Bellingham St Cuthbert

Safeguarding Statement

Year of consecration estimated 1180

Times of Services:  The dates and times of services are being revised - see home page and diary of services

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The 12th Century building was built with "aisles, choir and nave of four bays, with narrow aisles on each side." The stump ends of the springers of the arcades can still be seen protruding inside at each end of the nave. A south-aisle transept was also added in the 12th Century.

By 1609, the building was a roofless ruin. During the 17th Century the present vaulted stone ceilings of the south transept and nave were built. These comprise 'Roman' vault slabs laid on heavy ribs.

In the 18th Century. External buttresses were added to the nave.

A gallery, accessed by a step-ladder, was removed some time after the mid-18th Century.

After 1843, the roofs of the choir and nave/south transept were replaced and repaired respectively, two buttresses were built against the west gable and a west window was added.

In c. 1885 floors tiles and pews were added, central heating was installed and the south doorway was blocked.

In 1926 the pipe organ was installed on the north side of the nave, displacing the pulpit from the north side to the south side.

In c. 1960 the choir stalls were removed, a new altar rail was installed, the pulpit was returned to the north side and the organ was moved from there to the south transept.

In 1996-7 there was restoration of stonework, re-plastering, repairs to the central heating system and re-wiring.

In 2008, the organ, the sound of which did not carry well from the south transept, was moved to its present position in the north-west corner of the nave.

The post-Reformation font, an octagonal stone pillar, has a wooden carved cover with metal circlet inscribed in memory of those from the parish who died in the 1939 to 1945 World War. The cover was completed in 1952, under the supervision of the Newcastle firm of architects, Edwards and Manby. The base was made by Mr Hedworth, deservedly described by the architect as “a very good craftsman” and the carving of Mary and the infant Jesus was by Mr G.M. Dudley, Department of Fine Art, King’s College, Newcastle. The total cost, including the architects’ fee, was £28.13.0d – evidently this fine piece of work was a labour of love!

There is a piscina in the south transept.

Three cannon balls were found during the work on the nave and south transept roofs after 1843.

In the churchyard, affixed to the south wall, a memorial stone (Charlton) is dated 1628. The Long (Lang) Pack tomb on the north side of the church is associated with a gruesome murder (1723). Graves and a memorial of the Fife family (1914) include the name of a former mayor of Newcastle.

The site may be that of the earlier church where St Cuthbert performed a miracle, and near 'Cuddy's Well', which St Cuthbert found and consecrated.

Parish of St Cuthbert, Bellingham

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 5th March 2020 In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:

•   Promoting a safer environment and culture.
  

• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
  

• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
  

• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
  

• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
  

• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
  
  

The Parish will:

• Create a safe and caring place for all.
  

• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
  

• Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.

• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
  

• Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
  

• Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
  

• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
  

• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
  Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
  

• Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
  

• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.
  
  

• Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

This church appoints ___Cath Brennand_____ as the Parish Safeguarding Officer

Incumbent .....Rev Dr Susan M Ramsaran..............................................................

Churchwardens .....John Stevenson and Cath Brennand..............................................................................................

Date: 12th July 2020