Directory

You can search the diocesan database for parishes and mission communities and to find out contact details for clergy, readers and parish officers, where they have given their permission to be included.

Benefice Details for Fremington, Instow and Westleigh

Archdeaconry: Barnstaple
Deanery: Barnstaple

Clergy in the benefice

Rev Chris Painter
Vicar

The Vicarage, 9 Springfield Crescent, Fremington, Barnstaple, EX31 2QB
Tel: 01271 649351
Email Rev Chris Painter

Parishes in the benefice

Instow

Westleigh

Fremington

Bishop Jackie Prepares to Lay Down her Crozier as She Retires

The Bishop of Crediton will mark her retirement with a special farewell service at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 18 January. The Rt. Rev’d Jackie Searle has been in her role since 2018. She said that after over six years in post she felt that now was the right time to retire. She said “I’ve so enjoyed ministry here. I’ve felt called to it right from the start. At my consecration as a bishop, I had…

Choir Church at Devon School Equips Children Musically for Life and Worship

A Choir initiative which encourages children and young people to learn and develop musical skills has been flourishing throughout it’s first year of launching in a primary school in Devon, St Michael’s Church of England Primary Academy, in Exeter, began a Choir Church scheme in January 2024. Choir Church is a national initiative, which was first planted in St George in the East Church, in East London. It is built around children’s choirs in schools,…

Bishop of Exeter’s New Chaplain a former teacher and parish priest

The Rev’d Jo Stobart has been appointed as the Bishop of Exeter’s new chaplain. She will succeed the Rev’d Jane Chamberlain, who is retiring in February after over two years in the role. Rev’d Stobart is currently Vicar of Ilminster and Whitelackington, and Area Dean of Somerset South in the Bath & Wells diocese. Jo said “I grew-up in west London and, excluding my time at university in Yorkshire, during my adult life it seems…

Bishop Jackie’s New Year Message

Bishop Jackie shares a New Year Message for 2025: For the last few years my husband has made a calendar, featuring photos from the past year, as a Christmas gift for family. Each month reveals a happy reminder from the previous year – a family wedding, a beautiful walk, a sunny holiday. What it can’t do is look ahead – this is where you will be in the coming year! That’s just not possible. As…

Bishop of Exeter to Visit Exeter Prison and St Petrock’s Homelessness Charity on Christmas Day

The new Bishop of Exeter will begin his first Christmas Day in Devon by leading the Midnight Communion service at Exeter Cathedral, before visiting a prison and a homelessness centre, as well as spending time with his own family. The Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison was enthroned as the 72nd Bishop of Exeter in November. On 25 December he will visit Exeter Prison to lead a Christmas service, before travelling onto the city’s St Petrock’s…