OUR BENEFICE

The Benefice of Haughmond and Wrekin is a grouping of twelve parishes (thirteen churches) set amongst beautiful countryside in rural Shropshire nestled between Shrewsbury to the west and Telford to the east. The benefice is named after two hills situated close to its western and eastern boundaries - Haughmond Hill and The Wrekin. Much of the southern boundary of the benefice follows the River Severn.

The benefice includes large centres of population in the villages of Admaston, Allscott and Bratton on the north western edge of Telford with the remainder of the benefice consisting of smaller communities in villages and hamlets.

The twelve parishes are Buildwas, Eaton Constantine with Wroxeter, High Ercall, Leighton-under-the-Wrekin, Longdon-on-Tern, Rodington, Rowton, Uffington, Uppington, Upton Magna, Withington and Wrockwardine.

The benefice is situated within the Diocese of Lichfield and is a member benefice of the Deanery of Shrewsbury and Wrekin.

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OUR WORSHIP

We offer a range of services in our churches, some using formats from the Book of Common Prayer and others based on the more recent Common Worship formats. Wherever you choose to join us, and whatever service is being held when you attend, you can be assured of a warm welcome.

 

 

 

FOR OUR YOUNGER PEOPLE

 

We have three Praise and Play groups meeting in the benefice:

Every Friday morning (during school terms) at Wrockwardine Church, 10am
On the first Tuesday of each month at Rodington Church, 10am

On the third Friday of each month at St Lucia's Church, Upton Magna at 9am.

 

Click these links to keep in touch with our Praise and Play groups

Rodington Praise and Play
Upton Magna Praise and Play

Wrockwardine Praise and Play

 

There are also Praise and Play online videos on the Benefice's YouTube channel.

Lucy's Lambs, a group for children aged 5 or under and their parents/carers, meet at St Lucia's Church, Upton Magna on the second and  fourth Fridays of each month from 9am - 10.30am. Toast, Hot Drinks, Toys, Story-time and Singing.

 

Visit Lucy's Lambs Facebook group

 

Bubble Church is a free, puppet-packed, Jesus-centred, coffee-and-croissant-fuelled, thirty minute kids and families adventure.

 

Here's the deal: you turn up at Upton Magna Village Hall for croissant and a coffee, then you'll be guided to a 'bubble', and you and your little ones will share in thirty minutes of song, story, puppets, and prayer.

 

Bubble Church at Upton Magna Village Hall is on the third Sunday in each month at 9.15am

Book NOW for Bubble Church Christingle on 15 December

Benefice Bubble Church Facebook page

 

We have four Messy Churches meeting around the benefice:

First Sunday of the month - High Ercall Village Hall, 9.30am

Second Sunday of the month - Rodington Village Hall, 3pm

Third Sunday of the month - Ellerdine Village Hall, 9.30am

        (not in December)

Fourth Sunday in the month - Wrockwardine Village Hall, 4pm
        (not in December)

 

You can follow our Messy Church communities via their Facebook pages:

Messy Church serving High Ercall and surrounding areas

Messy Church serving Rowton and Ellerdine

 

Messy Church will meet on:

Sunday 5 January at High Ercall Village Hall, 9.30am
Sunday 12 January at Rodington Village Hall, 3pm

Sunday 12 January at Ellerdine Village Hall, 9.30am
Sunday 26 January at Wrockwardine Village Hall, 4pm

 

We have two Youth Cafés in the benefice:

Every Friday evening (during school term time), 7 - 9pm in Longdon Village Hall

Monthly at Upton Magna - details to follow.

 

We play games, have craft activities, support the Rotary shoebox scheme and or course have a café time of hot chocolate and pizzas, chip butties or other delights. Our meetings include worship and reflection

 

We have two Open the Book teams in the benefice serving the primary schools in Bratton, High Ercall and Upton Magna. There is a team from outside the benefice who provide Open the Book into Crudgington Academy. We hope to soon have a team available to provide Open the Book into Buildwas school.

 

EVENTS

 

There are a number of regular COFFEE MORNINGS each month, including Rodington Church every Wednesday from 10.30 - 11.30am, Eaton Constantine Village Hall on Monday 6 January (10am to 12noon) Wrockwardine Church on Tuesday 7 January (10am to 12noon) and  Withington Parish Room on Wednesday 8 January (10.30am to 12 noon).

