Last updated 20th July 2023
The Archdeacons are keen to support you as you take up the important role of Churchwarden - whether for the first time or as an expereienced warden.
Their annual briefings (visitations) are aimed particularly for new wardens, but all are welcome to attend the training/briefing event in each Archdeaconry once a year.
The Archdeacons lead guest speakers through topics of interest, and encourage questions, so that we share information and experience.
If you have queries, please contact either Archdeacons' office.
This year's panel included a representative from Lancashire Archives (also see below) as well as Ecclesiastical and our Registry. If you wish to have the notes of the meeting please contact secretary.adlancaster@blackburn.anglican.org
The presentation used at past training events is still a helpful resource, but certain aspects may need updating.
The Archdeacons also suggest this booklist for Churchwardens and PCC members - many of the books may be available second hand via the usual websites. You could also ask if previous wardens have a copies they could pass on to you. Some books have been updated, such as the Practical Church Management and make sure you are using the Church Representation Rules 2020
The national Parish Resources website is a great source of information for Churchwardens.
We recommend that Churchwardens apply for a CofE Portal account Once registered you have easy access to a number of useful tools and national church websites in one place.
Lancashire Archive Office
Lancashire Archives cares for most of the original records from Church of England parishes in the Diocese of Blackburn. At our specialist archive premises in Preston we securely store huge collections of parish records and help visitors to use the records for their local and family history research.
The Diocese of Blackburn parish records contain thousands of minute books, account books, letters, title deeds, plans and photographs – as well as the more commonly used registers of baptisms, marriages and burials. The collections tell the stories of communities throughout Lancashire and are of vital importance to the history of the County.
Presentation used in July 2023 from Keri Nicholson, Archivist at the Archives Office is here
You can find out more about which parishes we hold records for by using this guide Church registers guide - Lancashire County Council or searching our online catalogue LANCAT: Home Page (lancashire.gov.uk).
You can arrange to view material at the Archives by contacting us at archives@lancashire.gov.uk or calling 01772 533039.
Lancashire Archives helps the Diocese of Blackburn fulfil its responsibilities in preserving church records. We actively collect material from parishes and welcome enquiries concerning the transfer of new records to the archives. Please contact us at archives@lancashire.gov.uk and we can offer advice on the types and formats of records of historic value, or to arrange a deposit of material. There is also information about depositing records here
Eccelesiastical Insurance
Heather Ford, BA(Hons) PG Dip, Church Insurance Consultant in the Church Operations Team at Ecclesiastical (www.ecclesiastical.com) covered aspects of insurance.
Details of what Heather covered here and her 2023 Presentation is here
Heather has provided links to various website resources referred to in the presentation and an electronic copy of role resume together with contact details.
There are various inspection regimes for system and items in the church building and the details can be found below.
|
Item |
Frequency |
Helpful guidance |
|
Electrical Installation |
5 years |
Church Electrical Wiring | Risk Management (ecclesiastical.com)
|
|
Lightning Conductor |
4 years |
Church Lightning Advice | Risk Management (ecclesiastical.com) |
|
Smart water |
5 years |
SmartWater For Churches | Risk Management (ecclesiastical.com) |
|
Alarm Systems |
Annually |
|
|
Fire extinguishers |
Annually |
|
|
Fixed heating systems |
Annually |
Church Heating Systems | Risk Management (ecclesiastical.com) |
In addition Ecclesiastical has produced a risk management tool for open churches, for heat pumps and information about PAT testing is available from HSE
Ecclestiastical has produced a Risk Management Calendar to use throughout the year and topics will be featured on a monthly e-newsletter. To sign up for this please see their website by clicking: Newsletter sign-up page
Rev Canon Andrew Holliday is the new Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC). He introduced the role of the DAC, building matters, and faculties. The DAC has its own section on the Diocesan website.
Canon Prof John Rodwell gave an overview of the excellent practical support available to manage land and buildings to achieve carbon neutrality - and to encourage you to become 'wardens of creation'. His presentation is here together with some useful links here. You may want to keep an eye on the Creation Care and Environment section of the website. Carbon Neutral guidance notes are here.
The Registrar, Lisa Moncur, and Paddy Brown, Clerk to the Registry, presented on Churchyard regulations and marriage documentation/issues. Their presentation contains much very useful detail here
At the Blackburn Briefing, Mark Ireland introduced Andrew Holliday, Heather Short and John Rodwell. As well as the above information Archdeacon Mark presented three further useful documents