Parish of Downham with South Hanningfield and Ramsden Bellhouse

Welcome to our Parish which consists of three churches in the diocese of Chelmsford, Essex:

St Margaret Downham, St Peter South Hanningfield, and St Mary the Virgin Ramsden Bellhouse

We share a Priest in Charge with two other parishes:

All Saints Stock and St Mary & St Edward West Hanningfield

Our five churches together are known as The Reservoir Group and are also part of a Mission and Ministry Unit known as The Compass Group.

Get in touch

Phone us: ‭07704 777511‬

Email us

What's on

Parish Group Holy Communion

Monthly. Every Third Sunday at for 1 hour
Please note that this event will not be taking place on the following dates: 20 Dec 2026
Downham: St Margaret
Castledon Road Downham Billericay, CM111LG, United Kingdom

Every 3rd Sunday of the month, the 3 churches in our Parish Group come together for worship at St Margaret, Downham

Public Meeting about the future of St Mary's

for 1 hour, 30 mins
Ramsden Bellhouse Village Hall
Church Road, Ramsden Bellhouse, CM11 1RN, United Kingdom

St Mary’s church has been closed since April this year following the collapse of a section of the ceiling, and, as the congregation is very small, and the cost of repairs could range from around £100,000 to around £250,00, we are inviting members of the wider community to attend a public meeting about the future of the church. See the attachment for more details.

View attachment

Holy Communion

Every Second, Fourth Sunday at for 1 hour
Downham: St Margaret
Castledon Road Downham Billericay, CM111LG, United Kingdom

Holy Communion

Our churches

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding children, young people, victims of domestic abuse and vulnerable adults.

The PCC has adopted the Church of England's policies and best practice on safeguarding. Click here to see the Church of England Safeguarding Policies.

Chelmsford Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be contacted at [email protected] or call: 01245 294444.

Social Service contact numbers: 0345 603 7630 for adult social services, 0345 603 7627 for children's social services. Out of hours for both, call: 0345 606 1212

In a safeguarding emergency, dial 999