Overview
The Parish is based in a rural setting of East Berkshire, South of the A4
trunk road and North of the M4, between Maidenhead and Reading. The Parish
is bordered by the Parishes of Twyford and Hurst in the West and White
Waltham and Maidenhead in the East.
The total population of the Parish is around 1000 adults (18+) with an
all-ages estimate of 1,500, with 125 on the Church Electoral Roll. There
are approximately 550 houses in the Parish.
Most Parishioners own their own homes with very little council or rented
property. The average family falls into the “comfortably placed” bracket.
The main occupations are in local towns such as Reading or Bracknell
although a significant number also commute to London.
Waltham St Lawrence has its own village shop (with part-time post office)
and two pubs, while Shurlock Row possesses two pubs and a well-renowned
butcher. West End, between the two villages, is a residential area where the
Parsonage and the local village school are located.
The major rail stations are at Twyford (4 miles) and Maidenhead (6
miles). Shopping towns are typically Maidenhead, Twyford, Wokingham,
Henley, Bracknell and Windsor. There is a local bus service to Maidenhead
and Bracknell.
Church Mission Statement
- The Parish wants to build on progress made
during the last few years.
- The friendly atmosphere and goodwill
present here needs to be fostered and developed further. It is
particularly important that all sections of the community are included.
- Lay members need to be given confidence
and skills to take a more formal role in pastoral care. Sound Christian
leadership is required to make all this happen.
- We want to increase, not just maintain,
church attendance and involvement.
- A happy and warm atmosphere brought about
by Christian teaching and fellowship, is essential.
- A special effort is needed to attract and
enthuse children, teenagers and their families in our community.
- We want to begin to look outside the
Parish to develop links with neighbouring Parishes and importantly to
renew our efforts to support mission work around the world.
Church Buildings
The Parish Church Of Waltham St Lawrence
 Waltham St Lawrence has had its own place of worship since Roman times,
when a temple was erected half a mile north-west of the present church at
Weycock Hill.
The present church dates from the time of William the Conqueror, when it
was first mentioned in a charter in 1086 by which Gaufridi de Mandeville
granted it to Hurley Manor. Since then it has been extended and maintained
by its patrons and parishioners and now displays an interesting mix of
architectural styles, the earliest being the 11th century round arches on
either side of the main aisle and, most characteristic and charming, the
14th century tower base, side aisles and chancel, and the 16th century upper
tower and east windows.
At the base of the wall on the right hand side of the main entrance door
are several interesting marks scratched into the masonry. Some think they
are masons' marks but it is popularly supposed that they are records of vows
made by crusaders before setting off for the Holy Land.
Extracts from the register tell us that the tenor and treble bells
together with the second bell were broken in 1659 and that these together
with the Sacring bell were recast into five bells. A peel with them was rung
for the first time on Tuesday 23rd April 1660, the coronation day of Charles
II. Today, the bells are rung every week by a dedicated group of bell
ringers. Music is also heard from the famous original Father Willis organ
installed in the 1870's as it accompanies the choir.
Maintenance and Restoration
During the incumbency of Rev E J Parker the church was restored in 1847.
He gave the stained glass for the altar window and had the main entrance
porch built as a thanks offering for a good harvest which followed several
lean years. More recently extensive repairs to the tower, bells and ringing
platform were carried out during the 1970's and the Lady Chapel glass screen
was installed in the 1980's.
The last decade has seen a vast amount of remedial work carried out
including refurbishment of the roof and external walls and windows,
replacing rotten timbers in the floor, refurnishing the area under the tower
and the choir vestry (including installation of new kitchen facilities) and
complete renewal if the lighting. Work still remains to be done including a
rebuild of the organ but the overall condition of the church is now sound
and presents a very pleasing appearance.
The most recent Quinquennial report in 2000 noted the completion of the
extensive restoration which had been carried out in the previous five years.
The Restoration Appeal launched in 1996 had been successful in raising
£150,000 to carry out essential repairs and redecoration leaving the church
in excellent condition and appearance. The PCC is putting in hand the
repairs listed in the Quinquennial survey and the work is overseen by the
Fabric Committee.
