St Laurence, West Woodhay
A beautiful, well-maintained Church which is kept open. It was built in 1883; but two West Woodhay churches preceded it. Fortunately for us, the evidence for the two vanished churches is precise – and available.
The current church was built by William Henry Cole, who had bought the West Woodhay Estate in 1880. The architect was Sir Arthur Bloomfield, a prolific Victorian architect, who provided a simple flint and Bath stone church in the then favoured Early English style and of much the same size as the two earlier churches.
Striking features of the sanctuary are three high-relief carvings by the Belgian, Goyer. The organ is by the younger Henry Willis. It was installed at much the same time as the vestry screen – which is a memorial and thanksgiving for the relief of Ladysmith and of the ending of the Boer War.
ServicesTwo Common Worship Communion Services with a regular congregation of 10 which can swell to up to 100 for Festival services.An occasional lay led service of Compline.AccessibilityRoadside parking only. There are no toilets at the church and no hearing loop is installed.
A ramp is available to aid with wheelchair access.
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: Paul Harris as the Parish Safeguarding Officer
Email: [email protected]
Incumbent Revd Canon Annette Shannon
Churchwarden: Harry Henderson & Andy Fox-Boudewijn
Email: [email protected] & [email protected]
Date: 10/9/2024