St Swithun, Combe
The 12th century Church of St Swithun’s is situated on the side of a down, above the hamlet of Combe, in one of the most exceptional valleys in Southern England.
It is an archetypal English country church surrounded by its own well-tended churchyard. Noted locally for the beauty of its setting and the historical interest of its surroundings, it is respected for its simplicity and the peace of its atmosphere.
ServicesOne Communion service is held on the third Sunday of the month from the 1662 Prayer Book.Music is a central feature of the services and we are fortunate to have an excellent organist.The average congregation is 12 - 15 with a certain percentage coming from outside the community. The Christmas Carol and Easter services, which have built a reputation for being traditional services attract a congregation of approximately 50 people.AccessibilityRoadside parking only. There are no toilets at the church and no hearing loop is installed.
Wheelchair access is difficult. A car can be driven up a bridleway to the church entrance but there are deep steps down into the building.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:
• Promoting a safer environment and culture.
• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people, and vulnerable adults within the church.
• Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
The Parish will:
• Create a safe and caring place for all.
• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
• Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people, and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance coverage for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
• Display on church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
• Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishop's guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, and when or where it occurred.
• Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
• Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures, and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures, and Practices at least annually.
Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.
This church appoints: Jenny Veasey as the Parish Safeguarding Officer
Email: [email protected]
Incumbent Revd Canon Annette Shannon
Churchwarden: Tina Fiertz & Katherine Astor
Email: [email protected] & [email protected]
Date: 10/9/2024