Incumbent:
Reverend
Caroline
Ralph
2015
The Dunster Benefice:
including the Parishes of
Carhampton, Dunster,
Rodhuish, Timberscombe,
Withycombe
& Wootton Courtenay
Diocese of Bath and Wells
We are hoping for a House for Duty priest who:

Is able to communicate the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to people at varying stages of their
Christian faith (or none) in a way that is understandable, infectious and transformational.

Will work collaboratively with our Rector and other members of the ministry and staff teams, PCCs,
Benefice Administrator and Treasurer.

is committed to supporting and enhancing Christian life in our rural area.

is an active and engaging leader able to assist in the development of the full benefits of Benefice life
whilst respecting the unique and special nature of the worship in each Parish.

is willing to embrace, engage in, and enjoy community life by being visible, approachable and
available, exercising pastoral care and visiting the sick, the elderly , those in distress, to offer spiritual
comfort and support.

will engage with the Collective Worship at Timberscombe CE First School and Dunster First School.

Can take a leading role as an accessible and engaging communicator with the people of the Benefice,
helping them in their spiritual development.

is blessed with a good sense of humour, wisdom, candour and humility.

is a good communicator, using whatever form of contact seems most appropriate, including email.
Thank you for reading the profile of this lovely benefice. We have six churches and five parishes in a
setting that has all the best qualities of the sea and hills of Exmoor. People are proud of their communities and
enjoy living here. For some, family ties go back hundreds of years. We are looking forward into the twentyfirst century and what that will mean for this benefice and the deanery. If you have any questions or would
like to visit informally, please contact me.
Revd. Caroline Ralph
Incumbent:
The Rectory
Church Lane
Carhampton
Minehead
Somerset
TA24 6NT
Tel: 01643 821812
[email protected]
Training; Westcott House Cambridge 2004-2006, including one term at Seabury Western Seminary,
Chicago Illinois, 2005
Ordained;
Licensed to benefice;
Deacon 2006, Priest 2007
August 13th 2013
Previous Pastoral & Parochial Experience: Served title in The Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross Crediton,
Diocese of Exeter, 2006-2010, Vicar of St Peter’s Harborne, Diocese of Birmingham 2010-2013
The Dunster Benefice
The Dunster Benefice lies within the Exmoor Deanery in the Diocese of Bath and Wells. It comprises the five
parishes and six churches of Carhampton, Dunster, Timberscombe, Withycombe with Rodhuish and Wootton
Courtenay.
The Benefice lies within the Exmoor Deanery in the Diocese of Bath & Wells.
The benefice is in a primarily rural environment and straddles the boundary of Exmoor National Park. The
Park, with its moorland and coastal scenery offers opportunities for riding, walking and other sporting
activities. There is a Church of England First School at Timberscombe and a First School at Dunster which
has links to the church. The seaside town of Minehead is only a few miles away, with all the facilities a
medium-sized town provides including a secondary school and a small theatre. Taunton and Bridgwater,
with rail links, are twenty miles or so distant. The Devon towns of Barnstaple and Tiverton are also within
easy reach.
Population and Electoral Rolls
Carhampton
Population
Dunster
992
ER
NSA
50
30
862
65
25
Timberscombe
514
45
15
Wootton Courtenay
240
45
15
Rodhuish
Withycombe
circa 70
299
18
9
55
9
The Churches
St John the Baptist, Carhampton
St John the Baptist: The Rood Screen
St John the Baptist
The parish of Carhampton stretches from woodland and heath high on the Brendon Hills, through sloping
farmland to flatlands bordering the sea. The population is concentrated in the village of Carhampton, with its
various amenities such as the village hall, recreation centre, cricket ground, public house, shop and post
office. It includes the seaside hamlet of Blue Anchor, with its holiday facilities, long sandy beach and
promenade. At Blue Anchor, the West Somerset Steam Railway, with its station and historic signalling level
crossing, attracts many visitors.
The parish contains a social cross section, for it has many attractive houses and cottages as well as a large
element of social housing. Carantoc, the sheltered housing development far pensioners, is centrally placed in
the village. Carhampton is an active, growing village with several societies and organisations, often meeting
in the village hall. On January 17th each year the famous annual Wassailing ceremony takes place in
Community Orchard.
The very attractive church, dedicated to St John the Baptist, was built mainly in the fifteenth century and
restored substantially between 1862 and 1864: priests are recorded from 1297. A special feature is the
splendidly painted early fifteenth century rood screen. The building is in a good state of repair following fullscale restoration and most recently engaged in substantial refurbishment providing a toilet, a servery and new
