SECOND DEANERY CONSULTATION MEETING : 13 MAY 2017

Introduction:

  1. The Area Dean reminded everyone that the first meeting had discussed the Scoping Study of the Deanery (copy on Deanery website) produced by Leigh Rampton, and also what we saw as the role/importance of our churches in our communities.
  2. The Scoping Study included information based on the 2011 census and Experian data. As such the picture it gave was probably out of date in some respects, and could only give a generalised picture of our communities; for example, only the three largest “mosaic segment groups[1]” are shown.
  3. The questions to discuss were:
  • Does the information in the report (tables on pages 3 and 4[2] and page 5[3])reflect your perception of your community?
  • If not, is it the data presented or your perception that is incomplete?
  • Looking ahead, what are the opportunities and threats for the church in your parish/benefice?

Feedback:

Several groups felt we needed to better understand some of the definitions used in the tables.

Michelmersh, Timsbury, Farley Camberlayne, Braishfield and Awbridge:

Accuracy: Apart from the anomaly of the reportedly growing sikh and muslim population in Farley Chamberlayne which was not believed to be correct, there was a marked similarity of data across the five parishes in both tables, which reflected the group’s perceptions.

Opportunities /challenges:

  • How to ensure the church is relevant to the population.
  • Making use of technology (social media etc).
  • Providing the right sort of services.
  • Developing further the links between the church and the community (e.g. community shop, access to amenities).

Ampfield, Chilworth and North Baddesley:

Accuracy: The report rings true for North Baddesley which is a very mixed population.

Opportunities/challenges: (only North Baddesley represented)

  • How to reach different groups, in particular those not represented already in congregations.
  • Links to the elderly population.
  • Changing dynamic of the village with the new development between North Baddesley and Romsey

Broughton with Bossington, Houghton and Mottisfont

Accuracy: The “mosaic” groupings are accurate as far as they go but not helpful. The three parishes are very different from each other. All three are shown as having significant numbers of “Residents of isolated rural communities”. The older and well-established residents would not consider themselves as isolated as they are well-integrated in their communities.

Opportunities/challenges:

  • Mottisfont - massive growth of the NT enterprise at Mottisfont (only affects this one parish);
  • High numbers of “elderly wishing to be where they are” but for different reasons (long established, or new arrivals retired to the village to be near family/live in a pleasant environment).
  • Younger families who have moved to the new developments: both partners are working in order to afford the house and lifestyle, so not integrating into the community. High levels of stress.

Leckford:

Accuracy:Recognise the picture that the data paints.

Opportunities/challenges:

  • The Leckford Estate (John Lewis) is selling off some Estate properties. Those who move in are not interested in integrating into village or church life.
  • Limited future unless things change.

Lockerley, East Tytherley, West Tytherley, East Dean:

Accuracy:All the parishes have similar characteristics according to the data - agreed. The “active retired” are not only economically active, but also active in the community.

Opportunities/challenges:

  • Ageing population
  • Lack of public transport
  • Possible threat to the village schools in the medium term (5% cuts in funding per year; need to maintain numbers above threshold of 200 to survive.
  • Increase in the “Just About Managing” population (whether economically or in terms of mental health) – this is both an opportunity (can the church respond with support) and a threat.
  • Asset rich/cash poor population.
  • Very important to the future of the villages to get good broadband – allowing people to work from home. Increasing numbers of people working at home could benefit village life.

Longstock :

Accuracy: Long “ribbon” village. About half are Estate properties. No arguments with analysis in Scoping Study.

Opportunities/challenges:

  • Limited resources for exploring opportunities.
  • Little scope for development in the village.
  • When properties are sold they often pass to people who use them at weekends/buy to let.
  • Current congregation is not up to speed with new technology to reach new generations.

Romsey

Accuracy: Data probably out of date – no longer a static population. Large retirement developments affecting the demographic (retired professionals). Increasing polarisation - food bank and work of CAP demonstrates increase in deprivation in the town.

Opportunities/challenges:

  • Strong “Churches Together” group, sharing vision and passion and the burden of ministry.
  • Data doesn’t give a clear picture of families and schools (which are growing)
  • Lots of building but many “buy to let” properties – not likely to build community
  • Recognising and responding to changes in creative ways (some already underway but more needed):
  • Family and children’s work
  • Structure of services
  • Fortunate in resources
  • Housing developments between North Baddesley and Romsey and at Abbotswood.
  • Increase in single occupancy (some of this through retired people moving in and then one being left alone).

Nursling and Rownhams

Accuracy: Lots of new developments. Since M27 /M271 divided the parish, it has become surrounded by industrial areas, no longer rural. “Couples with children in comfortable modern housing” doesn’t fully reflect the issues. Many young families, with both parents working; asset rich, cash poor – supporting their lifestyle ambitions.

Opportunities/challenges

  • Outreach and youth activities
  • 2 church schools
  • Lots of activities using the church buildings, both church run and community run
  • Need more space to support this, but plans have been blocked
  • Parking needed for St Boniface (growing congregation)

Sherfield English

Accuracy:OK

Opportunities/challenges

  • Very large church (much bigger than needed for the current community)
  • Rural community, with community events. Cash poor (agricultural workers)

East and West Wellow

Accuracy: Static population, ageing.

Opportunities/challenges

  • Isolated building, well outside the village – visibility?
  • Pre-school closed, school not full
  • Waiting list for scouts but closing because no leader.

Somborne with Ashley

Accuracy:

Opportunities/challenges

  • Plenty of community facilities (shops, playgroup etc)
  • Developers taking land; centre is very tight and developments around would put pressure on this.
  • Council tenants a high proportion of the village population; perception of “them and us”.

Stockbridge

Accuracy: Don’t see themselves as “isolated” or “suburban”. Asset rich, cash poor

Opportunites/challenges

  • Expensive area to live – housing changing hands is often holiday homes/buy to let; buyers are not involved in the community or church.
  • Lack of transport (fewer buses)

Common themes:

  • The cost of housing – impact both on who can afford to live in the area, and on integration into the community (many having to work long hours/commute long distances to afford the house/support their lifestyle). Older residents are often asset rich, cash poor.
  • High levels of stress – can the church provide “a prescription for stress”?

Next steps:

  1. The Area Dean pointed out that in order to work out how we minister to our communities (the people where we are but not involved in the church), we need to understand them, and how we can connect to them.
  1. A draft questionnaire was circulated aimed at non-church members, to find out what they want/expect/need from the church. It was agreed this needs to be short and pithy, and fairly neutral in tone. There was discussion about whether the questionnaire should state it was C of E, and what information should be collected (demographics etc). It was agreed to keep it simple and focussed.
  1. The aim was to create the questionnaire in Survey Monkey, to be publicised through church and personal Facebook and Twitter Accounts. Village Google Groups were also recommended. It would also be available for local use in paper form.
  1. A trial was recommended before issue.
  1. The finalised questionnaire and supporting material would be circulated ready for issue after the General Election, with an end date of end July.

[1] Based on Experian categories. N.B. numbers in brackets for each mosaic group are households not population

[2] Table of Religious affiliation, household/employment dynamics, disadvantage

[3] Table of significant mosaic segment groups