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.
As Lent Approaches
During February we move into Lent - a time when we can reflect more deeply on our relationship with Jesus. Traditionally this is a period marked by different types fasting as a way of recognising Jesus’ sacrifice and bringing some discipline into our spiritual journeys. Perhaps you are already thinking of things that you might give up? There are, though, other ways to mark this season.
This year, I would like to offer a Lent Course to help us explore our faith and grow closer together as a community. I really hope a good number of you will be able to join us. It will run on Friday afternoons at 2pm starting on 24th Feb. If you are interested, please register here or let Revd Nigel know. I will then arrange the venue to fit the size of the group!
There are also some excellent devotional books which give a short Bible reading, reflection and ideas for prayer. I have some in my library that I’m happy to lend out and would be happy to suggest booklets or online resources that are easy to use.
Looking back, I can’t believe that it was during Lent 2022 that Heidi and I came on our ‘interview’ tour. On that day, some folk apologised for having flowers in their buildings. However, for me, these were a great reminder that even as we focus on Jesus’ sacrifice in the weeks ahead, we know that beyond it lies the hope and victory that Easter brings.
With gratitude and blessings, Revd Nigel Moat
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.
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.
PCC Day - Saturday 25th March
We have now confirmed the date for this year's PCC day based on the responses we have received in terms of availability. This will be held on Saturday 25th March starting at 10am. More details about the location and agenda will be released nearer the time.
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.
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 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.