The Church

The present Church of St John the Baptist dates from 14th century and replaced a much earlier structure possibly Saxon or Norman. It was included in Simon Jenkins’ book “1000 Best Churches”, published in 1999.

The Church visitors’ book includes many comments about the beauty, tranquillity, peace and atmosphere of the church building, whether visiting for worship or more casually. Amongst the characteristics of the church are:

• A listed beautiful medieval building with tower and unusual Tudor windows to the north.
• Carved medieval rood screen complete with original paintings on the panels.
• Many of the wooden pews have medieval carved ends. There is seating for about 100 without additional chairs.
• There is an organ which was installed in 1979 and is used regularly in worship, supplemented by the use of pre recorded CDs.
• The outside of the tower includes a rare statue of the Madonna and Child, which underwent a programme of conservation in 1992 and consequently won the John Betjeman Award from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.
• There are six bells in the tower which are rung on special occasions.


The Fellowship

There is one service on each Sunday. Each month these include two Eucharists, based on Common Worship 1 or 2, Morning Prayer from Common Worship and a more informal Family Service with an occasional Family Communion.

The Church is the centre of the community and is often full to overflowing at weddings and funerals. Baptisms are also well attended and the church has developed a programme of preparation for baptism which involve the priest and lay people. The clergy have undertaken marriage preparation.

There are informal groups which meet for fellowship at various times; eg a Lent Study Group which meets with members from the United Reformed Church and Beta Group which has 8 members from the 3 parishes meeting weekly.

Calendar of forthcoming services and events

List of all services and events in this benefice

Other information