Reorganisation of our Benefice

The Diocese of Salisbury have proposed a change to the organisation of the local benefice including Mere. The proposal is for the parish of Maiden Bradley to be joined with the Benefice of Upper Stour, and for our Benefice to be Mere with West Knoyle. If local residents have any objections to this change, representations should be made before the end of August 2023. Here is a summary of the proposed statement:

This draft Scheme provides for the transfer of the parish of Maiden Bradley in the benefice of Mere with West Knoyle and Maiden Bradley to the benefice of Upper Stour in the diocese of Salisbury where it shall continue distinct, for the selection of the incumbent for the enlarged latter benefice and for the consequential amendment of benefice names.

Following a period of consultation, local consensus has been reached about the future of the benefices of Upper Stour and Mere with West Knoyle and Maiden Bradley, with the intention that the parish of Maiden Bradley be transferred into the benefice of Upper Stour (where it shall continue distinct (which will allow for the suspension of presentation to that benefice to be lifted by the provision of a full-time incumbent).

Bishop of Salisbury

Read the full statement (PDF). For more details and to submit a comment visit the Church of England website.