heating. It is lovingly maintained by a dedicated band of volunteers. The churchyard is one of the largest in
the Diocese and has been dedicated as an area of natural wildlife promoting flora and fauna in conjunction
with the Somerset Wildlife Trust. Maintenance is carried out by a small band of dedicated villagers.
Average attendance for worship on a Sunday morning is 25-30, with figures closer to 70 during the festivals.
An encouraging addition to our service pattern has been Café Church, which has become a time for
refreshments, fun and worship. Informal morning prayers are held most mornings and there is a box for
prayer requests in the Prayer Corner. The Patronal Festival is celebrated annually on the 24th June. There is
a loyal, hardworking team of helpers who assist in various ways (sacristans, servers, sidespersons, readers,
cleaners, flower arrangers etc) and who ensure the church is well run and that the building and the
churchyard are kept in good repair.
There are a number of social and fund-raising events held throughout the year, attended by both church and
nonchurch-goers which have done much, particularly through the provision of refreshments at the various
functions - to bind our community together. Coffee is served after Sunday services and there are monthly
coffee mornings from March to November. A monthly newsletter is delivered to each household and keeps
the village informed of church and village matters. The church tower has 6 bells which a dedicated band
rings for services.
We are fortunate in the number and fellowship of the people who keep our church alive. At St John the
Baptist we always provide a welcome for visitors and newcomers, and as a result, the congregation is growing
steadily.
The Parish and Priory Church of St George, Dunster
The Parish and Priory Church of St George, Dunster
St George, Dunster: the Parish Church
St George, Dunster: the Priory Chapel
Dunster is a mediaeval village with a history stretching back into the Iron Age. Until the 1930s, it was
considered a town, with its own police station and magistrates’ court but, as the importance of neighbouring
Minehead grew, so its status declined. Dunster was once a very wealthy borough with a thriving wool trade
and the High Street is where the wool merchants had their houses. Many of these are now either shops or
hotels. The village is dominated by the presence of Dunster Castle. The castle was owned by the Luttrell
family, lords of the entire Dunster estate, from the beginning of the fifteenth century until the 1950s, when
the estate was sold off to pay death duties. In 1975 it was passed to the National Trust and has now become
one of the primary tourist attractions in the area. The magnificent Yarn Market in the High Street, built in the
early seventeenth century by George Luttrell is a fine reminder of Dunster’s history. There is also a working
corn mill.
St George’s was once a part of a Benedictine priory; a daughter cell of Bath Abbey. With the dissolution of
the monasteries, ownership of the Priory Church passed to the Luttrell family who own it to this day. The
ownership gives the family the right to hold such services as they wish in the Priory (or Luttrell) Chapel. The
tower, which was extended to its present height in 1443, contains, besides the clock, a carillon and a ring of
eight bells. The carillon plays at four-hourly intervals throughout the day and night, with each day of the
week having its own particular tune. There is a strong team of ringers. The Brycesan organ, which was
reconstructed by Hill, Norman and Beard, has recently been restored. Our Director of Music leads an
inspirational and enthusiastic choir with an introit or anthem on many Sundays. There are special choral
services throughout the year and organ and instrumental recitals.
Church attendance varies considerably depending on the tourist season and special choral services. There is a
core of committed people who endeavour to keep this large church running. However, there is the problem
of an ageing and dwindling congregation and the church is reliant upon the tourist trade for visitors. The
church is the size of a small cathedral and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. There is huge potential here to
develop ministry to tourists as a place of pilgrimage. The PCC have recently installed a new sound system and
continue to look at building toilets and a servery within the church in order to promote its future worship,
mission and ministry.
Dunster is blessed with a First School which visits the church regularly for services, concerts and educational
purposes. The local District Scouts and Guides come to church for their annual St George’s Day Parade. The
church is an important venue for various events throughout the year, including Baptisms and Weddings. It
hosts concerts for the Minehead & Exmoor Music Festival, the Two Moors Festival and a variety of choral
events, including the annual charitable event, Dunster by Candlelight.
St Nicholas, Withycombe
The Church of St Nicholas, Withycombe
St Nicholas
The Church of St Nicholas is situated in the centre of the rural village of Withycombe and its prominent white
painted tower can be seen from the main Minehead/Taunton road. Withycombe, which has a population of
