St Mary's is a attractive Grade 2 listed church sitting at the foot of Black Combe in the picturesque Whicham Valley.The churchyard is particularly spectacular in spring, when it is filled with snowdrops, crocus and daffodils. It is at the start of a popular path for walkers up Black Combe and the church is illustrated in Wainwright's fellwalking guides (Outlying Fells, p 166)..
The congregation is mainly drawn from the villages of Silecroft and Kirksanton as well as from the farms and houses of the Whicham Valley. The congregation is friendly and welcoming and the services offers a mixture of traditional, family and more modern.
The church is part of the parish of the Black Combe Churches, sharing worship with the churches of St Michael's Bootle, St Mary's Whitbeck and St John's Corney.
Our parish of The Black Combe Churches is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Carlisle’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (Joanna Van Lachterop on 07458 016884 or 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.
The Black Combe Churches website has additional contact information.