The Benefice of Cradley, Mathon and Storridge is in the Ledbury Deanery in the Diocese of Hereford. The three villages are situated on the western slopes of the Malvern Hills within an official AONB - area of outstanding natural beauty - and having good access by road to Malvern (5 miles), Ledbury (7 miles), Worcester (12 miles) and Hereford (20 miles). The M5 and M50 motorways give good road access to Birmingham, Bristol and Wales and the mainline railway stations at Malvern, Colwall and Ledbury are on direct lines to Birmingham and London.

Cradley has a Post Office/General store offering a full range of postal services, some banking, newspapers and a wide range of groceries etc.; there is also an excellent butcher’s shop in the village. Malvern town is an important cultural centre with two modern theatres, staging a wide variety of professional and amateur productions, a modern cinema, a well-stocked library and an adult education centre. There is also a modern swimming pool and other sports facilities. The picturesque market town of Ledbury, like Malvern, has a variety of shopping facilities together with a library, swimming and sports facilities. As is appropriate in an area where Elgar used to live, music and concerts occur frequently and an "Autumn in Malvern" festival is held annually.

In view of the very limited public transport, personal transport is essential. A bus service is provided for the older children who attend the John Masefield School in Ledbury. For the less mobile, the villages enjoy an excellent voluntary car scheme organised within the three parishes with 37 volunteers who provide transport for those who need to visit the doctor, dentist, hospital or to go shopping.

The excellent Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School moved in 2004 to a new site in Cradley, with considerable local financial support. The Incumbent is an exofficio member of the governing body and regularly takes religious instruction classes for senior pupils in addition to taking assembly at the school once a week. State secondary education is provided by John Masefield School in Ledbury and there are several state and private schools in Malvern, Colwall, Worcester and Hereford.

There is a very good doctors’ surgery (with pharmacy) in Cradley, a larger doctors’ practice and small community hospital in Ledbury and major hospitals in Hereford and Worcester. For the elderly, there are homes in Ledbury, Bromyard and Malvern, where sheltered accommodation through to intensive nursing care is available, with an Hospice between Ledbury and Hereford.

Numerous activities thrive within the communities. There is a fortnightly Evergreens Club for the over sixties, Women’s Institute branches in all three villages and Mothers’ Union. Cubs and Beavers, a Youth Club and a football club for boys and girls meet regularly in Cradley, together with Cricket and Tennis Clubs in Mathon. A Drama group performs pantomimes and plays in Cradley Village Hall or in the School. There are bell-ringing and hand-bell groups, an art group, Book Club, a bridge group, an annual Produce Show, an Heritage Group and a weekly walking group. There are many miles of attractive footpaths and bridleways in and surrounding the three villages. An active British Legion Club is in Cradley and is well supported by the communities.

The Rectory, which is situated in Cradley village, is a short walk from St. James the Great Church. It was built in 1985 and is a modern four bed-roomed house with lounge, dining room, large study, kitchen/breakfast room and utility, a downstairs cloakroom and integral garage. The gardens are laid to lawn with herbaceous borders and a small kitchen garden.

The Benefice enjoys the services of a resident non-stipendiary priest who is Honorary Curate to the three parishes and currently Rural Dean. The Reverend Mike Vockins OBE plays an active role in all aspects of the ministry and mission of the Benefice, as well as in the taking of services and in church activities.

The Benefice enjoys links with Mtwara, Tanzania through the Deanery and with Burundi through the Mothers’ Union.

A Local Ministry Development Group was formed three years ago and now consists of four lay members, a retired URC cleric who is the group’s mentor and the two benefice clergy. In this spirit of shared responsibility the group has developed under the Rector’s leadership and plays an increasingly active role in worship, outreach and pastoral care. In order to make itself more fully representative of all three parishes steps are in hand to increase its membership.