approximately 300, is currently undergoing a period of considerable change whereby the arrival of a number
of young families promises to invigorate a hitherto ageing community.
Traditionally, employment has been based around 3 farms and, whilst farming still flourishes, the population
is now a mixture of retired persons, farm workers, and young families who travel to work and school in the
nearby larger towns. In common with many rural communities there is no longer a village school or shop.
However, Withycombe does boast an excellent and well-used village hall and, in consequence, there is a good
community spirit with a variety of activities for all age groups.
The Church has recently undergone extensive external renovation and re-painting and future plans include
the proposed addition of toilet facilities and a small Quiet Garden in the corner of the churchyard. Internally
there is a striking carved rood screen similar to those seen in churches at Dunster and Carhampton. Over the
years the Church has benefitted from several gifts including the three-manual organ, a digital sound system
and a fine metal sculpture of the Patron Saint Nicholas created by the renowned local artist, Rachel Reckitt.
The bell tower has a ring of four bells. Ringing is currently undertaken by arrangement with the Tower
Captain of the nearby Carhampton Church.
Sadly, the congregation has declined in recent years and the current average weekly attendance is 15.
However, the influx of younger persons into the community is encouraging for both the village and the
Church. There is a dedicated group of lay persons who support the Rector including a Sacristan, Server and
Sidespeople.
Withycombe is situated on the popular MacMillan Way and many visitors visit the Church and avail
themselves of a popular free cup of tea or coffee whilst enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the building.
The Chapel of St Bartholomew, Rodhuish
The Chapel of St Bartholomew, Rodhuish
Jacob and the Angel by
Rachel Reckitt
St Bartholomew – the Chapel
Rodhuish is a tiny hamlet with a widely distributed population of about 70, many of whom are employed in
agriculture. The Chapel of St Bartholomew is a low building which dates from the 13th century and which
still retains its West Gallery. Although small, the chapel has much character and has inspired great affection
in the worshippers there. In particular the Reckitt family, to which the writer Penelope Lively belongs, did
much to enhance the building with tapestry work and an impressive sculpture of Jacob wrestling with the
Angel, created by Rachel Reckitt.
There is a committed core of people who enjoy coming together to worship and to share in refreshments after
each service. There are regular social and fundraising events including high-class musical concerts, with
internationally renowned musicians. There is an annual Harvest Supper and festive refreshments are served
after the Carol Service.
St Petrock, Timberscombe
Church of St Petrock, Timberscombe
Timberscombe is a traditional rural Exmoor village, set just off the main A369 between Dunster and Tiverton.
The local environment is shaped by the surrounding moorland with riding, hunting, walking and other
activities being pursued amid predominantly farming activity. It has a population of approximately 514 with
47 on the Electoral Roll. The population is an ageing one, as employment opportunities are low and so young
folk in the 18-30 age range tend to move out to seek employment elsewhere. Those who remain in the village
are employed in farming, forestry, equestrian stables or service industries and they live in a mixture of
privately-owned or rented accommodation. For the older folk there is a secluded modern block of sheltered
homes. Although located in the Exmoor National Park there are only a few establishments that benefit from
tourism. Walkers find Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, only a few miles from our village.
There are relatively few second home owners in the village but a number of holiday let cottages. The village
has a Post Office, a Church of England First School (4-9 years) which is linked with Petauke Primary School,
Zambia, a pre-school which is housed in the school building, a village inn and a thriving village hall. Our
village benefits from being within supermarket online home delivery services for Tesco and Waitrose, among
others.
The Grade 1 church is dedicated to St. Petrock, one of the famous Celtic missionaries who travelled to the
West Country across the Bristol Channel from Wales. It is small and dates back to the 12th Century although
many of the existing features were added during the fifteenth Century. There is always fundraising activity
undertaken by the PCC to effect repairs to the church. The latest church project is to uncover a wall painting
above the north door. The church tower was rebuilt in 1705 and has a clock and a ring of eight bells. These
are reputed to be the best ring of eight bells in the Bath and Wells Diocese. There is a strong and enthusiastic
group of bell ringers which meets every Thursday evening to practice and rings for Sunday services. The bell
