Upcoming Events and News
Welcome to The Benefice of The Huntspills and Mark.
In addition to the schedule of events shown on the right, you can find further details about upcoming events below and a monthly calendar at the bottom of this page.
If you are looking for social events planned for the year ahead visit our Social Calendar
For a snap shot of village life, check out Gallery: East Huntspill Gallery: West Huntspill Gallery: Mark
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Social Events and Special Services Community Gatherings News Foodbank Bishop Michael Revd Chris’ Blog Huntspill News Heritage Project West Huntspill Church Hall
Social Events and Special Services
If you are looking for social events planned for the year ahead visit our Social Calendar
To find out more about upcoming events in East Huntspill visit Huntspill.org or email allsaintscommunitygroup@outlook.com to receive monthly flyers.
Saturday 23rd August Summer Fayre and Fun Dog Show, East Huntspill
The All Saints’ Summer Fayre and Fun Dog Show starts at 11am in East Huntspill Church and grounds.
Fun Dog Show starts at 12noon so come along and join the fun.
Good family entertainment with Stalls, Tombola, Craft, Games, Cakes, Refreshments and much, much more!
For more information, please contact us via email allsaintscommunitygroup@outlook.com
The Bible Course, Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th September , Mark Church Hall
7th session of 8
3pm Wednesday 17th September Mark Church Hall, and Tuesday 16th September 7pm (same session repeated, please contact for location confirmation)
New to the Bible or want to go deeper? The Bible Course is for you. It shows how the key books, famous characters and epic events form one BIG story, from Genesis to Revelation. The course also provides tools and skills that help apply the Bible to everyday life.
This eight-session course is ideal for groups. Each session includes video content, discussion time, personal reflection and daily readings. Explore the BIG story and discover its relevance for today.
For more information or to book your place, email markchurchbiblecourse@gmail.com or contact Yo on 07725 149581. Visit biblesociety.org.uk/thebiblecourse to find out more.
Community Gatherings
Come along to one of our socials for a coffee, cake and chat. For further information Community Gatherings and Huntspill Hub
Daily 10am- 4pm, Huntspill Hub Honesty Café
Monday 10.30 -12noon, Coffee Morning, West Huntspill
Tuesday 10.00-12noon, Craft and Chatter, Mark
Wednesday 10.30-12noon, Coffee Morning, Mark
Saturday 10.30-12noon, Coffee Morning, East Huntspill
3rd Saturday 10.30-12noon Monthly Cake Sale, East Huntspill
News
For a snapshot of village life, check out Gallery: East Huntspill Gallery: West Huntspill Gallery: Mark
Saving the Heritage, Sustaining the Community. Celebrating a decade of progress! Thank you burnham-on-sea.com’ for the lovely photos!
On Saturday 19th July 2025 a celebration was held at The Huntspill Hub, St Peter & All Hallows Church, West Huntspill, to mark the official end of the building project that was instigated when the Church was at risk of closure due to falling masonry.
Rev Tonya Nixon, former Rector of The Huntspills & Mark initiated this decade of change, and supported by their faithful church congregation, a small but effective team consisting of Project Leader David Lemon, Grants Manager Sara Puddy and Treasurer Mel Wall carried it forward through an extended vacancy and the multiple challenges of covid!
Eventually, with the assistance of a vast professional network, all was in place for the building work to take place. Commencing with the internal refurbishment enabled the Café to be opened early in the process, and thanks to Activities Co-ordinator, Ginny Power and The Social Committee led by Margaret Roper, a variety of activities have already been embarked upon to support the local community.
The restored tower now stands safe and secure, with stonework repaired and reinforced. Inside, the removal of traditional pews at the back of the church allowed for a reordering of the space, including the installation of new flooring, a modern kitchen, and accessible toilets. The church now hosts a weekly community café every Monday morning, attracting 50–60 visitors, and with monthly village agent attendance.
There is also an Honesty Café available for visitors throughout the week (10am – 4pm), where they can make themselves drinks and explore the church’s history via new touchscreen displays and heritage booklets, part of the church’s new role as a heritage hub. Free Wi-Fi is also now available for church visitors.
