Dorset villages have a well-deserved reputation for offering a warm welcome to newcomers. The same is true of our Benefice and there are lots of different places where you can find a home with us.

Every one of our worshipping communities has its own character, but they all share a desire to welcome anyone who comes through the door. Come in and you will find friendly faces.

Each week in different parts in the Benefice you will find family friendly worship. We aim to provide something for all ages at these services so come and test us out. Feedback is very welcome.

There is a very long history of worship in the Benefice going back hundreds of years. Our worship reflects this with more modern worship living happily alongside more traditional forms.
The church of St. Mary Magdalene has an active and committed congregation. 

Each month there is a lay-led Morning Service, a BCP Communion, and a “full” Communion. A regular home study group is led by the Team Rector, and parish prayer is held in the church every Wednesday morning. The church choir sings at the Easter, Harvest, and Christmas services and often at funeral or thanksgiving services. 

The church building is structurally sound and has a Benjamin Flight chamber organ. There is a strong link between the church and the village’s Voluntary Aided Primary School, with clergy leading some assemblies and school services being held in church on special occasions. The village also has a shop with Post Office, a pub, and a garage. 

The Community Hub meets weekly in the village hall and celebrates special occasions for regular members. Additionally, Sustainable Thornford is an active community group, currently investigating an eclectic mix of bus services, hedgehogs, flooding, and wildflowers. There is also a Twinning Association – the village is twinned with Hudimesnil, Normandy, and exchange visits take place. Thornford benefits from a halt on the Heart of Wessex railway line.

For all enquiries: contact Jenny Thomas at the Benefice Office open Monday and Tuesday morning from 9:30am to 12:30pm or phone on 01935 872600 or email at [email protected].