FOR the past five years, the Church of England parish of Well and Snape has been led by the Reverend David Cleeves, of Masham, as priest-in-charge.

At the church's annual parochial meeting, held in Well Institute, Mr Cleeves announced that, after discussion with all the local churches and the Archdeacon, plans are now being made for the parish to be formally linked with Masham, Healey, North Stainley and West Tanfield in a united benefice.

Mr Cleeves thanked all who faithfully and generously support the services and work of the churches in Snape and Well and said he hoped that the new arrangements would strengthen their mission and pastoral work in the two villages, as well as fellowship with the others in the new grouping.

He and David Webster, churchwarden at Well, reported that a new bid had been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a substantial grant to help repair the medieval parish church, especially its tower and nave roof, which will cost £137,000. If successful, it is hoped that this urgently needed work will be done by next spring and then plans will be discussed about developing the interior as a community building as well as a worship centre.

In the annual report, the churchwarden of Snape, John Knopp, noted that the small Elizabethan chapel in the village had a regular stream of visitors and a new altar kneeler had recently been given to it.

There are fortnightly services in each of the churches and special ones at Christmas taken by the priest-in-charge, as well as the curate, the Reverend Marjorie Warner, and retired clergy. There is also a carol service in the Castle Arms, ecumenical occasions with the Methodist church in Snape and shared services across the benefice.

The treasurer, Ann Russell, presented the parish accounts for 2014 showing an income of £12,446 and expenditure of £11,152, but noted that the parish had again been unable to pay fully its share of ministry costs as part of the deanery and diocese.

She noted the special fundraising events held and thanked those who had organised them, but hoped that the budget for the new Leeds diocese would set Well and Snape a more realistic target for its contribution.

Ian McCarroll said that there were now 35 people on the parish electoral roll.

Mr Knopp, the parochial church council secretary, noted that attendance at services in the two churches remained steady, though small, but there is a good spirit among members and support shown to people in the community who are in special need or celebrating family events. Social events are well supported.

Mr Knopp and Mr Webster were unanimously re-elected churchwardens with Alison Knopp as deanery representative. Re-elected to the church council were Ian McCarroll, Ann Russell, Janet Seel and Jennifer Smirthwaite.