CAROL SERVICES will be held at churches in the Benefice during December. The first is on Thursday 12 December at Rodington at 7pm. The following Saturday, 14 December there is a carol service at Buildwas at 7pm. On Sunday 15 December there are carol services at High Ercall (6pm), Uppington (6pm) and Wrockwardine (6.30pm). On Thurday 19 December, Longdon holds its Carol Service at 7pm and on the Sunday before Christmas (22 December), there are carol services at Eaton Constantine (6.30pm), Leighton (11am), Uffington at 11am, and Withington at 4pm.

REVD OLIVIA HAINES has been appointed Team Vicar in the South Lakes Benefice in the Diocese of Carlisle. Olivia will complete her curacy in the Benefice on 20 December. There will be a Holy Communion service at St John the Baptist's church in Withington on Sunday 15 December at 11am followed by lunch in the Parish Room. Everyone from parishes across our benefice is invited to attend this service on her final Sunday working in the Benefice. Olivia's licensing at St Mary's Church, Windermere is on Tuesday 14 January at 7pm.

OASIS meets in Upton Magna church on the third Wednesday of each month (next on Wednesday 20 November) offering refreshments and a good chance to catch up. Attendees will sing some of their favourite songs and hymns.

 

 

 

 

OUR TEAM

 

Team Rector:

 

 

 

 

Associate Minister:

Revd Christine Tough

christine.v.tough@gmail.com

07975-654678

 

Curate:

Revd Olivia Haines

revoliviahaines@outlook.com

07494-781216

 

Reader:

Tom Currie

tomandshirley77@gmail.com

07973-454551

 

Lay Minister:

Rosalie Wheeldon

michael.wheeldon2@btinternet.com

01952-770247

 

 

 

 

 

 

Team Vicar:

Revd Ian Naylor

iandjnaylor20@gmail.com

01952 -771518

 

Local Lay Mission and Outreach Minister:

Di Woolridge 
missionhaughmondwrekin@gmail.com 
07970-607498

 

Reader:

Rhys Morris

rhys@disciple.plus.com

07434-452677

 

Reader:

Hilary Phillips

hilaryphillips@live.co.uk

01952-770632

 

Community Lay Minister:

Jim Tough

jimtoughwv@gmail.com

07975-654678

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SERVICES

You can view the Church of England's online service by clicking on the image below.

  • Thursday 12 December

    Carol Service at Rodington at 7pm

  • Saturday 14 December

    Carol Service at Buildwas at 7pm

  • Sunday 15 December Third Sunday of Advent

    Buildwas:

    Eaton Constantine:

    High Ercall:

    Leighton:

    London upon Tern:

    Rodington:

    Rowton:

    Uffington:

    Uppington:

    Upton Magna:

     

    Withington:

     

    Wrockwardine:

     

    9.30am

    6.00pm

    3.00pm

    9.30am

     

     

     

    6.00pm

    9.15am

     

    11.00am

     

    6.30pm

    NO SERVICE - see Saturday 14

    Morning Worship

    Carol Service

    Crib and Christingle

    Family Worship

    NO SERVICE
    NO SERVICE

    NO SERVICE

    Carol Service

    Bubble Church Christingle in the Village Hall

    Holy Communion -

        Revd Olivia's farewell

    Carols by Candlelight

  • Thursday 19 December

    Carols by Candlelight at Longdon on Tern at 7pm

  • Sunday 22 December Fourth Sunday of Advent

    Buildwas:

    Eaton Constantine:

    High Ercall:

    Leighton:

    London upon Tern:

    Rodington:

    Rowton:

    Uffington:

     

    Uppington:

    Upton Magna:

    Withington:

    Wrockwardine:

    3.00pm

    6.30pm

    11.00am

    11.00am

    9.30am

    11.00am

    9.30am

    11.00am

     

     

    4.00pm

    4.00pm

    8.00am

    11.15am

    Worship in the Village Hall

    Carol Service

    Morning Worship

    Carol Service

    Morning Worship

    Holy Communion
    Carol Service

    Carol Service in the Village Hall

       with the Stipperstones Brass Band

    NO SERVICE

    Evening Worship

    Carol Service

    Holy Communion

    Morning Worship

  • Christmas Eve

    Buildwas:

    Eaton Constantine:

    High Ercall:

     

    Leighton:

    London upon Tern:

    Rodington:

    Rowton:

    Upton Magna:

     

    Wrockwardine:

    11.30pm

    3.30pm

    3.00pm

    11.30pm

    11.30pm

    9.00pm

    4.00pm

    9.30am

    3.00pm

    11.30pm

    3.00pm

    11.30pm

    Carols into Christmas

    Crib Service and Christingle

    Crib Service

    Midnight Communion

    Midnight Communion

    Christmas Communion

    Crib Service
    Holy Communion

    Crib Service and Christingle

    Midnight Communion

    Crib Service

    Midnight Communion

  • Christmas Day

    Eaton Constantine:

     

    High Ercall:

    Rodington:

    Uppington:

    Withington:

    Wrockwardine:

     

     

    10.30am

    9.30am

    9.30am

    9.30am

    11.15am

    Joint Christmas Communion
        at Uppington 9.30am

    Family Christmas Communion

    Family Christmas Communion

    Christmas Communion

    Family Christmas Communion

    Family Christmas Communion

  • Sunday 29 December First Sunday of Christmas

    Benefice Service of Thanksgiving with Holy Communion
    at Wrockwardine at 11.15am

  • Sunday 5 January Second Sunday of Christmas / Epiphany

    Buildwas:

    Eaton Constantine:

    High Ercall:

     

     

    Leighton:

    London upon Tern:

    Rodington:

    Rowton:

    Uffington:

    Uppington:

    Upton Magna:

    Withington:

    Wrockwardine:

    3.00pm

    9.30am

    8.00am

    9.30am

     

    11.00am

    9.30am

    11.00am

     

     

     

    9.30am

    6.30pm

    11.15am

    4.00pm

    Holy Communion

    Morning Worship

    Holy Communion

    Messy Church/Family Worship

        in the Village Hall

    Holy Communion

    Holy Communion

    Morning Worship

    NO SERVICE

    NO SERVICE

    NO SERVICE

    Morning Worship

    Evening Worship

    Family Worship
    Holy Communion

  • Sunday 12 January Baptism of Christ

    Buildwas:

    Eaton Constantine:

    High Ercall:

    Leighton:

    London upon Tern:

    Rodington:

     

    Rowton:

     

     

    Uffington:

    Uppington:

    Upton Magna:

    Withington:

    Wrockwardine:

    3.00pm

    9.30am

    11.00am

     

    9.30am

    3.00pm

     

    9.30am
    9.30am

     

     

    9.30am

    9.30am

    9.30am

    8.00am

    11.15am

    Holy Communion

    Morning Worship

    Holy Communion

    NO SERVICE

    Morning Worship

    Messy Church / Family Worship
      in the Village Hall

    Morning Worship

    Messy Church/Family Worship
        in Ellerdine Village Hall

    NO SERVICE

    Morning Worship

    Holy Communion

    Family Worship

    Holy Communion
    Morning Worship

  • Sunday 19 January Second Sunday of Epiphany

    Buildwas:

    Eaton Constantine:

    High Ercall:

    Leighton:

    London upon Tern:

    Rodington:

    Rowton:

    Uffington:

    Uppington:

    Upton Magna:

    Withington:

    Wrockwardine:

    3.00pm

    9.30am

    11.00am

     

    9.30am

    11.00am

     

     

    9.30am

    9.15am

    6.30pm

    11.15am

    4.00pm

    Evening Worship

    Holy Communion

    Morning Worship

    NO SERVICE

    Family Worship

    Holy Communion
    NO SERVICE

    NO SERVICE

    Holy Communion

    Bubble Church in the Village Hall

    Evening Worship

    Holy Communion

    Evening Prayer

  • Wednesday 22 January

    Holy Communion at Wrockwardine, 10.30am
    Evening Worship at Uppington, 7pm

  • Sunday 26 January Third Sunday of Epiphany

    Buildwas:

    Eaton Constantine:

    High Ercall:

    Leighton:

    London upon Tern:

    Rodington:

    Rowton:

    Uffington:

    Uppington:

    Upton Magna:

    Withington:

    Wrockwardine:

    3.00pm

    9.30am

    11.00am

     

    9.30am

    11.00am

    9.30am

     

     

    4.00pm

    9.30am

    8.00am

    11.15am
    4.00pm

    Worship in the Village Hall

    Morning Worship

    Morning Worship

    NO SERVICE

    Morning Worship

    Holy Communion
    Holy Communion

    NO SERVICE

    NO SERVICE

    Evening Worship

    Holy Communion

    Holy Communion

    Morning Worship

    Messy Church/Family Worship
        in the Village Hall

  • Buildwas - Holy Trinity Church

    Services at 3.00pm unless otherwise stated

    Saturday 14 December

    Sunday 15 December

     