WSL Churches Trust
We are very fortunate in having the invaluable support of an independent
charity, the Waltham St Lawrence Churches' Trust which is very ready to
listen to requests for help in major structural maintenance. During 1992,
the Trust was set up by three Parishioners. The long term aim is to provide
an endowment fund to support the PCC with the maintenance of the buildings
and work of the Parish Church. The interior of the Church has been greatly
enhanced by re-decoration and the provision of additional facilities thanks
to the donation of parishioners.
Services
Every Sunday
9.00am Holy Communion
Said service from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP)
1st Sunday in Month
10.00am Family Communion.
From Common Worship (Modern Language). Emphasis on young and family
participation. Hymns from Ancient & Modern New Standard (AMNS) or Mission
Praise (MP) - with emphasis on popularity. Junior choir and Sunday Club
normally make a contribution (Church Choir does not attend this service -
see Evensong below).
6.00pm Choral Evensong
From BCP. Hymns from AMNS, Psalm to Anglican chant. Canticles sung to
settings (occasionally to chants). Choir anthem.
2nd Sunday in Month (& 4th Sunday if there are five)
10.00am Parish Communion
From Common Worship (Traditional Language) with locally produced Service
Book. Hymns from A&MNS. Psalm to Anglican Chant. Service sung to Anglican
Folk Mass (Martin Shaw) (Creed and Sursum Corda are said). Choir Anthem
between Gospel and Sermon. Organ voluntaries during administration.
3rd Sunday in Month
10.00am Family Communion with Baptism
From Common Worship (Modern Language) including baptism. If no baptism,
a similar modern language form is followed. Hymns taken from AMNS or MP.
Sanctus/Benedictus from Anglican Folk Mass (Shaw). Choir anthem.
Last Sunday in Month
10.00am Matins
From BCP. Hymns normally from A&MNS. Psalms and Canticles to Anglican
Chants. Choir Anthem.
Other Services
Remembrance Day Service - in church, following the recommended
pattern, followed by procession to Village War Memorial for a short service
there.
Sunday before Christmas - 10.00am service is replaced by a Nativity
Play presented by the Sunday Club and Junior Choir. A candle-lit service of
9 Lessons and Carols replaces Evensong. If Christmas Day falls on a Monday
these services are brought forward by a week.
Christmas Eve - Midnight candle-lit Holy Communion sung to a special
setting.
Christmas Day - 9am BCP Holy Communion. 10am Family Service. 11am
Matins.
Maundy Thursday - Evening sung service of Holy Communion with choir.
Good Friday - 2pm-3pm Final Hour devotional service of meditation
with hymns (no choir).
Easter Day - Additional BCP Holy Communion at 8.00am.
Baptisms - Baptisms either take place during the 10am Family
Communion on the third Sunday, or at special service (also on Sunday usually
at 12 noon or between 2.30 and 3.30pm). Organist attends if requested, to
enable hymns to be sung (fee payable). There have been 88 baptisms over the
past 4 years.
Weddings / Blessings Of Civil Marriages - About 10-12 a year
concentrated in the summer season. Choir attends if requested (majority of
cases).
Funerals / Memorials - About 10-12 per annum. Choir does not normally
attend but efforts are made for special cases. Other funerals at local
crematoria with no church service also take place sometimes followed by
internment of ashes.
Other - Occasional “specials” have been held as requested for
organisations such as District Brownies, Young Farmers, Organists’
Association and local schools.
Church Music
Choir
The choir is run by a single Organist / Choirmaster (or 'Musical
Director'). The robed choir is usually around 12 strong.
Bearing in mind the
size of choir, a high musical standard and tradition exists; anthems are
sung every week and a setting of the evensong canticles every month. Choir
practice is held every Friday evening from 8pm to 9pm. The choir is
affiliated to RSCM.
Anthem list and examples of carol services etc. are available separately.
Junior Choir
Junior Choir is not formally part of the church choir but an
informal feeder arrangement exists.
At present the Junior Choir has approximately 15 members. The joining age
is about 7, and most leave at 11 or 12, when leaving primary school. The
choir meets weekly between September and May, and sings for the Family
Communion on the first Sunday of the month and at other festival Sundays'
such as Mothering Sunday and Palm Sunday. The Sunday before Christmas a
major Nativity play is performed, and this has become a Parish tradition.