The group has been involved in many initiatives including Sermon Suppers, Pew Sheets, provision of Daily Bible Reading notes, Prayer Board/Pillow, setting up a Pastoral Care course, leading worship - including a family service and helping to organise this year’s Lent Course. Members meet regularly with the Rector and plans are in hand for the Group to be commissioned by Bishop Anthony in March 2007.

There is an ecumenical group - Christians Together - which meets monthly at the homes of the various members. The only other place of worship in the Benefice is a Countess of Huntington Chapel in Cradley with which we enjoy good relations.

Lent lunches (proceeds to charity) are held at various venues in the Benefice which allow people to meet in a friendly and informal atmosphere. A programme of events is always arranged for Christian Aid week. Parishioners from each church, and the Countess of Huntington Chapel, take it in turn to organise and host the annual Women’s World Day of Prayer service.

Financially, the Benefice has traditionally paid its Parish Share regularly and in full, though fund-raising from a relatively small population is a constant challenge. The introduction by the Deanery of a new formula for allocation of Parish Share in 2005 created a short term difficulty for the Benefice and, whilst parish working expenses have continued to be paid in full, there is an agreed business plan to which the Benefice is working which is on schedule to deliver Parish Share at the new formula level within the next two years.

The three parishes work well together and the Churchwardens hold regular joint meetings.

The incumbent has the benefit of a part-time secretary. All three churches have their own vestments, which traditionally are worn by the celebrant.

St. James the Great has been a place of Christian worship for many centuries, with mention of Cradley in the Domesday Book of 1086 with a priest with half a hide (60 acres) of land, although no church is specifically indicated. Even before the Norman Conquest, Hereford and Worcester existed as fortified Saxon towns with Bishops’ seats. Saxon churches were established at Deerhurst, Tewkesbury and nearby Bromyard, so it is quite possible therefore that a church existed here in Cradley before the Normans came, although there is no concrete evidence of this.

In 1864 major restoration work was carried out by Sir Gilbert Scott; then in 1994 with considerable fund-raising a new roof was installed and in 2000 a new bell frame was fitted; the bells were sent to Loughborough to be re-tuned and two new bells were cast bringing the total to eight. When they were re-hung, the floor of the bell tower was raised and improved. In 2001 the south aisle flooring was replaced and at the same time a new sound and loop system was installed. It is hoped, in the not too distant future, to be able to requisition a Faculty for the north aisle flooring to be renewed.

An alarm system is installed, which allows the Church to be open during daylight hours for the enjoyment of visitors and private devotions; this automatically opens and closes the Church 9.00a.m. - 6.00p.m. during summer months and 9.00a.m. - 4.00p.m. wintertime.

At the end of 2006, a total of 105 were on our church Electoral Roll from a population in the region of 1200. Our average weekly attendance is 45-50. This does not include festivals such as Christmas, Easter, All Souls, Remembrance Sunday, Christingle, Advent and Carol services, Midnight Mass and Sing Praise (held monthly in the school). During 2006 there were 7 marriages, 13 baptisms, 1 burial and 4 interment of ashes at Cradley.

The church has a strong musical tradition, with a well maintained organ and its own Roland electric piano. It has a robed choir, two members of which visit the school weekly to give after-school singing lessons; it is hoped that this will encourage younger members of the Benefice to join us in church on a Sunday. Members of the Mothers’ Union are hoping that by the time the new incumbent arrives the Sunday School will be fully up and running.

We have a very energetic bell-ringing group and other bell-ringing groups visit. A band of willing volunteers keeps our lovely Church clean on a weekly basis and a flower rota ensures that the Church always looks inviting. A small musical group, Jimmy’s Band, plays at our monthly Family Service. A version of the Shepherds’ Play from the Towneley Cycle, written by a parishioner, was performed as part of the 2006 Carol Service.

