Groups and Clubs
We are involved and help lead a range of groups and clubs in and around the Priory. and village. We hope there is something for everyone.
Currently all our groups are meeting differently or are only able to keep in touch remotely. If you would like to find out more please contact the organiser or the Parish Secretary.
Bell Ringers
We are a very active band of bell ringers, and practice every Wednesday at 20:00 until 21:00 and every Sunday from 10:00 to 10:25.
Our Tower Captain is Doug Sim. Please email or phone him on 01946 824898 if you are interested in knowing more about our bell tower or bell ringing.
The picture behind this text shows the eight bells of St Bees Priory, Cumbria, shown in the "up" position, in which they are normally left during rests in a ringing session. When being rung they swing through a full circle from mouth upwards round to mouth upwards, and then swing back again. They are controlled by ropes on full-circle wheels. This method of ringing is know as "English full-circle bell ringing". Bells cast in 1857 by Charles and George Mears of Whitechapel.
St Bees Choir
The church choir has a large membership with a dozen or more singers being present most Sundays. At other times, particularly University holidays it can increase to two dozen or more with returning past members joining in.
The choir practices every Sunday morning at 09:30 in Old College Hall ready for the 10:30 service in the Priory. They regularly sing anthems during these services, perform regular recitals at the Priory and elsewhere, frequently in association with another local choir, the Priory Singers. There is a certain amount of cross-membership!
New members are always welcome, be they young or old, tenor, baritone or soprano or alto. If you would like to join in with the great tradition of this long-standing choir, they would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact their choirmaster and Priory organist, Frank Bowler.
Contact details –
Frank Bowler – 01946 825307
Email – grumps@stbees.org.uk
Embroidery Group
The Embroidery Group consist of a number of highly skilled ladies who produce, and have produced, some beautiful work for the Priory, as can be seen from the attached photos. They meet most weeks throughout the year in New College Hall, on Friday afternoons from 2.00 till 4.30 pm.
Contact is Dorothy Smith.
Priory Prayer Group
The Priory Prayer Group meets in New College Hall every Thursday afternoon from 1.45 pm to 3.15 pm. All denominations welcome. The group enjoys fellowship through music, discussion and prayer, followed by a social cup of tea.
Contact revbgibbs@outlook.com
Men’s Breakfast Club
The second Saturday of each Month is a time to enjoy a magnificent breakfast and an interesting discussion immediately afterwards. Topics are wide-ranging and usually led by members of the group. In the past few months these have included “money” “Christmas” “Looking at death”. Occasionally Biblical passages are considered but the emphasis is on small group discussion, free-wheeling and entertaining.
Breakfast starts at 8-00 a.m. in the New College Hall and finish around 9.15 am.
All are welcome but for catering, numbers need to be known beforehand. Please contact Parish Secretary – Mrs Vicky Bearman.
Email – enquiries@stbeespriory.org.uk
Good Neighbours
The parish is divided into 30 small areas each with an official Church Visitor whose task is to welcome, inform and assist in the name of the Priory. The coordinator is Margaret Westhead. An Annual Meeting is held to share notes and liaise with one another.
Friends of the Priory
We assist in the conservation of the Priory and encourage interest in its historical and architectural heritage.
If you are interested in finding out more about what we do, or if you would like to become a member, please contact us.
Chairman – Philip Barratt or Treasurer – Tom Rice.
Priory Singers
The Priory Singers are a community choir, mainly St Bees, who meet regularly in Old College Hall to rehearse. They give recitals in the Priory and elsewhere.
Conductors are Hugh Turpin and Frank Bowler.
Safeguarding
The welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is an absolute priority for us. Safeguarding shows God's love in action and in churches demonstrates safety and security, where abuse and mistreatment of others is not tolerated.
St Bees Priory is signed up to and abides by the Church of England Policy on Safeguarding and Carlisle Diocese Safeguarding Policy
Our Safeguarding Advisor is Hilary Hemm – safeguarding@stbeespriory.co.uk
For more information and who to contact if you are concerned that someone you know about may be suffering harm please visit our Safeguarding page.
Contact Us
Parish Secretary: Emma-Jane Taylor
Email: enquiries@stbeespriory.co.uk
c/o The Vicarage
St Bees Priory, St Bees
Cumbria, CA27 0DR
Church Treasurer: Norman Killip
Email: treasurer@stbeespriory.org.uk
Priest in Charge: Rev’d Becky Gibbs
Phone: 01946 822279
Email: revbgibbs@outlook.com