The Junior Choir performs a short spring concert in the Neville Hall at
the end of May for parents and friends.
Church Organs
Father Willis 2 manual and pedal.
Tracker action throughout, with electric blower (the hand pump is still
available if power fails). Built in approx. 1860, it is maintained by the
makers and holds a British Institute of Organ Studies Historic Organs
Certificate. Condition is good, although the pedal board is noisy. The organ
is due for a rebuild, which will also allow the floor beneath to be re-laid.
A fuller technical description of the instrument is
available by clicking here.
Other Instruments
There is a Philips 2-manual and pedal electronic organ, located in the
side chapel. A grand piano is available in the church (the property of a
churchwarden).
Church Groups
Parochial Church Council
The PCC meets about 6 times a year and currently has 3 ex-officio members
(Wardens and Deanery Synod Members) and 11 elected members who represent a
good cross section of the community. In addition, people responsible for
activities associated with the church have been co-opted onto the PCC for
specific meetings to report on their work. The PCC has recently appointed a
Publicity Officer who liaises with the Deanery and promotes the Parish’s
work and activities. There are 3 sub-committees functioning at the moment:
Worship, Finance and Fabric and Property. Others have been formed for
specific purposes as the need has arisen.
The PCC hosts a Harvest Supper or Lunch each year and for the past 10
years has organised a Fete in June which is its major fundraising event. The
Council is eager to host events in the Church itself and last year concerts
and a flower festival were organised and well attended.
There are 125 people on the Electoral Roll with about 20 per cent living
outside the Parish.
Parish (Pastoral Care) Representatives
A network of Parish Representatives has been active for the past 4 years.
These representatives welcome newcomers to the Parish, distribute
information on developments and Church activities, and pass on suggestions
concerning the administration of and worship in the Church. Their names are
publicised so that parishioners can contact them if pastoral care is needed.
This group is a very important communication link to people living in the
Parish.
Bells and Ringers
The ring of six, dating from 1808 were re-hung without their canons, in a
steel frame in 1977. The Sanctus bell was cast in 1681. Rung from a gallery
open to the church, the bells ring for Sunday service, and on other
occasions when requested. The few parish ringers are helped from outside to
keep the bells ringing. Practice night is on a Monday At the present time,
new members are being sought to ensure that the bells keep ringing in the
Parish.
Other Church and Parish Helpers
In addition to the PCC and Parish Representatives, there are a number of
sub-committees and specialist groups connected with the Church. In total
some 130 individuals play an active part in the activity of our Church.
Groups include:
- Lesson Readers
- Sidesmen
- Church Cleaners
- Flower Arrangers
- Gardeners
- After-Service Coffee Rota
…as well as other ad hoc groups brought together for special projects.
Individuals also look after the church magazine, the website, the electoral
roll, fund raising and act as custodian of records. A leaflet is available
listing Parish Helpers.
Children and Young People
Family Service
On the first Sunday of the month, a Family Communion Service is held. At
the moment this is the service at which the Junior Choir sings and the
Sunday Club children give occasional presentations, for example, reading a
Mothering Sunday poem.
Sunday Club
Sunday Club was for younger children up to around 8 years, and met on the
first Sunday of every month, but is now in temporary suspension due to a
lack of helpers to lead sessions.
[During Family Communion on the first Sunday of the month, after the
first hymn, prayers and readings, the children leave the main church and
gather in the side chapel for a session lasting about half an hour before
rejoining the congregation for a blessing at the communion rail and the
conclusion of the service. In this way, it is felt that the children will
feel a part of the church, rather than having regular sessions in the
Neville hall, a short walk away. Occasional meetings are held for a full
hour in the Neville Hall for special cooking sessions, for example. ]
Other Involvement
Church activities like the annual Parish Fete and May Morning also
provide further opportunities to involve children, particularly the older
teen group who are invited to help run games or serve refreshments.
There are other groups involving children based in the village, namely
the Brownies and an active Toddlers Group which meet weekly at the village
hall. And, of course, there is a role of liaising with the Village School,
Happy Days Nursery which meets in the Neville Hall and Foxley School in
Shurlock Row, all of which use the church for special services.
