Benefice of Cheddar, Draycott and Rodney Stoke

Benefice of Cheddar, Draycott and Rodney Stoke A joint page for the three parish churches of St Andrew's (Cheddar), St Peter's (Draycott) and St Le St Leonard's, Rodney Stoke.

St Andrew's Church, Cheddar

Present building was built between 1350 and 1450. Earliest reference to a church in Cheddar is made in the will of King Alfred (died 901 AD). We have lot's happening including the following groups:
- Mothers Union
Please contact Marion Clegg on 01934 743083 for more information
- STARR
Drama group, always looking for new recruits both on stage and back stage!
- Messy

Church
Fun children's crafts, followed by a short act of worship and tea time for the children as well as a well earned cuppa for the adults!
- St Andrews Church Choir
The choir welcome any new members, please contact Wayne Hahn (Organist and Choirmaster). St Peter's, Draycott

St Peter’s is a relative newcomer among the churches in the Cheddar Valley, consecrated in 1861. An important change in the twentieth century was the removal of the pews, together with the installation of a kitchen area and toilet. This has made the church a highly flexible space for different formats of services, not to mention for social functions, concerts and the like (all of course in keeping with the serious purpose of the building). It also opens its doors to the adjacent Draycott and Rodney Stoke Church of England First School, whose pupils regularly use it for assemblies, end of term functions and the odd music practice.

-The Supporters of St Peter's (SOSP)
Host a coffee and cake morning on the first Saturday of every month, along with other enjoyable events through out the year, mostly in aid of the church along with other charities. St Leonard's is a Grade One, small, medieval church, first built in the 12th century and has been added to over the centuries. It has many visitors throughout the year, some of whom come from overseas. The church has some remarkable features inside. Most notably are the four monuments to the Rodney family in the chapel built in the 15th century. The pews in the nave, which seat about 80 people, have beautiful bench ends originally carved by the villagers. One of the stained glass windows, which has been recently restored, commemorates the safe return of the men and women who took part in the First World War and is known as the Thanksgiving Window.

-Friends of St Leonard's (FOSL)
Fundraise for the church by hosting a variety of village events throughout the year.

Buddy puts his stamp of approval on Deborah, on her brilliant completion of two years’ theological study and training to...
18/06/2026

Buddy puts his stamp of approval on Deborah, on her brilliant completion of two years’ theological study and training to be a Licensed Local Minister (old title “Reader”) for our Benefice!🐶😊👍

This biblically literate dog knows 2 Corinthians 1:22 (and has slightly amended it) …

“Buddy has claimed you as his own and put his paw upon you as a guarantee.”

Diocese of Bath & Wells

A great time was had at the Messy Church picnic today. Lots of families who played games, created some nature art and en...
13/06/2026

A great time was had at the Messy Church picnic today. Lots of families who played games, created some nature art and enjoyed racing. Rev. Ruth told the creation story and they prayed a wonderful noisy prayer, with the children joining in with animal noises! Then we had a lovely picnic tea.

Diocese of Bath & Wells
Go Team Advisers

It looks like the sun will be shining on Saturday for our outside Messy Church!Go Team AdvisersDiocese of Bath & Wells
11/06/2026

It looks like the sun will be shining on Saturday for our outside Messy Church!

Go Team Advisers
Diocese of Bath & Wells

The annual Mothers' Union Dinner held in Cheddar Village Hall on the evening of Wednesday June 3rd once again proved ver...
05/06/2026

The annual Mothers' Union Dinner held in Cheddar Village Hall on the evening of Wednesday June 3rd once again proved very popular.

The meal was open to both MU and non-MU members and was a real feast. In addition, the 32 present participated in a raffle raising money for MU projects and a sing-song with piano accompaniment by Hannah Biddlecombe.

Next year's meal is already being eagerly anticipated.
union

Celebrating 10 Years of Ministry with Revd Stuart BurnsOn Sunday, our three congregations came together for a special jo...
04/06/2026

Celebrating 10 Years of Ministry with Revd Stuart Burns

On Sunday, our three congregations came together for a special joint service in St Andrew's, Cheddar, to celebrate and give thanks for the 10 years that Revd Stuart has served our benefice with such dedication, care, and faithfulness.

Before the service, our children (aged 4 and above) shared words they felt best described Stuart, each beginning with a letter from REV STUART. Their thoughtful contributions were read aloud and enjoyed by the whole congregation, and can be found with the picture below, on of our favourites being... T-Rex! 😂

During the service, gifts from across the benefice were presented to Stuart as a token of our gratitude and appreciation. Among them was a particularly exciting gift – the opportunity to take to the skies in a glider and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the benefice he has faithfully served over the past decade.

Following the service, Stuart took part in a Desert Island Discs-style interview. We then gathered at Cheddar Village Hall for a delicious shared lunch.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to making the day so special and memorable. From planning and organising to providing food, gifts, and practical support, your time, effort, and generosity helped create a truly wonderful celebration.

Stuart, thank you for all you have given to our benefice over the last 10 years. We are grateful for your ministry, leadership, and friendship, and we look forward to sharing the next 10 years with you!



Diocese of Bath & Wells

04/06/2026

Planning is well underway way for a fun filled day! Make sure you put this in your diaries!!

Diocese of Bath & Wells

Date for your diaries!Diocese of Bath & WellsGo Team Advisers
25/05/2026

Date for your diaries!

Diocese of Bath & Wells
Go Team Advisers

Address

The Den, St Andrews Church House, Church Street
Cheddar
BS273RE

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