Forty years ago, six churches—Badgworth, Biddisham, Christon, Compton Bishop, Loxton, and Weare joined together to form Crook Peak United Parish. Now, in 2025, the community is coming together once again to celebrate this milestone with a series of events designed to honour history, faith, and fellowship. For the past four decades the benefice has stood together in faith and has grown and been strengthened by a shared purpose and connection.
The anniversary celebrations which will take place throughout February and early March, offer something for everyone. There are an opportunities to reflect on the past, to celebrate the present, but also look to the future. Events include a bell-ringing workshop at Badgworth St. Congar’s on 15 February, an history talk on The Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Christon on 8 February, and an engaging concert by George Evans at Biddisham St. John the Baptist’s on 22 February featuring music from the past 40 years.
For those who enjoy exploring history, Compton Bishop St. Andrew’s will host tower tours and nature trails, while Biddisham will have a local history display with traditional Sunday teas. A special quiz will also be available for participants to test their knowledge of the six churches, with a chance to win a shopping voucher. A highlight of the celebrations will be the Teddy Bear Fun Day on 1 March at Weare, where children (and adults) can watch their teddies parachute from the church tower, followed by games, a treasure hunt, and a picnic. A special editionn
The celebrations will conclude on Sunday, 2 March, with a Holy Communion service at Weare St. Gregory’s, led by Bishop Michael Beasley, this will be followed by a community lunch.
All events are free, but people are asked to make a donation, if they are able, to support six charities: Water Aid, Ripple Effect, Christians Against Poverty, Weston Hospicecare, Somerset Sight, and Cheddar Foodbank.
To join Crook Peak Parish in celebrating 40 years of faith, history, and community, to learn more about them, or find out how you can visit one of the six churches, check the ‘A Church Near You’ website. You can also read all about it in a special edition of a special edition of Contact, the parish magazine