Key Towns/Cities:
Wakefield, Pontefract, Barnsley
Population:
Approx. 460,000, covering Wakefield Metropolitan District and most of Barnsley Borough.
Community and Diversity:
Once a major coal mining centre, now home to a vibrant arts community and diverse population. Includes significant South Asian and Muslim communities; Wakefield is a City of Sanctuary for asylum seekers, based at St Michael's Church Wakefield.
Famous for:
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Hepworth Gallery, Pontefract Castle, Cannon Hall Farm, Nostell Priory, National Coal Mining Museum, Monk Bretton Priory, Yorkshire Rhubarb Festival and Pontefract Licorice Festival. Birthplace of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.
Church Life:
36 benefices, 65 parishes, 64 clergy in post (not including curates), usual weekly adult attendance of 3654, usual weekly child attendance of 470, 29 church schools (26 primary, 3 secondary). Churches engaged in “Leading Your Church into Growth” and creative community outreach.
Recent Developments:
Every Good Work youth project covering three central Wakefield benefices, Barnsley Food Pantry at St George's Barnsley, Muddy Church at St Cuthbert's Ackworth, environmental improvements including retro-fitted curate's house at South Kirkby and achievement of net zero with solar panels and new lighting system at St Giles Pontefract. The Romero Project in Athersley, Barnsley, does a great work in supporting those who need welfare rights and advice