It has been proposed that St Mary’s Combpyne becomes a Chapel of Ease in the enlarged and renamed Parish of Axmouth with Combpyne and Rousdon. The congregation of Combpyne is very small with only two PCC members but residents of Combpyne and Rousdon value the building for its history and heritage. A new Combpyne and Rousdon Friends group are willing to care for the building so that it can remain open as a place of worship.
As a Chapel of Ease, up to 12 services a year can be held, including the main festivals and acts of remembrance. Baptisms, funeral services and burials can still take place and it is intended to license the church for marriages. Importantly, it would not require Churchwardens or a separate PCC. All legal obligations would lie with the PCC of the new enlarged parish, to which members of the combined electoral roll would be eligible for election.
Various issues such as responsibility and financial implications have been discussed and the Church Commissioners are now ready to publish the proposals for public consultation. The official Draft Pastoral Scheme(p76) has been posted in Axmouth and Combpyne churches. Do please read it here.
Please note that large print and audio copies are available on request.
Anyone may make representations to the Commissioners for or against all or any parts of the draft Scheme. Please include the reasons for your views and send preferably by email to:
For the Attention of Jos Waters, Pastoral Division, Church Commissioners, Church House, Great Smith Street, LONDON SW1P 3AZ
All representations to reach the above no later than Tuesday 5th May 2026. If the commissioners have not acknowledged receipt of your representation before this date, please ring 020 7898 1075 or email to ensure it has been received.
Jenny Holland
Secretary Axmouth PCC 29th March 2026
