The new Rector of Beaulieu, the Rev Catherine Cowie, conducted the first services of her incumbency on Sunday September 29th, just four days after she had been handed the keys of the ancient Abbey Church when she was instituted by the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Rev Philip Mounstephen.
Her first services were at Buckler’s Hard and at the Abbey Church.
During the packed service to mark her appointment, - a service which has changed little in many generations - she was introduced to the Bishop by the patron, Lord Montagu, who told him: “After prayerful consideration and due consultation, Catherine Anne Cowie has been nominated and accepted to be Rector of this Benefice.”
After the Bishop had handed the new Rector the deed of institution, the Archdeacon of Bournemouth, the Ven Jean Burgess, placed Catherine’s hand on the Abbey church door handle and she was presented by their respective wardens with the keys of the three churches for which she has responsibility.
As well as the Abbey Church, she also takes under her wing the churches at Exbury and East Boldre, and the chapel at Buckler’s Hard, all of which form part of the current wider Beaulieu benefice. It is intended that all the churches will ultimately form a single parish of Beaulieu.
The congregation at her institution included parishioners from all three churches, local dignitaries and a large contingent who had travelled from her previous multi-parish Benefice in the north Cotswolds.
The Rev Catherine will move into the Rectory with her husband and two young children, when current remedial work is completed..
History has been made as the Rev Catherine becomes the first female rector in the church’s 495-year history.
:: After her first services the Rector, Catherine, was presented by verger Derek Hewitt with a framed drawing of the original Exbury church – dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria. When the church was replaced in the 19th century the name changed to St Katharine. She told the congregation it would be the first item to be hung when the family moved into the Rectory.
Pictures courtesy of Linda Dunham, Beaulieu Camera Group.
Beaulieu Abbey Church should be open to the public by these approx times below:
Monday 10am
Tuesday 9am
Wednesday 10am
Thursday 10am
Friday 9am
Saturday 10am
Sunday Open ready for morning service.
Please note: The main door of the church will be closed at approx 1pm, therefore gaining entry to the Church (approx 1pm - 3pm) will then be via the National Motor Museum.
Please come along to the Abbey Church Hall on Thursdays 2pm - 4pm to enjoy time spent together. A chance to play board games or just chat with a cup of tea. The aim is to develop activities according to people's interests.
Future ideas may include an opportunity to learn Bridge or listen to a talk.
This note is specifically directed at those members of the Beaulieu Abbey Church congregation who have volunteered to act as Welcome Stewards. If any other member of the congregation would like to take on this important role and the organising of the Steward's Rota, in the first instance, please contact a Churchwarden.
Please note that welcomers are asked only to be on duty for thirty minutes prior to the start of the Morning Service.
The Parish of Beaulieu and Exbury and East Boldre is committed to the Safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within the our Church Community. In accordance with the Diocese of Winchester Safeguarding policies and practice and with the overarching Church of England National Safeguarding Policy and Practice guidelines. Within the Parish of Beaulieu and Exbury and East Boldre with Buckler’s Hard the appointed Parish Safeguarding Officer is:
Mrs Sophie Burton
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Signed
The Incumbent / Rector - Revd Catherine Cowie & The Parish Safeguarding Representative - Sophie Burton
Physical: bruises, burns, cuts, bites, fractures, etc. which do not have an explanation.
Emotional: changes in mood or behaviour, withdrawn or clingy. Depression, aggression or extreme anxiety, nervousness, low self esteem.
Neglect: under nourishment, failure to grow, constant hunger, inadequate care, dirty, inappropriate clothing, unkempt.
Sexual: knowledge of adult sexual behaviour – words / drawing. Sexually provocative, sexual infections.
Discriminatory: racist, sexist, based on a person’s disability.
Spiritual: using faith, spirituality, trust, to manipulate and control people.
Financial: money, possessions disappearing, no money for essentials, jewellery, valuables missing.
Institutional: care home, etc.
Grooming: of individual, family, church.
We may become aware of abuse or concerns about someone’s behaviour in a number of ways.
A disclosure from a person who has or is experiencing abuse;
An allegation about someone’s conduct;
A concern about someone’s behaviour.
All must be taken seriously and acted on.
Child Protection
Adult at Risk of Abuse
Domestic Abuse
It is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults.
RESPOND
DO NOT:
Attempt to investigate yourself;
Discuss the case with anyone else;
Speak to the accused;
Ignore it.
WITH A PERSON MAKING A DISCLOSURE:
Never promise to keep a secret, or confidentiality. Tell them you may need to share this.
Assure them they are not to blame for what happened.
Reassure the person they have done the right thing by telling you.
React calmly, be aware of non-verbal messages and body language.
Listen, do not ask leading questions or investigate. Avoid making comments or judgements.
Tell them what you are going to do and that they will be told what is happening at each stage.
Refer as soon as possible to the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor.
Find support for yourself.
RECORD
Make full notes of what you are told – including names, the person making the disclosure/referral, and date and time.
Date and sign your notes.
Use the words the child/vulnerable adult used – do not ‘translate’ into proper names, etc. As far as possible use the exact words used in the disclosure.
If someone else is making an allegation or raising a concern you will need to include their contact details.
The original document should be kept safely and a copy forwarded to the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. If you type up the notes keep a copy of the hand written notes.
What to record: (6WH)
Who was involved – names of key people;
what happened – facts not opinions;
where it happened;
when it happened – date and time;
why it happened;
whom it was referred to;
how it happened.
REFER
You are not expected to be an expert in these areas so refer on.
All Allegations and Disclosures must be referred to the Safeguarding Advisor.
If you believe the person is at immediate risk of harm when they leave you, make a referral directly to the appropriate agency – Police or Social Services.
All disclosures, allegations, concerns should be referred initially to the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, who will inform the bishops, archdeacons, deans, clergy, etc as appropriate.
No concern is too small – all disclosures, issues or concerns seen or that you are made aware of must be acted on as soon as possible.
Do not investigate yourself and never make assumptions.
Your Parish Safeguarding Rep is: Sophie Burton
CONTACTS
Diocesan Safeguarding Manager
01962 737317 or 07921 865374, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Evening and weekends safeguarding advice available from Hampshire County Council (covers the whole of the Winchester Diocese) 0300 555 1373
In an emergency use the 999 emergency number. If you do you should contact the Safeguarding Manager as soon as possible.
List of National Help Lines
Stop It Now Helpline: 0808 1000 900
Childline: 0800 11 11 (free from mostphones and won’t show on phone bill)
Action On Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0800 2000 247
Mens Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
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Church Notices
Safeguarding
Details
PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
The Gospel speaks of welcome for all. Being faithful to this compels us to take with the utmost seriousness the challenge of preventing abuse from happening and responding well where it has.
For information, guidance & resources, please visit www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding. Further information is displayed on the notice boards in the Church porch.