The Wider Church
Maidenhead Deanery
The Deanery of Maidenhead comprises the towns of Maidenhead and Windsor,
together with the villages surrounding the towns. At present there are 21
parishes organised into 16 Benefices. There are seventeen stipendiary posts,
two training posts and one 'House for Duty' post (Waltham St Lawrence) in
the Deanery. There are in addition four NSM's working in the Deanery
together with a number of retired clergy. It is anticipated that the number
of stipendiary priests deployed in the Deanery will reduce to 15. There is a
team ministry in Windsor and 4 of the Benefices in the Deanery have been
suspended.
The Deanery Synod has a working paper on the future organisation of the
Deanery. This seeks to promote the Parishes as the primary focus for
worship, witness and mission - whilst recognising that the numbers of
stipendiary ministers available to the Church will not support historic
patterns of ministry. The Deanery is therefore looking to develop
collaborative patterns of ministry to ensure that the parishes have access
to ordained ministry. It is envisaged that the patterns of ministry
developed will include both formal and informal structures to facilitate
collaboration between ordained ministers, whilst also seeking to encourage
collaborative lay ministry.
The Local Community
Two main villages make up the Parish - Waltham St Lawrence and Shurlock
Row. In between there is the rural residential area of West End, where the
primary school is located and other smaller residential areas of Beenhams
Heath and Billingbear.
There is one village shop, a part-time post office, petrol station and
car dealer and two pubs in Waltham St Lawrence. Shurlock Row has a butcher’s
shop, two pubs and a garage. Waltham St Lawrence is the largest of the two
villages and site of the Church.
The Bell Inn, 400 years old, adjacent to the Parish Church, belongs to
the Trust and provides major income, which the Village Charities disburses
annually.
The Neville Hall is the village hall in Waltham St Lawrence and serves as
a community focal point where many groups meet. There is a thriving Toddlers
Group and a daily nursery school. The Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band also
meets there and has close connections with our Church and its functions.
There is a Brownie Pack and, for the older members of the community, a
strong Wednesday Club for the Over 60's.
Village Charities
The village is most fortunate in having legacies left in centuries past
in trust to provide for care of the needy, those in poor health and to
assist with education. These trusts are administered by the Waltham St
Lawrence Charities - whose Chairman is Roy Trustram Eve. Our Priest in
Charge is one of the Trustees ex officio.
WSL Parish Council
The Council has 7 members. The Priest in Charge confers with the Council
and its Clerk on social issues, e.g. youth in the Parish, housing issues,
the burial ground.
Education
The Parish has a flourishing County Primary School of approximately 120
in West End, Waltham St Lawrence, headed by Don Goodall, and Foxley School,
a PNEU School in Shurlock Row. Both have strong Church connections and have
their own Harvest Festival and Christmas services in the Parish Church. Most
village children attend secondary education in Wargrave or Maidenhead. A
place is held for the priest on the school’s Board of Governors.
Ecumenical Relationships
These are principally with the Roman Catholic churches of Wargrave,
Twyford and Hare Hatch.
Health Care
There are nearby surgeries in Twyford. The Wargrave Medical Practice also
holds surgeries twice a week at the Neville Hall and prescriptions from the
surgery can be delivered to the local shop in Waltham St Lawrence. The
practice can be a source of information of need or distress to our Charities
Trust. The main local hospital is Royal Berkshire in Reading. No old
people's home exists within the Parish.
Charities/Mission
Regular support is given to the Poppy Appeal, the Berkshire Churches
Trust through CROW and Christian Aid. At the moment two members of our
Parish are volunteers for a year at a Christian mission in Nepal.
The Parish Magazine
A monthly magazine was first started at the end of the nineteenth century
and has continued uninterrupted since then. The prime purpose of the
magazine has been dissemination of church news, and it includes a “Letter
from the Parsonage”, details of services for the month, record of Baptisms,
Marriages and Funerals and other church activities. It also includes general
parish and local news.
The magazine has more recently been made available on the World Wide Web
at
http://www.walthamstlawrence.info.
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