Churches
There are two churches in Ashbury, St Mary The Virgin Parish Church and the Ashbury Evangelical Free Church; they work together closely and hold joint services and events. Find out more about the historical background here.
The Shrivenham & Ashbury Benefice is situated in the Vale of the White Horse and is part of the Oxford Diocese. It is comprised of seven villages:
-
Shrivenham
-
Ashbury
-
Watchfield
-
Bourton
-
Longcot
-
Fernham
-
Compton Beauchamp
Clergy, Lay Ministers, Wardens and Elders
|
Vicar and Rural Dean |
Revd. Richard Hancock |
01793 780183 |
| Curate |
Revd Anne Bell (duty days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday) |
01367 820091 |
|
NSM |
Revd. Ken Weaver |
01793 782364 |
|
Methodist Minister |
Revd. Graham Tidmarsh |
01793 782584 |
|
Lord Rodney Elton |
01793 710225 |
|
Richard Green |
01793 710227 |
|
Margaret Smith |
01793 710800 |
|
Philip Charters |
01793 710431 |
|
David Bunce |
01793 790181 |
|
David Pirt |
01793 822533 |
Service Times in Ashbury
- Service times for the Shrivenham and Ashbury Benefice may be found on following web site (click)
- Service times for St Mary's Church, Ashbury are as follows:
|
Sunday 2 November |
10.30am Holy Communion (BCP) joint Ashbury/Compton/Fernham at Compton |
| Sunday 9 November | 10.50am Act of Remembrance at War Memorial followed by Church Remembrance Service |
| Sunday 16 November | 11.00am Family Service |
| Sunday 23 November | 11.00am Morning Prayer |
| Saturday 29 November | 7.00pm Patronal Festival followed by fish & chips at Shrivenham |
| Sunday 30 November Advent Sunday | 10.15am Benefice Service with Communion at Shrivenham |
- Service Times for Ashbury Evangelical Free Church are as follows:
|
Sunday 2 November |
10.00am Communion 6.00pm Evening Service |
|
Sunday 9 November |
10.00am Communion 10.50am Remembrance Service 5.00pm Video and Tea |
|
Sunday 16 November |
10.00am Communion 6.00pm Evening Service |
|
Sunday 23 November |
10.00am Communion 5.00pm Video and Tea |
| Sunday 30 November |
10.00am Communion 6.00pm Evening Service |
Ashbury Parochial Church Council
The Parochial Church Council or PCC is the executive body of a Church of England Parish. It consists of the clergy and churchwardens of the Parish, plus a number of representatives of the laity. It is responsible, in co-operation with the incumbent vicar, for promoting the mission of the Church within its Parish; this includes the financial affairs of the Church and the care and maintenance of the Church fabric and its contents. Contact: PCC Secretary – 710801
Church Activities
Bell Ringers ensure that the bells at St Mary’s Church are rung regularly. Volunteers are needed and training is available. Contact: 710364
Bible Studies are organised by the Free Church on Wednesdays at 7.30pm. Joint study groups meet during Lent and in the Autumn. Venues are published in Church Notices.
Christian Viewpoint is a joint committee comprising members of both Churches in Ashbury; it organises guest speaker events. Contact: 710212 or 710253
Exploring the Christian Faith – an Alpha course is run from time to time in Ashbury or one of the nearby villages. Contact: 780183
Friends of Ashbury Church devise a variety of creative activities to raise funds towards the upkeep and restoration of our historic church. Contact: 710208
Prayer Group meets on Monday mornings for one hour, at alternating venues within the Village. All are welcome. Contact: 710333
Special Choir is formed for Christmas and other special events. New members are welcomed. Contact: 710208
Women’s Fellowship meetings are held at the Free Church on Wednesdays at 2.15pm. Contact: 710759
Fund Raising Events
Safari Supper. On 11th October 08 Judy Clarke organised a Safari Supper to raise funds for St. Mary’s Church. Twenty-Five villagers commenced the evening with a champagne welcome and then visited various homes in the village for starters. Then it was all change again for the main course. The evening was completed with dessert at the Clarke’s. Everyone had a fun evening, getting together with villagers, some of whom were new to the village. The event raised over £300 for St Mary’s. Judy and the Church wish to thank all who attended and contributed to a very enjoyable evening.
Further Reading
Ashbury 1988 gives a valuable historical account of the Parish Church and Manor House; it was written by Peter Knott, a former resident of the village and knowledgeable historian. Profits made from the sale of the brochure go to the Church Restoration Fund. Contact: 710333. You will find the brochure on the Archives page (click here)
Interesting Facts about the Church and Parish of Ashbury written by he Rev. A Fosbroke-Hobbs MA, vicar from 1921 to 1934 may also be read on the Archives page (click here).
The Ashbury, Compton, Longcot & Fernham Newsletter is issued monthly; it includes Church calendars, Benefice news, details of various courses, study groups, and meetings, articles about country matters and dates of forthcoming social events (Contact: 710302).