     

    Sunday 22 December

    Christmas Eve

    Christmas Day

     

    Sunday 29 December

     

    Sunday 5 January

    Sunday 12 January

    Sunday 19 January

    Sunday 26 January

    Carol Service (7pm)

    NO SERVICE

    Holy Communion at Withington at 11am - Revd. Olivia's farewell

    Worship in the Village Hall

    Carols into Christmas (11.30pm)

    Christmas Communion at
          Uppington at 9.30am
    Benefice Service of Thanksgiving with Holy Communion at Wrockwardine at 11.15am

    Evening Worship
    Holy Communion

    Evening Worship

    Worship in the Village Hall

  • Eaton Constantine - Church of St Mary the Virgin

    Services at 9.30am unless otherwise stated

    Sunday 15 December

     

     

    Sunday 22 December

    Christmas Eve

    Christmas Day

     

    Sunday 29 December

     

    Sunday 5 January

    Sunday 12 January

    Sunday 19 January

    Sunday 26 January

    Morning Worship

    Holy Communion at Withington at 11am - Revd. Olivia's farewell

    Carol Service (6pm)

    Crib and christingle (3.30pm)

    Joint Christmas Communion Service
        at Uppington at 9.30am

    Benefice Service of Thanksgiving with Holy Communion at Wrockwardine at 11.15am

    Morning Worship

    Morning Worship

    Holy Communion

    Morning Worship

  • High Ercall - St Michael and All Angels' Church

    Services at 11.00am unless otherwise stated

    Sunday 15 December

     

    Sunday 22 December

    Christmas Eve

     

    Christmas Day

    Sunday 29 December

     

    Sunday 5 January

     

     

    Sunday 12 January

    Sunday 19 January

    Sunday 26 January

    Carol Service (6pm)
    Holy Communion at Withington at 11am - Revd. Olivia's farewell
    Morning Worship

    Crib Service (3pm)

    Midnight Communion (11.30pm)

    Family Christmas Communion (10.30am)

    Benefice Service of Thanksgiving with Holy Communion at Wrockwardine at 11.15am

    Holy Communion (8am)

    Messy Church/Family Worship
        in the Village Hall (9.30am)

    Holy Communion

    Morning Worship

    Morning Worship

  • Leighton - St Mary's Church

    Services at 11.00am unless otherwise stated

    Sunday 15 December

     

     

    Sunday 22 December

    Christmas Eve

    Sunday 29 December

     

    Sunday 5 January

    Sunday 12 January

    Sunday 19 January

    Sunday 26 January

    Crib and Christingle (3pm)
    Holy Communion at Withington at 11am - Revd. Olivia's farewell

    Carol Service

    Midnight Communion (11.30pm)

    Benefice Service of Thanksgiving with Holy Communion at Wrockwardine at 11.15am

    Holy Communion

    NO SERVICE

    NO SERVICE

    NO SERVICE

  • Longdon on Tern - St Bartholomew's Church

    Services at 9.30am unless otherwise stated

    Sunday 15 December

     

     

    Thursday 19 December

    Sunday 22 December

    Christmas Eve

    Sunday 29 December

     

    Sunday 5 January

    Sunday 12 January

    Sunday 19 January

    Sunday 26 January

    Family Worship
    Holy Communion at Withington at 11am - Revd. Olivia's farewell
    Carols by Candlelight (7pm)
    Morning Worship
    Christmas Communion (9pm)

    Benefice Service of Thanksgiving with Holy Communion at Wrockwardine at 11.15am

    Holy Communion

    Morning Worship

    Family Worship

    Morning Worship

  • Rodington - St George's Church

    Services at 11.00am unless otherwise stated

    Thursday 12 December

    Sunday 15 December

     

     

    Sunday 22 December

    Christmas Eve

    Christmas Day

    Sunday 29 December

     

    Sunday 5 January

    Sunday 12 January

     

    Sunday 19 January

    Sunday 26 January

    Carol Service at 7pm
    NO SERVICE

    Holy Communion at Withington at 11am - Revd. Olivia's farewell

    Holy Communion

    Crib Service (4pm)

    Family Christmas Communion (9.30am)

    Benefice Service of Thanksgiving with Holy Communion at Wrockwardine at 11.15am

    Morning Worship

    Messy Church/Family Worship
       in the Village Hall (3pm)

