 Conference Days and 1 night’s stay £72.75

All 3 Conference Days and 2 nights stay £126.50

All 3 Conference Days and 3 nights stay £180.75

Monday 4pm- Friday 10 am (including Conference) £215

Scargill House, Kettlewell, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5HU, Tell (01756) 761236

www.scargillmovement.org

jo.penn@scargillmovement.org

2012-01-13T18:13:00.000Z

ESF Community Grants deadline approaching

The second round of the European Social Fund (ESF) Community Grant programme in the South East Region, closes at noon on 17 February 2012. Grants of up to £12,000 are available to third sector organisations in the South East who support the most disadvantaged individuals to access further learning opportunities or progress to employment. Read more and apply by clicking here.

2012-01-13T18:10:00.000Z

Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)

A unique opportunity for people working and volunteering with community organisations to attend a two day workshop led by Cormac Russell of Nuture Development and the Asset-Based Community Development Institute.

The Asset-Based Community Institute is at the centre of a large and growing movement that considers local assets as the primary building blocks of sustainable community development.

This conference is aimed at charities, social enterprises, development agencies, local authority partners and anyone else who are looking to work together to build self-sustaining communities

This two day conference is taking place on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th March, 09:30 - 16:30 at Green Park, Reading

For more information and to book follow the link below:

http://www.actionforall.org.uk/CCB/AssetBasedCommunityDevelopmentEvent

2012-01-13T18:06:00.000Z

Invitation to

Warm In West Berkshire

Launch Workshop

Shaw House, Newbury

Friday 20th January 2012

9.30am – 1.00pm

To book a place at the launch event please go to

www.warminwestberkshire.org.uk

or call 0118 961 2000

The launch workshop is your opportunity to:

Understand more about the issues of fuel poverty and the resulting health impacts.
Learn what new and additional support is on offer for people in the community and how you can access the services
Discuss the needs in communities and how they can be best met through this project

2012-01-11T19:48:00.000Z

Plough Wednesday 2012.

Great day for the annual training day on rural and agricultural issues in the diocese of Oxford. 30 people attended, and the weather was warm and for the most part very sunny.

In the morning we visited a farm which is home to some 350 horses. The horses are rescued from slaughter and then live the remainder of their lives being cared for until they die of natural causes. Blood and serum is harvested from the horses at regular intervals and then used for research purposes. The horses are kept warm and safe in the winter and then have acres of pasture land on which to graze in the summer.

At lunchtime we visited an ancient country estate and heard a talk about the mechanics of maintaining and running an estate in the 20th century. Following that we toured the livestock area of one of the tenanted farms on the estate. As well as looking at the livestock, we listened to landlord and tenant talking about some of the issues facing tenant farmers!

Great day - and now looking forward to next year's - January 2013.