Facilities and features
Accessibility
There is a lay-by at the East end of the Church. There is also of the road parking in front of the houses at the West end of the Church.
We now have an accessible/baby change toilet (funded for a year), situated outside the North door. It can be accessed from inside during services or from outside at any other time.
The entrance is all level and there is a low gradient ramp into the Chancel.
We have a sound reinforcement system fitted including an induction loop.
Large print hymn books and service books are available.
Assistance dogs welcome.
Our Building
The church is open every day during daylight hours for private prayer.
St Mary's is an ancient Saxon foundation, originally dedicated to St Gregory in 771. Underwent rebuilding through King Canute in in mid 11th Century and then by the powerful Neville family through the 12th - 15th Centuries. Still the home of an active Christian Community, the building never-the-less is widely appreciated by historians, architects and archaeologists.
Music and Worship
We have 8 bells and use ringers from all over the deanery. We are able to ring before our Sunday services and for weddings but as yet do not have our own team. Please contact Alex Johnston: [email protected] or Helen Scott: [email protected] for more information or to get involved.
The church does host occasional concerts once or twice a year, e.g. choirs. silver bands, organ recital. Please email to arrange.
This is an old Makin instrument upgraded by them to a modern Thirlmere specification in 2016.
Groups, Courses and Activities
Toddler group meets on Thursday mornings from 9 'til 10 in term time. Please email Patricia McCalvey: [email protected] or Kathleen Thacker : [email protected] for more information.
Help for Visitors
The church is recognised internationally as a gem and there are both notes and guidebooks available.
The Church is open daily 9-5 in Summer and 9-4 in Winter.
guide dogs and well behaved dogs welcome.
Other Features
We have boxes for donations at the back of the church which are regularly taken to our local distribution point.