West Wratting Church

Churchwarden

Sebastian Bain
Phone: 01223 403415
Email Sebastian

West Wratting is a village to the south-east of Cambridge set amongst rolling countryside. The Parish Church of St Andrew stands at the end of The Causeway, a short road off the high street. The Causeway gives access to a few houses and also leads you up to the church, the backdrop being open countryside. St Andrew’s itself comprises a tower, nave, and chancel. In addition there is a south porch, and an 18th century brick-built vestry at the far end of the chancel, and between the vestry and the east end of the nave is sited a boiler house. St Andrew’s therefore does not have any aisles, but has a tall nave with clerestories.

The Domesday Book of 1086 mentions a church in West Wratting, probably of Saxon origin and built of wood. This is said to have been verified in 1730 during a restoration period when early Saxon foundations were discovered in the Nave walls and the remains of a Norman church were found in the Chancel. In the early 12th century Bishop Niel granted St Andrew’s to the infirmary of Ely, but of this nothing remains. Foundations said to have been discovered below the east end of the nave in the late 19th century may have been the footings of this earlier church, and possibly a central tower. The fabric of the church dates essentially from the 14th century. The clerestories, nave roof and south porch are likely to be 15th century. However, in 1737 St Andrew’s underwent a radical transformation when it was significantly classicised under the auspices of Sir John Jacob of West Wratting Park. This involved plaster panelling, by Italian craftsmen, to both the chancel and nave, including a classical semi-circular arch to the chancel, and a plastered ceiling to the chancel. Not only that the east window was replaced with a Venetian style window. The tracery to all the other windows was destroyed and clear glass put in. The south window in the sanctuary was blocked up. At this time the north vestry was built. He also beneficed an elegant marble font, a singers gallery at the west end, and new seating for the people. A three-decker pulpit was added to the Nave in front of the Chancel arch with the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments written on either side. At some point an organ was added to the gallery.

If you would like to watch a short video about West Wratting church please click on the image above.

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Vistors click here.

Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

First Sunday of the Month
On the first Sunday of the month we gather for our united service held at Balsham church at 10:30am. There is always a children’s church provided during each of these united services. Music is led by a choir, organ and music group. There is also an Evensong on the first Sunday held at Little Abington church at 6pm.

Second Sunday of the Month
On the second Sunday there are Communion services at Hildersham, Great Abington and West Wickham. There is morning worship at Balsham and Weston Colville and a café church at West Wratting at 4pm.

Third Sunday of the Month
On the third Sunday there are Communion services at West Wickham, Balsham and Weston Colville, morning worship at Little Abington and café church at Hildersham at 4pm.

Fourth Sunday of the Month
On the fourth Sunday there are Communion services at Great Abington at 8am and West Wratting at 10:45am, a breakfast church at Great Abington from 9pm and an Evensong at Hildersham at 6pm.

Where there is a fifth Sunday there will be a communion at [ ] and [ ]; and morning worship at [ ]

This pattern of services, however, will vary in the weeks prior to Christmas and Easter and details about these services will be on our website, in parish magazines and on church noticeboards.

images: Services

What about my children?

Children are very welcome at all of our services but there are services where there is particular provision for them.

On the first Sunday of every month we gather for our united service held at Balsham Church and during the service children and adults have the opportunity to continue exploring faith and the bible in the church hall. They then return in time to receive communion.

At West Wratting Café Church on the second Sunday of each month always begins with a child-friendly talk. After this an invited speaker will give a talk to adults – and any children who wish to remain - in one part of the church, whilst children-friendly activities are led in another part of the church.

The Hildersham Café Church on the third Sunday of each month is an intentional all-age gathering where we engage with faith and scripture in a creative, informal way, including discussion and both ancient and contemporary hymns. Children always play an important part in the readings, discussions and reflections.

The Abington Breakfast Church on the fourth Sunday of every month is also an all-age gathering where, after a shared breakfast, we listen to a story, engage with prayers stations and crafts, and share in a time of prayer and reflection. There is also a creche available at this service.

Each month there is a Children’s Church Council, which usually meets in Hildersham or Abington. The CCC reflects on faith, the bible and contemporary life, help to plan themes and activities for Sunday services and enjoys discussion, crafts and sometime nibbles and drinks!

Our children’s provision is led by members of the church community who are DBS checked.

Getting Connected

Church Groups

We believe that home groups can play a vital role helping churches and discipleship to flourish. These groups usually meet in someone’s home for study, discussion, prayer and fellowship. We have many different home groups within the Granta Vale Churches, ranging from bible study groups to theological reflection gatherings to prayer groups. If you would like to know anymore about any of these groups, please do contact either Iain or Jeanine for more information.

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the Granta Vale Churches you can learn more about how on out Get Involved page.

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to get in touch with us before your first visit. Get in touch and we will contact you and answer any questions you have.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

Leadership


Rev Iain McColl - Minister in Charge		Rev Kathy - Minister
Rev Iain has been the minister in charge of the Granta Vale Churches since 2018. Before he was a minister in the Church of England he was a corporate and commercial solicitor in London and Bristol. He enjoys football, cycling and swimming, loves theology and history and spending time with his wife and children.		Leader Intro

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at Granta Vale Churches.

Best Wishes

iain