Project Leader, David Lemon said: “It’s been quite a journey — we’ve faced real challenges, but what has been achieved is fantastic. The community’s wonderful support and enthusiasm have made all the difference.”
Rector, Rev Christine Judson, thanked everyone who has guided and supported this venture – among them the professionals and the volunteers, church and community members, Diocesan and National Heritage Lottery staff. Reflecting on all that has been achieved, Rev Chris said: “This church has 800 years of history behind it – proclaiming the love of Christ through word and deed. Thanks to the National Heritage Lottery and all who have provided match funding, we have been able to protect this heritage. Now an equally important and exciting future lies ahead, to which we look with great hope – trusting in God and working together with our whole community.”
Please click to read all about the project West Huntspill church Final Evaluation Report
VE Celebrations at the Huntspill Hub
VE Day celebration which was enjoyed by 81 people from the village and surrounding area.
The singing was lead by the Serendipity Singers, with old News Reel footage of the celebrations at the time.
Visit West Huntspill Gallery to see more Gallery: West Huntspill
Licensing of Rev Margaret Hayward service held at All Saints, East Huntspill
My name is Margaret Hayward and I am delighted to be part of the ministry team in the Benefice of the Huntspills and Mark.
I was licensed as an Associate Priest in this benefice on 22nd January 2025 and look forward to being part of rector reverend Christine’s ministry team and work part-time as directed by her.
Freda Carey visits East Huntspill
Freda Carey, of the Church Mission Society, visited East Huntspill Church and gave us all an in sight in to her work in Pakistan.
All Saints Church, East Huntspill decorating completed
Check out the video for a views of All Saints you don’t normally see and more in our gallery! Gallery: East Huntspill
Ashley Fox MP visits Huntspill Hub, West Huntspill
Ashley Fox MP for Burnham & Bridgwater visits the Huntspill Hub at St Peter & All Hallows Church, West Huntspill
Burnham RNLI’s helm Matt Edwards tied the knot with fiancé Abbey,
After their traditional service and the signing of the register, they left the church to see a group of lifeboat crew and well-wishers were formed in two lines outside the church door with an archway of oars.
The happy couple walked to the end of the lines accompanied by congratulatory applause from lifeboat volunteers and wedding guests.
Thank you burnham-on-sea.com’ for the lovely photos! Burnham on Sea .com
Ecclesiastical Insurance
The next time that you renew your home insurance why not get a quote from ecclesiastical
Call 0345 777 3322 or www.ecclesiastical.com/home-insurance/
Each time one of our community takes out a home insurance policy with ecclesiastical, they will donate a £130 to our church, just by referencing TRUST 130 on the telephone or using promotion code TRUST 130 online
One of the UK’s most trusted home insurance providers and a ’Which?’ Best Buy
Enjoying the countryside
Our local Police Officer, PC Tracey Jones, has asked that we share the following information concerning livestock as they have been responding to problems recently along these lines.
We have also found these guidelines to help make our area safe for all.
Foodbank
We support Highbridge Area Foodbank and donations can be left in all three Churches.
For further information please visit highbridgearea.foodbank.org.uk
Thank you for your support
Bishop of Bath and Wells: Refreshing our diocesan vision
Our Diocesan Vision: In response to God’s immense love for us we seek to be God’s people living and telling the story of Jesus.
We seek to live this story as disciples of Jesus Christ in the world and to tell it, both in sharing the good news and by the way in which our lives speak about Him.
This has been our vision for a few years. With our new bishop in place, now seems like a good time to ask ourselves how we are doing that, and how we want to do that in the next season of our diocesan life together.
As he travelled around our diocese in his first months, Bishop Michael identified four areas that might help us focus our activity in the future:
• Valuing and cherishing the people and resources we already have
• Developing new Christian worshipping communities
• Sharing in ministry and leadership
• Deepening and growing faith
You can hear Bishop Michael sharing his thoughts on refreshing our vision:
Visit Bath and Wells website to find out more
Rev Margaret’s Blog,
August 2025 ‘Something Special, the joy of Parkrun’
Amidst all the very worrying news that we hear hourly through the media there is something special and joyful happening across the world.