    Holy Communion

    Holy Communion

  • Rowton - All Hallows Church

    Services at 9.30am unless otherwise stated

    Sunday 15 December

     

     

    Sunday 22 December

    Christmas Eve

    Sunday 29 December

     

    Sunday 5 January

    Sunday 12 January

     

     

    Sunday 19 January

    Sunday 26 January

    NO SERVICE

    Holy Communion at Withington at 11am - Revd. Olivia's farewell

    Carol Service

    Holy Communion

    Benefice Service of Thanksgiving with Holy Communion at Wrockwardine at 11.15am
    NO SERVICE

    Morning Worship in church (9.30am)

    Messy Church/Family Worship
        at Ellerdine Village Hall (also 9.30am)

    NO SERVICE

    Holy Communion

  • Uffington - Holy Trinity Church

    Services at 9.30am unless otherwise stated

    Sunday 15 December

     

    Sunday 22 December


    Sunday 29 December

     

    Sunday 5 January

    Sunday 12 January

    Sunday 19 January

    Sunday 26 January

    Holy Communion at Withington at 11am - Revd. Olivia's farewell

    Carol Service (11am) with the Stipperstones Brass Band in the Village Hall
    Benefice Service of Thanksgiving with Holy Communion at Wrockwardine at 11.15am

    NO SERVICE - see below
    NO SERVICE - see below
    NO SERVICE - see below
    NO SERVICE - see below

  • Uppington - Holy Trinity Church

    Services at 9.30am unless otherwise stated

    Sunday 15 December

     

     

    Sunday 22 December

    Christmas Day

    Sunday 29 December

     

    Sunday 5 January

    Sunday 12 January

    Sunday 19 January

    Wednesday 22 January

    Sunday 26 January

    Carol Service (6pm)

    Holy Communion at Withington at 11am - Revd. Olivia's farewell

    NO SERVICE

    Christmas Communion

    Benefice Service of Thanksgiving with Holy Communion at Wrockwardine at 11.15am

    NO SERVICE

    Morning Worship

    Holy Communion

    Evening Worship (7pm)

    NO SERVICE

  • Upton Magna - St Lucia's Church

    Services at 9.30am unless otherwise stated

    Sunday 15 December

     

     

     

    Sunday 22 December

    Christmas Eve

     

    Sunday 29 December

     

    Sunday 5 January

    Sunday 12 January

    Sunday 19 January

     

    Sunday 26 January

    Bubble Church Christingle in the Village Hall
        (meet at 9.15am)
    Holy Communion at Withington at 11am - Revd. Olivia's farewell

    Evening Worship (4pm)

    Crib Service and Christingle (3pm)

    Midnight Communion (11.30pm)

    Benefice Service of Thanksgiving with Holy Communion at Wrockwardine at 11.15am

    Morning Worship

    Holy Communion

    Bubble Church in the Village Hall

       (meet at 9.15am)

    Evening Worship (4pm)

  • Withington - St John the Baptist's Church

    Services at 9.30am unless otherwise stated

    Sunday 15 December

     

    Sunday 22 December

    Christmas Day

    Sunday 29 December

     

    Sunday 5 January

    Sunday 12 January

    Sunday 19 January

    Sunday 26 January

    Holy Communion (11am)
         -  Revd. Olivia's farewell

    Carol Service (4pm)

    Holy Communion

    Benefice Service of Thanksgiving with Holy Communion at Wrockwardine at 11.15am

    Evening Worship (6.30pm)

    Family Worship

    Evening Worship (6.30pm

    Holy Communion

  • Wrockwardine - St Peter's Church

    Wednesday 11 December

    Sunday 15 December

     

     

    Wednesday 18 December

    Sunday 22 December

     

    Christmas Eve

     

    Christmas Day

    Sunday 29 December

     

    Wednesday 1 January

    Sunday 5 January

     

    Wednesday 8 January

    Sunday 12 January

     

    Wednesday 15 January

    Sunday 19 January

     

    Wednesday 22 January

    Sunday 26 January

     

     

     

    Wednesday 29 January

    10.30am

    6.30pm

     

     

    10.30am

    8.00am

    11.15am

    3.00pm

    11.30pm

    11.15am

    11.15am

     

     

    11.15am

    4.00pm

    10.30am

    8.00am

    11.15am

    10.30am

    11.15am

    4.00pm

    10.30am

    8.00am

    11.15am

    4.00pm

     