Our fund-raising committee works very hard to ensure a varied programme of fundraising activities during the course of the year. Last year a very successful series of six concerts preceded by Evensong (led by LMDG) was held. We have in the past held two 24-hour Musical Marathons comprising non-stop music from Saturday morning through to the 11.00a.m. Communion service on Sunday. Every November a firework display is organised by the church and is very well attended by the community. For the summer of 2007 plans are already in hand for a Flower Festival with an evening concert, in addition to the regular quiz evenings and other social events. Open Garden events are held in alternate years to the Flower Festivals.

Cradley is an eclectic community, from villagers whose families have been in Cradley for several generations, to younger residents working perhaps in Worcester, Hereford, Malvern, Birmingham or Cheltenham. There are also many retired people in Cradley. Many of the younger families within Cradley rely on employment outside the village, although there is a very small business park at the west end of the village.

In 2005 Cradley entered and won the West of England Calor Village of the Year award for Community Development.

In September 2007 the village history will be brought to life through a large-scale dramatic production, the Cradley Village Play.

From the findings of remains of a Bronze Age cemetery, Iron Age bars and Roman coins, it is possible that Mathon has been inhabited for over 3000 years but, whilst Mathon is mentioned as a manor in the days of Ethelred the Unready (968-1016), the Domesday Book of 1085 gives the first solid information about the Parish, recording a priest, a reeve and a smith in Mathon.

The 2006 register records 232 people on the civil Electoral Roll and 128 households. Employment in the village relates mainly to agricultural, equine and horticultural interests with a high percentage of retired people and some commuters to local towns and the cities. In addition to farming there are small businesses run from home such as architects, building contractors, mowing and arboreal services, riding schools, etc. and a limited number of larger privately run organisations such as a wholesale plant nursery. Mathon Parish Hall is about a mile from the centre of the village and accommodates many of the village activities that range from fairs, quizzes, dinners, charity and church events through to meetings and occasional horticultural and historical presentations. Most of the congregation - and all of the PCC - are involved in one way or another in village activities, both church and secular, and there is a strong sense of community within Mathon.

Mathon church is well blessed in terms of its architecture and its setting, and has been much loved and well looked after over many years. It stands in its own churchyard near to the centre of the village, together with a fine nine hundred year old yew tree.

The bell tower houses six bells and a Sanctus bell, which are rung for services twice per month and regularly rung by visiting bell ringers. The organ is serviced regularly and the buildings are well maintained. Work is shortly to begin on installing running water and simple kitchen facilities. There are no toilet facilities on site. The flower and church cleaning rota is supported by a large number of the community and the church always looks well cared for, offering a warm welcome to all.

Last year’s programme of fundraising events for the church and chosen charities included a lunch party in a parishioner’s home, a midsummer dinner using the church-owned marquee, cookery demonstration and lunch in the parish hall and the annual Historic Churches’ walk, summer evening walk and Advent and Christmas Fair. There has been a John Betjeman evening and orchestral concerts in the church, summer fetes in villagers’ gardens and auctions in the parish hall. There is also a charity plate in the church that encourages donations for a variety of organisations selected throughout the year by the PCC.

In 2005 there were 51 people on the church Electoral Roll. There were two christenings, two weddings and four funerals, the latter affecting our regular attendance numbers. Attendance at Festival services: Easter 53, Harvest Festival 42, Carol Service 86 and Christmas Day 36. Average attendance at Sunday services: Parish Communion/Mattins 23, said HC 12, Mathon Benefice services 49.

The third Sunday Mattins is lay led, being conducted by a churchwarden with a member of the congregation leading the intercessions and either a guest preacher/speaker or one of the congregation giving the address. There is no formal choir but there is a singing group of about twelve members of the congregation who meet in church on the first Monday of each month to sing through the hymns and psalms selected for the month. The group also sings at some festivals.

