The Ouse Valley Benefice
Bexwell + Crimplesham + Denver + Hilgay
Ryston + Southery + Ten Mile Bank
Welcome to the Ouse Valley Benefice
Welcome to the Ouse Valley Benefice - a group of Churches in West Norfolk that are part of the Diocese of Ely. The Benefice comprises seven rural villages and their churches in or close to the Norfolk fens: Bexwell, Crimplesham, Denver, Hilgay, Ryston, Southery, and Ten Mile Bank. The Benefice came into existence in January 2022 succeeding several earlier groupings to make more coherent geographical sense.
Meet Our Vicar
The Revd Nigel Moat has recently joined us after being inducted by Bishop Dagmar, Bishop of Huntingdon, in July. He joins us from the West Norfolk Priory Group where he served as Curate. Nigel and his wife Heidi have grown to love West Norfolk and are really excited to serve here in the Ouse Valley Benefice.
Prior to being ordained, Nigel worked in the electronics and software industry, but followed his calling to ordination - he trained initially in the Diocese of Lincoln, and then in the Diocese of Ely following his marriage to Heidi.
New Beginnings
My family are celebrating several new beginnings in September - one has a new job, another is off to university, our eldest grandchild is going up to secondary school and our youngest is starting primary. New shoes have been bought by both old and young, and they are all asking the all important question, ‘What if I get lost?’
January, April, September, Advent…there are several points in the year when we mark fresh starts. Depending on your stage in life, some are more important than others, but one thing they have in common is that they all bring change. New beginnings are central to the Bible too. As God’s salvation story unfolds, there are radical new beginnings for creation, nations, peoples and individuals. Think about Noah, Moses, Ruth, Jesus’ disciples, Paul…the list is vast. In fact, everyone in the Bible faced change!
God knows that change can be daunting and scary. In fact, throughout the scriptures the Lord reassures us that he is with us and ready to help us in every situation we face. This verse sums it up so well: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand ~ Isaiah 41.10
Change also brings opportunities for growth. We know our grandchildren will soon be loving their new schools once they find their way around and make new friends. Likewise, stepping out in faith, strengthens our trust in the Lord and helps us to grow spiritually.
September is an exciting new season for the Ouse Valley Benefice. Please read inside to find out more about the fresh ventures God is leading us into. As I said in my August letter, I can’t achieve all this alone…It takes teamwork to make God’s dreams work! Your ideas, help, support and prayers mean so much. You are a vital part of his work in our communities and I’m excited to see what God has in store for us all.
With gratitude and blessings, Revd Nigel Moat
Most Recent Notices
Ely Cathedral Parish Pass
If you are on the electoral roll of any of the churches in the Ouse Valley Benefice, you can apply for a free pass allowing you to visit Ely Cathedral without having to pay an entrance fee. To apply for a pass complete the application form and ask your churchwarden (or Revd Nigel Moat) to counter sign it. You can then take the completed form, together with proof of your address, to the Ticket and Information Desk at Ely Cathedral between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday to receive you pass.
Diocese of Ely Discipleship and Vocations
The Diocese of Ely have a number of Discipleship and Vocations courses available should this be something you feel you are being called to. See below for the current courses and experience days that are on offer. For me details see our vocations page.
News and Events
For all our latest news and events, please see our News and Events page which is regularly updated.
You can also catch up on all the latest information in our monthly newsletter. Click the button below to see the latest edition.
Baptisms, Wedding and Funerals.
If you would like to arrange a baptism, wedding or funeral in any of our churches, please see out Life Events pages. There you will find more information about how these can be arranged. For baptisms we would like to point you in the direction of our baptism coordinator who will guide you through the process. For weddings, your first point of call would be our Vicar, the Revd Nigel Moat. Funerals would normally be arranged via your chosen funeral director - but equally, you can contact Revd Nigel directly if you would like more information.
360 Church Tours
All Saint's Church, Hilgay
St Mary's Church, Crimplesham
St Mary's Church, Bexwell
St Mary's Church, Fordham
Deepening Your Relationship with Jesus
You will find some links below to various resources that you might use to deepen your relationship with Jesus. If you would like to suggest some other resources please let us know!
A free bible app that is available online and on your smart phone.
The daily prayer app from the Church of England.
A free daily devotional with Bible teachings.
Pray consistently for the people and causes you care about.
Online Service
Some of our services from Bexwell can be found online. Everyone is more than welcome to join us. Please see the calendar for the online services - the zoom link and Meeting ID's can be found in the calendar entries for each. If you have any problems accessing the zoom service please drop as a line by contacting is using this online form.
Daily Prayer from the Church of England
You can catch up with the Church of England daily prayer here.