Facilities and features
Accessibility
If you receive Holy Communion and require a gluten-free host, please make the Celebrant aware in good time before the Mass.
Accessible toilets are provided in the Church Hall, with ramp access from the church. If you need assistance, please see a churchwarden or sidesman.
The loop is in operation when the amplification system is on. For most hearing aids this require you to use your "T" switch.
There is reasonable car parking space in the church grounds for those attending divine worship or hiring the hall.
Large print hymnbooks are available for sung services.
There are baby-changing facilities in the church hall cloakrooms.
Our Building
St Ambrose is a Grade II* listed building.
English Heritage official listing: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1108803?section=official-list-entry
The majority of the stained glass (East Window, North and South Aisles, Lady Chapel) is by Burlison & Grylls). The main West Window is by James Powell of Whitechapel. The small west windows by the porchways were transferred from the previous St Ambrose mission church in Alumhurst Road.
Toilets (including accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities) are provided in the Church Hall, with ramp access from the church. If you need assistance, please see a churchwarden or sidesman.
Music and Worship
Although the tower was built for a full peal of bells, only one was installed (in 1907). This is linked to the clock for hour striking, rung before services and at funerals, and at at the prayer of consecration at main masses.
St Ambrose Church has good acoustics and is frequently used as a concert venue by the Westbourne Orchestral Society, Westbourne Strings, Bournemouth University, La Nova Singers, Bournemouth Male Voice Choir, and other ensembles.
The Viscount organ was purchased from St Saviour's Church, St George's Square, Pimlico (where Lady Diana Spencer, later Princess of Wales, assisted in the playschool), in 2019.
On Sundays, the 8:00 a.m. Mass in the Lady Chapel, and Evensong in the Chancel, are according to the Book of Common Prayer.
If you would like to join the choir, please contact the Organist and Choirmaster, David East in church or via email: [email protected]
Groups, Courses and Activities
St Ambrose Church has its own branch of the Mothers' Union (and historic banner).
Help for Visitors
Guided tours can be arranged. Please contact the Vicar at church. Tower Tours are usually available at summer fêtes or by private arrangement.
Other Features
Baskets for food donations for Bournemouth Foodbank are at the back of the nave.
St Ambrose Church is within the West Overcliff Drive Conservation Zone: https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/documents/planning-and-building-control/West-Overcliff-Drive-Conservation-Area-Map.pdf
See the separate tab for Hall Bookings or contact churchwarden Ernest Burton on 07938 856676.
Find out about our Ethical Kitchen Garden here: https://wedoethical.org/ethical-kitchen-garden.php