The Stour Valley Benefice

Set in the heart of the Stour Valley in South Suffolk, we are at the heart of the six communities in which we live and serve: Cavendish, Clare, Hundon, Poslingford, Stoke-by-Clare, & Wixoe - helping to make God's love known to all.

For more information about the individual churches, services and visiting, please click on one of the churches shown in the "Our Churches" link.

Get in touch

Phone us: 01787 277515

Email us

Visit our website

Follow us on facebook

Follow us on twitter

Subscribe to our youtube channel

What's on

Pancake Party!

for 1 hour, 30 mins
Poslingford St Mary
The Street, Poslingford., CO10 8QY, United Kingdom

Bring your favourite pancake topping and your frying pan for Pancake eating and Pancake races!

Donations of eggs, flour, and milk welcome.

Donation towards the upkeep of Poslingford Church gratefully received or a jar/tin/something for the Community Pantry in Clare

An Evening of Love Songs by Candlelight

for 2 hours
Clare, St Peter & St Paul
High Street Clare Suffolk, CO10 8NY, United Kingdom

A Valentine's Celebration at the Heart of Our Community.

Join us for An Evening of Love Songs by Candlelight - a magical Valentine's concert held in the intimate glow of candlelight at St Peter and St Paul's Church in Clare, Suffolk.

This special evening brings together a carefully chosen collection of timeless love songs, spanning generations and genres. From the soulful sounds of Bill Withers, Al Green, Nina Simone, and Etta James, to contemporary classics by Crowded House, Jeff Buckley, Norah Jones, and The Cinematic Orchestra, the programme celebrates love in all its forms - tender, joyful, bittersweet, and enduring.

Performed by an ensemble of local and professional musicians, these songs are presented with warmth, sensitivity, and simplicity, allowing the music and lyrics to shine in this beautiful and reflective setting. Familiar favourites sit alongside intimate moments, creating an atmosphere that is romantic, welcoming, and deeply moving.

Come with a partner, friends, family, or simply to enjoy a peaceful Valentine's evening; this concert offers a chance to pause, reflect, and share in music that speaks straight to the heart.

All profits from this event will be donated to the Clare Liaison and Support Project, enabling our volunteers to continue supporting vulnerable and isolated residents in and around Clare.

Doors will open at 5pm for a 6pm performance.

More info

Parish Communion

Monthly. Every First, Third, Fifth Sunday at for 1 hour
Stoke by Clare, St John the Baptist
Stoke by Clare, CO10 8HU, United Kingdom

Join us for our service of Holy Communion

Our churches

Safeguarding

Our Benefice is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm.

We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Benefice Safeguarding Officer (BSO).

Our Diocese’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our BSO.

If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the BSO:
Mr Simon Cant Tel: 01284 789211 Email: [email protected]

or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor:
Mrs Karen Galloway Tel: 07785 621319 Email: [email protected]

or you may speak with the Rector:
The Revd Mark Woodrow Tel: 01787 277515 Email: [email protected]

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services (Suffolk County Council – 0808 800 4005).

Read more