    10.30am

    Holy Communion

    Carols by Candlelight

    Holy Communion at Withington at 11am - Revd. Olivia's farewell

    Holy Communion

    Holy Communion

    Morning Worship

    Crib Service

    Midnight Communion

    Family Christmas Communion

    Service of Thanksgiving with
         Holy Communion

    NO SERVICE

    Family Worship

    Holy Communion

    Holy Communion

    Holy Communion

    Morning Worship

    Holy Communion

    Holy Communion

    Evening Prayer

    Holy Communion

    Holy Communion

    Morning Worship

    Messy Church/Family Worship
        in the Village Hall

    Holy Communion

Holy Trinity Church, Uffington is temporarily closed for assessment of recent plaster falls.
The Christmas Carol service on 22 December will be in the Village Hall

Drop-in Hour of Prayer at St Peter's Church, Wrockwardine every Tuesday between 12noon and 1pm.

There is a service of Holy Communion at St Peter's Church, Wrockwardine
every Wednesday at 10.30am (except Christmas Day and New Years Day).

OUR CHURCHES

 

 

  • Buildwas - Holy Trinity Church

     

    Holy Trinity Church at Buildwas dates from 1720 and replaced a medieval church. The book "The Buildings of England: Shropshire (Newman and Pevsner, 2006) describes it as “a diminutive building”. The chancel of the church was “gothicised” in 1864. The pulpit of the church is Jacobean. Its west gallery dates from 1720 and is supported by strong square pillars which also support the bellcote. The east chancel window dates from around 1864 and depicts scenes from the life of Christ. The church hosts a number of nineteenth century memorial tablets.

    Postcode: TF8 7DA, Map reference: SJ 643045

  • Crudgington - St Mary's Church

    St Mary's church in Crudgington is in the Parish of High Ercall, built in 1863 by J L Randal. It has a wooden bell chamber and spirelet

    Postcode: TF6 6JY, Map reference: SJ 632181

  • Eaton Constantine - St Mary's Church

    The present church building, which replaced the original medieval church, was built in 1847-48 by Thomas Smith of Madeley. It has a two-bay chancel, vestry, nave, south porch (the entrance) and a "bellcote". There are steep roofs and a buttress. It has a circular Norman font.

    The box pews are unusual and there is a west gallery supported on iron columns. The organ, which can still be played, dates
    from 1762.

    Postcode SY5 6RF, Map reference SJ 599062

  • High Ercall - St Michael and All Angels Church

    Although not mentioned in the Domesday Book there seems little doubt that the original church was built around the year 1090. The church was enlarged in about the year 1200 when the present fine arcades were positioned where the outer walls formerly stood.

    History has little to relate about the fortunes of the church until the momentous years of the Civil War when, in 1645, during the siege of the Royalists in the adjoining Manor House (now the Hall), it suffered considerable damage. In the year 1689 it was recorded that a peal of four bells was already hanging in the belfry, two more were added seventeen years later, and the last two were hung in 1812. The bells have been restored on a number of occasions since then. This fine peal of bells is rung regularly throughout the year. In 1998 a new bell-ringing floor was installed creating an area for kitchen and toilet facilities below.

    The church contains many fine examples of stained glass, an impressive candelabrum, and an effigy of a crusader thought to date

    from 1300, amongst many other interesting features.

    Postcode: TF6 6BE, Map reference SJ 594175

  • Leighton - St Mary's Church

    The Domesday Book of 1087 mentions Leighton Church. Restored in c.1717 with a classical east window. A part of the font is from

    Virconium. The two iron tombs in the Nave, dated 1677 and 1696 were cast in the village where iron was smelt from at least 1650. On the south of the chancel arch is an heraldic device common before and after 1800, which was a memorial of the head of the manorial family. The figure of a Knight Templar in the sancturary is that of Sir Richard Leighton, whose body is said to have been buried in Buildwas Abbey. On the other side is the tomb of William Leighton and Margaret his wife, dated 1540. After the dissolution of Buildwas Abbey in 1534 the rectoral tithe of Leighton Benefice which the Abbey had appropriated centuries earlier, was given by the King to the Manor of Leighton, the owner of which became lay-rector with a seat in the chancel and the responsibility of repairing the chancel. The present bells were cast by Abraham Rudall in 1716 and bear his name and the date.

