St Mary's Church, Mudford

                                     May 2026

Dear Mudford Residents,

When I arrived here just over a year ago as Rector of five villages, we

churchgoers had a choice - maintain five small congregations, or build one

thriving one. After much observing, listening and talking, we - together –

made what has proved to be a good decision.

The Ark Group is one Church (congregation) based in five churches

(buildings) and serving five villages – Ashington, Chilton Cantelo,

Mudford, Marston Magna and Rimpton. We meet for worship once a

week, at the same time every week (10.30). The churches take turns to host

our service, to which we all travel the short distance from our home

villages. Our Sunday congregation now regularly numbers 40 or 50 and we

are welcoming new and returning members most weeks.

The next step in our development is the launch of a new magazine for our

villages. Although “The Ark Group” is the name of a group of parish

churches, The Ark Magazine will contain material of relevance to the

whole community. All being well, the first issue will be published in June,

so May sees the last edition of “What’s On”.

We all owe a huge debt of thanks to Jo Dalton-Leggett and to Janice and

Chris Horsman for the production and delivery of “What’s On” over many

years and to Fiona Richardson for delivery in her neighbourhood. I trust

they will continue to be involved with the new magazine – as will all of

you. The magazine’s guiding principle and primary aim is to strengthen

and support our community. So it will feature all the useful information

you’d expect, along with articles by, and about, our neighbours, with lots of

photographs. Its success will depend upon everyone’s willingness to

contribute, so please look out for it on your doormat next month. I hope

you enjoy it.

One of the features will be “Pet of the Month”, and, on that theme, I call

your attention to the invitation to a Pet Service.

With all good wishes,

Richard

richardtherector@hotmail.com