Note: the incumbent is traditionally invited by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey to spend one week during each year as acting Visitors’ Chaplain-in-Residence in the Abbey, responsible for visitors’ pastoral care and taking some services. A flat is available in the Abbey. Acceptance of this invitation is encouraged and past incumbents have taken the opportunity to invite members of the Benefice to visit Westminster Abbey during this period.

Dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, was built in 1856 as a chapel of ease for parishioners in this part of the ecclesiastical parish of Cradley. Designed in the then fashionable neo-Gothic style, the church was the first of many designed by Worcestershire architect Frederick Preedy, who also designed the unusual east window. The church is now well heated with an oil-fired boiler and radiators. Storridge is still in the same civil parish as Cradley, but has its own distinct identity.

The church is situated alongside the busy A4103 Hereford- Worcester road, approximately a mile inside the county boundary. This road divides the village, which is widely spread with several scattered settlements, some 110 houses in all. There are 250 on the civil electoral roll and some 39 on the church electoral roll. The cost of housing locally is prohibitive for young couples and, the village being within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, new build is almost impossible. There have been only two new houses in the parish in the last 30 years, but about 10 barn conversions have taken place - though these tend to be out of the price-range of first-time buyers. There is a newly renovated Village Hall.

Average church attendance is 11, but festivals such as Harvest, Christmas, Easter and the Carol Service attract up to 70. Use of the Book of Common Prayer is a key feature that has attracted some worshippers from outside the parish.

In alternate years, a Maundy Thursday re-enactment of the Last Supper is held in the Village Hall.

Committed giving is higher than average. Fund-raising is carried out on a regular basis with Twelfth Night parties, Harvest Suppers and Fun-rides (horses and ponies over local fields), all of which help to maintain both financial stability and community spirit.

Each year sees, on average, about one burial in the well-maintained churchyard and three memorial services. In addition, there is an occasional marriage or baptism.

To realize our vision of a lively and growing Church at the centre of the spiritual and social life of our communities as we seek to extend Christ’s kingdom.

1. To develop a ministry towards children and young people, working whenever possible in partnership with the Church of England School in Cradley, and to build up the work of the Sunday School recently re-started on the initiative of a member of the congregation supported by the Mothers’ Union and LMDG. There is also scope for work with young families e.g. weekday pram services and mum and toddler groups.

2. To lead and encourage the development of lay ministry in the Parishes through the Local Ministry Development Group.

3. To build closer relationships with local community and voluntary groups.

4. To provide more opportunities to explore our faith and to consider the position and role of the church in a changing society. This could be done through regular informal house/study groups. While such groups should encourage our own spiritual development, it is envisaged that they would also reach out in mission to the wider community.

5. To explore the provisions of pastoral care following the recent Pastoral Study Course, and also to consider broadening the structures and arrangements for pastoral visiting already in place, building on the excellent care currently provided by both clergy and parishioners.

6. To further develop and encourage the musical life of our churches, building on the current successful programme of concerts and other church/community events, as we seek to reach out to our respective communities.

1. A "people person" open to both churchgoers and non-churchgoers, who will respect and nurture the different traditions and styles of worship which already obtain within the benefice.

2. A person who is sensitive to the broad spectrum of theological beliefs and denominations found in our congregations and who recognises the importance of a preaching ministry.

3. An applicant who is able to demonstrate empathy towards all age groups, particularly children and young people.

4. A leader who, while recognising the individuality of each church and village, will assist the three congregations to further their Christian ministry and mission by forging closer links with each other and with their respective village communities, not least through the many and varied organisations which already exist.

5. A catalyst who will acknowledge, explore and, where appropriate, take action on the many opportunities for development which exist within our communities, as we seek to further the outreach of our three churches and to make Christ’s presence a reality in our communities.

6. A caring pastor who will personally maintain and further develop the existing pattern of pastoral visiting. This should be to church and non-church residents, in addition to those in immediate need.

7. A minister with an open and collaborative approach to ministry within the parishes, the deanery and the wider church.

8. A person who is sympathetic to the rural way of life.