St. Mary’s Church (The Benefice of Offwell, Farway and Widworthy)
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Revd. Tracey Voysey
07968 658638 | [email protected] (Working for the parish 1 day a week & 1 Sunday a month – offering pastoral support to the three parishes and two church schools) Church Wardens
at St Mary's Church, Ramsden Lane, Offwell, EX15 9SA Jonathan Paveley: 01404 831450 David Pavey: 07984 025526 The church is now open every day between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
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Enquiries regarding weddings and funerals should be addressed to the churchwardens.
(Any enquiries regarding family research and burial records at
St. Mary’s please email: [email protected] or [email protected])
(Any enquiries regarding family research and burial records at
St. Mary’s please email: [email protected] or [email protected])
News 2024
New Bishop Of Exeter Announced
The Rt. Revd. Dr. Mike Harrison was formally elected as the 72nd Bishop of Exeter at Exeter Cathedral on 20 th June 2024. Since Saxon times English diocesan bishops have been nominated by the King or Queen. The election ceremony marks the official acceptance by the Church of England in Devon of the monarch’s chosen candidate.
Bishop Mike was not required to be present for the ceremony, at which the College of Canons gave their vote of assent by saying ‘aye’ and waving their order of service. Bishop Mike’s Enthronement took place at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 2nd November 2024.
NB The Enthronement Service can be seen on the Exeter Cathedral YouTube Channel. Please click the link to view. For the latest Diocesan News and posts on current church issues by Bishop Mike go to: www.exeter.anglican.org The Diocese ‘Roots & Shoots’ newsletter can also be found on the Exeter Anglican website.
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Bishop Mike was previously the Suffragen Bishop of Dunwich in the Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich. He succeeds the Rt. Revd. Robert Atwell, who retired in September 2023. On 4th June 2024 Bishop Mike said: “I am delighted, excited and honoured to become the Bishop of Exeter. Devon holds a special place in my heart and I’m looking forward to working with its amazing churches and their communities to share the gospel message of hope, joy and wonder that is the faith we have in Jesus Christ to transform lives and restore broken situations.
It feels significant that I am beginning my ministry here on St. Petroc’s Day, known as Devon Day. This county has a wonderful mix of rural, coastal, and urban areas, not dissimilar to Suffolk where I presently minister, and I am looking forward to flying St. Petroc’s flag for Devon and joining with the people in God’s mission here.”
The bishop is married to Rachel, an Occupational Therapist, who was a student at St. Loyes College; They have four adult children. Born in Bolton the bishop is a passionate supporter of Bolton Wanderers football team, as well as being a bee keeper, keen cake baker and fan of live comedy.
Bishop Mike was not required to be present for the ceremony, at which the College of Canons gave their vote of assent by saying ‘aye’ and waving their order of service. Bishop Mike’s Enthronement took place at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 2nd November 2024.
NB The Enthronement Service can be seen on the Exeter Cathedral YouTube Channel. Please click the link to view. For the latest Diocesan News and posts on current church issues by Bishop Mike go to: www.exeter.anglican.org The Diocese ‘Roots & Shoots’ newsletter can also be found on the Exeter Anglican website.
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Bishop Mike was previously the Suffragen Bishop of Dunwich in the Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich. He succeeds the Rt. Revd. Robert Atwell, who retired in September 2023. On 4th June 2024 Bishop Mike said: “I am delighted, excited and honoured to become the Bishop of Exeter. Devon holds a special place in my heart and I’m looking forward to working with its amazing churches and their communities to share the gospel message of hope, joy and wonder that is the faith we have in Jesus Christ to transform lives and restore broken situations.
It feels significant that I am beginning my ministry here on St. Petroc’s Day, known as Devon Day. This county has a wonderful mix of rural, coastal, and urban areas, not dissimilar to Suffolk where I presently minister, and I am looking forward to flying St. Petroc’s flag for Devon and joining with the people in God’s mission here.”
The bishop is married to Rachel, an Occupational Therapist, who was a student at St. Loyes College; They have four adult children. Born in Bolton the bishop is a passionate supporter of Bolton Wanderers football team, as well as being a bee keeper, keen cake baker and fan of live comedy.
Preparing For The Future, whilst Preserving The Past
We are preparing to renovate and reorder the interior of St. Mary’s Church. We are seeking your support to widen the nave aisle, re-establish the font to its original position and repair many of the box pews.
The work will enable us to provide greater hospitality to visitors and worshippers during events and services. By widening the nave aisle our ability to host funeral services and weddings will be enhanced giving enough space for two people to walk side by side, and for those with mobility restrictions greater access. The renovation work to the box pews will ensure they can continue to be used for years to come. The repositioning of the 15th century font to the south aisle will return it to its original location, but will also create space for groups to meet, and hospitality to be provided.
Unfortunately, the project will be extremely costly in time and money and therefore we seek the support of our community as well as visitors, and through charitable grants.
One piece of work currently underway is a pew timber survey, being conducted by a consultant specialist for the conservation of historic timber. In this survey the reconfiguring of the pews will be planned in such a way that limits harm and keeps the integrity of the original panelling. Once this has been carried out, the Parochial Church Council will be asking the Diocesan Advisory Committee for their recommendations prior to the faculty application being submitted to the Chancellor. We hope that by the end of the summer we can then move forward with fundraising and making early preparations for the work to be carried out.
If you would like to support the project please scan the QR code with your mobile phone, or go to our website to make your gift - and please don't forget to gift aid your donation, if you are eligible to do so.
The work will enable us to provide greater hospitality to visitors and worshippers during events and services. By widening the nave aisle our ability to host funeral services and weddings will be enhanced giving enough space for two people to walk side by side, and for those with mobility restrictions greater access. The renovation work to the box pews will ensure they can continue to be used for years to come. The repositioning of the 15th century font to the south aisle will return it to its original location, but will also create space for groups to meet, and hospitality to be provided.
Unfortunately, the project will be extremely costly in time and money and therefore we seek the support of our community as well as visitors, and through charitable grants.
One piece of work currently underway is a pew timber survey, being conducted by a consultant specialist for the conservation of historic timber. In this survey the reconfiguring of the pews will be planned in such a way that limits harm and keeps the integrity of the original panelling. Once this has been carried out, the Parochial Church Council will be asking the Diocesan Advisory Committee for their recommendations prior to the faculty application being submitted to the Chancellor. We hope that by the end of the summer we can then move forward with fundraising and making early preparations for the work to be carried out.
If you would like to support the project please scan the QR code with your mobile phone, or go to our website to make your gift - and please don't forget to gift aid your donation, if you are eligible to do so.
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Benefice Coffee Morning
3rd Thursday of every month, 1030am – 12.00noon – Offwell Village Social Club Room
Whether you go to church or not you will be made very welcome You just have to enjoy coffee, homemade cake and a chat!
3rd Thursday of every month, 1030am – 12.00noon – Offwell Village Social Club Room
Whether you go to church or not you will be made very welcome You just have to enjoy coffee, homemade cake and a chat!
Bell Captain: John Tristram 01404 831404, [email protected]
Service ringing is the first Sunday of the month, 9.00 - 9.30am and as arranged.
Service ringing is the first Sunday of the month, 9.00 - 9.30am and as arranged.