    Postcode: SY5 6RN,  Map reference SJ 612053

  • Longdon on Tern - St Bartholomew's Church

    The Church of St Bartholomew is a small 18th century, Grade II listed, Georgian stone and red brick church. Built in 1742 the church has seen major alterations and an extension in the late nineteenth century. On the same site stands the refurbished Grade II* listed Longdon-Upon-Tern village hall, formerly a schoolhouse provided by the Duke of Sutherland and opened in 1849; a decline in population meant the school closed in 1970. The west gallery was refurbished in 2010 and can now be used for musical events. The church has excellent acoustics.

    Postcode TF6 6LE, Map reference SJ 618152

  • Rodington - St George's Church

    It is not known how long there has been a village at Rodington. The name is English, meaning the settlement of the people by the River Roden, and English people began to move into the area in the eighth century, although there may have been a settlement before that. The first church was probably built of wood and then replaced with a stone one before the Norman Conquest around 1066. As you enter the church you will see an area of exposed stonework on the wall opposite the door which shows part of the original wall. The original stonework is probably 1000 years old since Rodington is described in the Domesday Book as having a church. The chancel was built in 1843, and eight years later, in 1851, the stone walls were covered in brick and the north aisle was built. The church would then have appeared much as it is now.

    Postcode SY4 4QS, Map reference SJ 588143

  • Rowton - All Hallows Church

    The book "The Buildings of England: Shropshire" (Newman and Pevsner, 2006) says of the church of All Hallow at Rowton "Of coarse purple sandstone. Said to be medieval in origin. Nothing datable earlier than 1800, when the nave was reconstructed wider and the broad lancets [windows] inserted. Short chancel, of brick, dated 1881. West porch dated 1882. Weeny west bell turret."

    The church is set near a farm, with stunning views over farmland, often with cattle grazing in the fields.

    Richard Baxter the English Puritan church leader, theologian and controversialist, called by Dean Stanley "the chief of English Protestant Schoolmen" was born at Rowton on 12 November 1615 and is commemorated there by a small stone obelisk, which stands on a triangle of grass at the centre of the village.

    Postcode TF6 6QQ Map reference SJ 613199

  • Uffington - Holy Trinity Church

    Holy Trinity church at Uffington was built in 1856 by S. Pountney Smith. It replaced a medieval building and is built of tooled Grinshill sandstone ashlar. The chancel and nave are in one, with a south chapel and a narrow north aisle. There is a timber framed south porch. Towards the road the gable end of the chancel displays a wheel window over three lancets. There are patterned tiles throughout the church. In the windows there is sixteenth and seventeenth century glass from the Netherlands and Germany, and the square panels in the lancets in the south of the nave came from Einsiedeln Abbey in Switzerland, two of which are date 1579 and 1658. (See the book "The Buildings of England: Shropshire" (Newman and Pevsner, 2006). The churchyard is a conservation area and has won awards from the Diocese of Lichfield.

    Wilfred Owen, the well-known first world war poet, used to attend Holy Trinity at Uffington, crossing the river from Shrewsbury in
    a coracle!

    Postcode SY4 4SN  Map reference SJ 528139

  • Uppington - Holy Trinity Church

    Holy Trinity Church, Uppington was built around the Norman Period. The original architect was George Sidebotham. It was restored and partly rebuilt in 1885 by J.P. Pritchard of Darlington. All financed by the Fourth Duke of Cleveland. It has since been listed as a grade II building. The book "The Buildings of England" (Newman and Pevsner, 2006) says the church building has an early Norman nave and chancel, with some interesting 11th century features. The blocked north doorway, which has some Anglo Saxon features, is carved with a long dragon with loose knots in its tail. There is a Norman window in the south wall of the chancel and there is a three-light 14th century window. The 1885 rebuilding dramatically altered the building, with heightened and strengthened walls, an extended nave, and a new tower.

    Uppington's association with Wroxeter with its Roman city can be seen in the apparently Roman altar in the churchyard to the south of the nave. There is also an attractive living ancient yew with hollow centre of 28' girth.

    Postcode TF6 5HJ Map reference SJ 601096

  • Upton Magna - St Lucia's Church

    Upton Magna church is dedicated to St. Lucia - one of only two churches in this country dedicated to her, apparently. The first church building was probably a wooden or wattle and daub church and was founded at least as early as the twelfth century, though there is evidence that the chancel dates back to the Norman Conquest. The north wall of the chancel seems to date back to the time when nearby Haughmond Abbey was built (c. 1135). The windows in the north wall seem to date from this period, though the ones in the east wall are a little later, probably thirteenth century and the windows in the south wall are fourteenth century insertions. There was some restoration in the nineteenth century, when the chancel arch was rebuilt and perhaps the east end of the church was also rebuilt. The roof dates from the nineteenth century as does the north aisle and the vestry. The tower was completed in 1475 and

    contains a good ring of six bells, the majority from the seventeenth century, though new bells were added in 1907 and 2007.

