St Anne, Bucks Mills

St Anne’s is a relatively new church having been built in 1862 largely at the expense of Jane Elwes, the mistress of the Walland Cary Estate.  Up to 1949 the estate and its main house occupied what is now the large caravan park on the A39 at Bucks Cross.  The church was built to meet the needs of the estate workers.

 

The Ecclesiastical Parish was carved out of Parkham and Woolfardisworthy Ecclesiastical and Civil Parishes and is not a Civil Parish in its own right.  The Church is situated on a steep hill running between Bucks Cross and Bucks Mills. It has excellent acoustics.  There is a small car park in a quarry beside it.  The churchyard is now closed and is the responsibility of Torridge District Council.   There is a cemetery in Bucks Cross that is the responsibility of the PCC. The church is left open at all times and we are proud of the recognition that this receives and is recorded in the visitors’ book.  The small but dedicated congregation has worked hard to keep St Anne’s viable as a focus for worship and has discovered a niche in the community that caters for particular needs within the team.

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Generally there three services a month on the first, second and fourth Sunday. In addition it has been custom to hold evensong on the third Sunday during summer months and there is a team service held on the 5th Sunday in rotation. We hold a carol service on Christmas Eve at 6.30 pm when the church is packed with local people and visitors. In May the Braund Society holds an annual thanksgiving service in the church. Harvest thanksgiving is held in September annually and is followed by a harvest supper in the hall. Lay led services are held on the first Sunday in the month; this is based on morning service and is led by PCC and other members of the congregation.

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The Church is in reasonable repair although the slate nails require replacement and stonework and rainwater goods need repair and replacement. The electric wiring and distribution box was completely replaced and updated 3 years ago.  Other repairs are dealt with on a self-help basis as and when necessary. 

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We meet our financial commitments. A variety of fundraising activities are held to raise money for refurbishment and repairs. St. Anne’s is a delightful church with a committed and caring congregation.