Welcome to The Solway Plain
Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2023
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The Solway Plain covers an area of 40 square miles in one of the loveliest and most unspoilt parts of England. The area, located between the sea and the Lake District fells, and somewhat misleadingly known as the Solway Plain, is anything but flat. Among the hills and hollows of the lovely undulating landscape are scattered hamlets and villages, each with their own character. The Solway Firth coast forms the northern border of the Team and is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The A596 Carlisle-Wigton-Aspatria road roughly defines the southern border.
Apart from Silloth, which is a seaside town, the other parishes are in a rural setting with scattered populations. All of these parishes are predominantly agricultural – mostly milk production – although now few people are employed on the family farms. The price of milk means that many farms run at a loss, and most cannot diversify. The amalgamation of smaller farms into larger units has created vacant properties, and allowed retired people from outside the area to move into these properties. The major employers are located in the market towns of Wigton, Aspatria and Maryport, and in the larger towns of Workington and Carlisle. Silloth is also a port whose imports include cereals for the flour mill located in the dock area which employs staff throughout the Team area.
The Solway Plain Parish is part of the Church of England in Cumbria. The Diocese of Carlisle has signed a 'Declaration of Intent' to work with the Cumbria Methodist District, United Reformed Church in Cumbria and the Salvation Army.
As part of the 'Growing Together' of the denominations, the Solway Plain is working with the neighbouring churches to forward the ministry and mission of the church in this area and the formation of the Solway Plain Mission Community.
The Solway Plain Parish is a Registered Charity No. 1187312
Safeguarding
The PCC has adoped the House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy for children, young people and adults
For full details of our Safeguarding Policy and important contact numbers follow this link
Data Protection