ringers also travel to ring elsewhere and invite visiting teams to our church.
Almost adjacent to the church is a small Methodist chapel established in 1837. Services are shared regularly
which illustrates the community solidarity evident in the village.
The C of E congregation is small, committed, works hard and cares deeply for its church. The PCC organises a
comprehensive programme of varied social and fundraising events which are well supported by the
community.
Within the Timberscombe community a number of social clubs are running. These include a gardening club,
started in 2012 which meets in the church on the first Monday of each month from March to December.
Other clubs include the Orchard Social club for elderly inhabitants, a bowls club, a cinema club and there is a
Mill preservation society which is very active. There is a strong church link with the school and members of
the ministry team regularly take assemblies, RE lessons and contribute to the spiritual and educational welfare
of both pupils and staff. The rector has an ex-officio seat on the Board of Governors of this C of E school.
All Saints, Wootton Courtenay
All Saints Church, Wootton Courtenay
The Chapel in the North Isle
The Main Altar
This is a rural village which incorporates the hamlets of Ford, Huntscott and Ranscombe. The majority of the
population are retired, mainly professional people, who take an active interest in the village, fostering a great sense
of community. Such is their care that when the village shop looked in danger of closing for good, some years ago,
they rallied round to take it over and run it as a co-operative; it now incorporates a post office. The modern and
well-appointed village hall is in use on most days of the week, a venue for the many and varied activity and
interest groups.
All Saints Church, a grade 1 listed building, dates from between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. Due to the
hard work of a dedicated team of people, the building and churchyard are kept in very good order.
There is a small regular congregation, but the wider community is involved in supporting the church in many
ways: financially, attending festival services, doing the flowers, cleaning, helping with fund raising events and so
on. There is a parish organist, and the ability to call on the services of other organists if he is unavailable.
PCC members work hard to ensure that the church has a meaningful presence in the village, and that it is available
to all who need it. In 2014 villagers were invited to explore the ‘Hidden Treasures of the Parish Church’. This event
which was highly successful sought to introduce and explain the history and function of features of the
architecture, and artefacts of the church. All Saint’s Church also led the village in marking the centenary of the
start of the First World War, with a Service of Commemoration, an exhibition of memorabilia, and an evening of
poetry and prose. These were all well attended. The PCC puts on a number of fundraising events throughout the
year, in an attempt to keep up with the ever present costs of running a church community in a medieval building.
Recently these have included a pancake brunch, jumble sales and quiz nights.
Current Service Pattern.
1st Sunday
9:30am
All Age Worship/Cafe Church at Carhampton
HC (CW) at Withycombe
11am
HC(CW) at Wootton Courtenay
HC(CW) at Dunster
HC (BCP) at Timberscombe
2nd Sunday
9:30am
Songs of Praise at Wootton Courtenay
(Sung Evensong at 6pm in the summer months)
HC(CW) at Carhampton
HC(CW) at Withycombe
11am
Family Service at Dunster
HC(CW) at Timberscombe
Morning Prayer(CW) at Rodhuish
3rd Sunday
9:30am
HC (BCP said) at Wootton Courtenay
HC (CW) at Carhampton
Family Service at Withycombe
11am
HC (CW) at Dunster
HC (CW) at Timberscombe
4th Sunday
9:30am
HC(CW) at Carhampton
HC(CW) at Withycombe
Morning Prayer (CW) Timberscombe
11am
HC (BCP) Wootton Courtenay
HC (CW) at Rodhuish
Morning Prayer (CW) at Dunster
5th Sunday
10am
United Benefice Service
(circulated among the churches in the benefice )
Midweek services
1st Wednesday
rd
3 Wednesday
Every Friday
10am Morning Prayer - Priory Chapel, Dunster
10am Morning Prayer – Priory Chapel Dunster
9am – Morning Prayer – Carhampton
Monthly Communion services are held at Carantoc and Riverside, sheltered accommodation at Carhampton
and Dunster.
Staff Team
The Rector who lives in Carhampton
House for Duty Priest (the post is vacant after Easter 2015)
One Reader
An Administrator who works 10hrs per week
Nominated lay people who lead worship
Musical Director at Dunster and organists at the other churches
Churchwardens, PCC members, servers, sidespeople, readers, flower arrangers, coffee makers, cleaners
and more
In addition there are local retired clergy who all help out as required
Accommodation
There is a pleasant three bedroomed bungalow available in Carhampton comprising a large sitting room with
dining room opening off, kitchen, a utility room, garage and study. The garden is at the back and designed to
be easily maintained. The property is conveniently situated for the pub and the village shop, close to the A39
but set back from the road with hedge screening and wooden gates.