A message for residents from the Wingham Parochial Church Council

At the request of the Bishop of Dover, the Church Commissioners have published proposals (known as a Draft Scheme) to make the following changes:

* The transfer of the parish of Wingham from the Canonry Benefice of parishes (which includes Ash, Preston and Elmstone) to a new benefice known as The Little Stour Benefice which will include Littlebourne, Ickham, Wickhambreaux and Stodmarsh churches
* Ickham, Wickhambreaux and Stodmarsh will also be combined as a single parish

These proposals have the support of of Wingham Parochial Church Council.

The main reason for the change is to establish a new group of parishes to be cared for by one minister. Previously there has been a minister in both Wingham and Littlebourne.  The new benefice will continue to work closely with the Canonry Benefice.

The Public Notice relating to these changes has been posted on the door of the church and on the Notice Board at the entrance to the church.

Anyone can comment on these proposals, preferably by email, to Rex Andrew rex.andrew@churchofengland.org and the deadline for comments is midnight on Monday 4th January 2021.

Please see www.churchofengland.org/consultation for further information about the process and proposals.