This is the movement called “Parkrun.” It is something that brings a joy to those involved and I hope reading about it will bring joy to you too.
Parkrun started in Bushy Park Wimbledon on 2nd October 2004 when 13 runners and 5 volunteers got together to help a friend who was injured get back to running. This small act of kindness has become a worldwide event. There are over 2,500 parkrun locations worldwide, it takes place in 23 countries across five continents. Parkruns operates in U.K. towns, prisons and abroad in exotic locations like Canyon Rim Trail at Twin Falls. The length of the parkrun is 5k for adults and 2k for children. It is totally free to take part in. Each parkrun has a section for park-walkers to take part too and as long as the course is suitable those with mobility aids are also welcomed. There is always a “back-walker” who comes in after everyone else therefore no one is last.
The overriding ethos of parkrun is that it is not a race, it is a community event that allows people to connect and exercise in the way in which they are able
How it works:
Each week volunteers set up the course. They put out cones and notices and then stand at various points on the course to ensure participants are safe. They also clap/cheer/ encourage participants as they pass by.
The adult runs are on Saturday mornings at 9 am. We all gather at the starting post, we are welcomed and the course is explained. We clap to thank those volunteering. Then we’re off.
There are some super runners who go off like racehorses on grand national day, inbetweener runners and the joggers like me. As the fast runners pass us joggers they often say “well done” and we call back to them “amazing, you’re going well,” and in our turn us joggers give encouragement to the walkers. So, the joy is passed on.
Behind us joggers are the park-walkers and participants who use a mobility aid/wheelchair. There is a volunteer with the park walkers who makes sure they remain safe.
I started as a park-walker and was encouraged by another park-walker who told me that “it was a special space in his week where he could reflect upon life.” This was a turning point for me, as it is for many participants, because parkrun provides space and a special time to call to mind the past week. Whether you’re a fast runner, jogger, or walker. Park-run is a safe space where worries cannot enter your mind, which has to be focussed on the run. Also, parkruns are often in beautiful locations so participants can appreciate the beauty of nature.
At the end of the 5k there is always a group of volunteers cheering you on to finish and congratulating you as you pass the finish line. An added reward is that you’re safe in knowledge that you’ve earned an ice cream!
So, how does this stand up to living as a Christian:
In the Bible there are references to being resilient, caring for the stranger, encouraging others, generosity, supporting others, even running the race of life with endurance. I have observed that park-run mirrors these Christian principles and many more in the way it has been set up and the way it operates. Park-run is a little bit of Good News which gives joy to all who take part. Why don’t you give it a try, whether you’re a walker, jogger, runner or wish to volunteer.
Sending you a Blessing, Reverend Margaret.
The Huntspill News
The Huntspill News is now available in printed form or an electronic version View this month’s publication (PDF)
St Peter and All Hallows Church Heritage Project
Find out more under our Heritage Section Heritage Project and Huntspill Hub
As the project draws to an end, over 10 years since the formation of the Now and Beyond Group that was formed to look at where the Church was and where we wanted it to be, I can reflect with some joy for the journey we have been on and the position we find ourselves now in. This has been a community project driven by the two surveys which engaged the whole village. Read the latest progress report in full Heritage Project
The Benefice Church Halls
All Saints Church Hall, East Huntspill
Did you know that you can hire East Huntspill Church Hall for £25 per session? This includes heating and use of the kitchen. Ideal for children’s parties, family gatherings and other social events. Regular users £17.50 per session.
To book or for further details please contact Booking Clerk Ruth Edwards 01278 784329 easthuntspillchurchhall@hotmail.com
Balliol Hall, West Huntspill
The Hall is available for hire to members of the public and is a fantastic venue for events and occasions, such as parties, fund raising events, meetings, wedding receptions, indoor sports, clubs etc.
Its position right next to the Church makes it particularly convenient for refreshments before or after events at the Church.
There are two function rooms, the Main Hall and the School Room, as well as modern kitchen facilities.
For more information visit The Balliol Hall
Holy Cross Church Hall, Mark
Mark Church Hall is a small hall with a kitchen, toilets and a stage. Perfect for meetings or a party.
To book, or for further details please ring Peter Higman on 01278 641479