    Postcode SY4 4TZ  Map reference SJ 553124

  • Withington - St John the Baptist Church

    The Church was founded in the twelfth Century as a Chapel of Upton Magna. It was entirely rebuilt between 1872 and 1874 in style of the late 13th century. It consists of a 2 bay chancel, with organ chamber on the north side, a 3 bay nave and porch (also on the north side) and at the west end a 4 staged tower, with a clock, topped by a spire which is a landmark for some miles. The fittings include a stone reredos and central panel with relief of the crucifixion, altar rails, an oak lectern and octagonal stone pulpit and font.

    There are still a number of earlier features, including the sixteenth century. There are 2 bells, cast in the thirteenth or fourteenth century which hang in a two tier timber frame for 5 bells of about 1800, pre-dating the 1874 tower. These are the 2nd and 3rd oldest Church bells in Shropshire.

    Postcode SY4 4PZ Map reference SJ 576129

  • Wrockwardine - St Peter's Church

    St. Peter's church, Wrockwardine is thought to be of Saxon origin. The Domesday Book of 1068 refers to a church and a priest(Odelerius) in the settlement. There have been changes to the church over the centuries, but since the Perpendicular age (late fourteenth century) there have been few major alterations. The church building now consists of a nave and chancel, with north and south transepts.

    The north transept houses the Cludde chapel. There is a fine tower with a ring of six bells, which. have been ringing out over the parish for over 600 years.

    The churchyard surrounding the church is now closed for new burials, but contains tombs of some of the family of the Earls of Powis, among others. From the church there are stunning views north and east.

    Postcode TF6 5DG Map reference SJ 624120

BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS

 

 

Baptisms

You can be baptised as an infant or an adult. During the service, water is sprinkled on the head of those being baptised. It is a symbolic act which means that the person being baptised has become part of the family of God. Many parents choose to baptise their children in a service that is sometimes called ‘Christening’ to celebrate the new life of their child and commit to raising the child in the Christian faith.

 

Thanksgiving for Children

Some parents may not wish to make this commitment at this stage in a child’s life and we also offer a service of thanksgiving following the birth of a child, rather than baptism.

 

 

Weddings

Over 40,000 weddings take place in Church of England parish churches every year. Getting married is a really joyful and exciting time, but it can sometimes be stressful. One of our clergy team can offer you guidance and support not only in planning your wedding day, but also in your married life together.

 

Services of Blessing and Thanksgiving

If you choose to get married outside of a church in a civil ceremony, you can still have a service of blessing on your marriage in one of our churches. One of our clergy team will be pleased to help you plan the service and advise what sort of service will suit you best.

 

 

 

Funerals

 

 

SAFEGUARDING

The Parochial Church Councils of each parish in the benefice of Haughmond and Wrekin take the safety of everyone who comes to church and any of its activities very seriously. They work to safeguarding guidelines provided by the Church of England, for both vulnerable adults and children. The Church of England policies and further information are available on the Church of England website. Each Parish is committed to Safeguarding and has adopted the National and Diocesan Safeguarding Policies. A Parish Safeguarding Policy has agreed by each parish (view/download).

Each parish has a Safeguarding Coordinator who works with the Parochial Church Council to ensure its safeguarding policy and associated procedures are implemented and regularly reviewed. The Parish Safeguarding Coordinator and his/her contact number, together with other emergency contact numbers are listed on this document (view/download).

You can also contact local authorities and charities if you have a safeguarding concern.  Visit the relevant website listed below

              Telford Safeguarding Community Partnership

              Shropshire Safeguarding Community Partnership

 

              NSPCC, Help for adults concerned about a child: 0808 800 5000

              Childline: Help for children and young people: 0800 1111

              National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247

              Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327

              Hourglass: Safer ageing - Stopping abuse: 0808 808 8141

 

 

BENEFICE OF

HAUGHMOND AND WREKIN

Following, Loving, Serving Jesus

 

 

© The Benefice of
Haughmond and Wrekin