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SHOOBRIDGE FUNERAL SERVICES
St. Mary's Church, Offwell
"We work with local church administrators to create personal and caring funeral arrangements
for the deceased and their loved ones."
Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Offwell Parish Church records, date back to the early thirteenth century, about, 1218. Prior to this, up to the middle of the twelfth century, churches were the private property of the family who built them. Following this, churches passed to monastic foundations or the Bishop as did St. Mary's though the previous family owners retained the right to appoint a vicar of their choosing.
With the wave of church building in England at that time, the building would not have appeared as it does today in fact, the tower and the north aisle would have been added centuries later. Using local resources, as was common in this area, chert – a microfibrous sedimentary rock would have been used with Beer stone with limestone for the floors.
Since October 2012, the Reverend Peter Walker is, and has been, the Priest In Charge of the parishes of, Offwell, Northleigh, Cotleigh, Farway and Widworthy. As large an undertaking as that seems, Peter trained in Australia, was ordained as Deacon and Priest for Tasmania; spent time in England followed by a Chaplaincy to ex –pats on the Costa del Sol, Europe.
An official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village is unique in numerous ways and no visitor will leave without a memory etched deeply into their souls. Picturesque views surround you on all fronts and though the local Post Office closed due to economic cuts, the village shop remains open as does the local school, village hall and other local amenities.
Attaining the Best Kept Village award in 2004, 2008 and 2013 and 'Runners-up' in 2014, gives an indication of the care and dedication of the community and though the churchyard is full, apart from the interment of Ashes, across the road, the annexe remains open for burials.
Church and village events have also benefitted tremendously from modern times and an extremely useful website www.offwell.org gives up-to-date information on local events and activities.
Village life is extremely active and includes the Men's Breakfast Club, Offwell Sports and Social Club, Metafit Classes, the Ladies Lunch Club, Whist Club and W.I. as well as meetings of the Parish Council.
Visitors to the church are always welcome and the church remains active for services of worship, baptisms, weddings and funerals as well as maintaining its close links and support of, Offwell Church of England Primary School.
A PERSONAL SERVICE
Looking to plan ahead for service in Offwell?
At Shoobridge Funeral Services, we can assist with a pre-paid funeral plan to ensure that everything is 'taken care of' in advance of a bereavement in order to provide you, the family, with a degree of, 'peace of mind.'
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