Our Community
Almeley Parish is situated in the English County of Herefordshire, approximately 15 miles North West of Hereford in the beautiful rural Marches border country between England and Wales. We are at the centre of a thriving farming community. Part of our charm is that we are off the beaten track in a relatively remote area, not on a direct route to anywhere, and comprising Almeley Village and the hamlets of Almeley Wootton, Woonton, and Logaston.
We are part of the Eardisley Benefice of six parishes (Almeley, Brilley & Michaelchurch, Eardisley, Kinnersley, Whitney, and Winforton) in the Deanery of Kington and Weobley in the Diocese of Hereford. Ever wondered what goes on in Hereford Diocese? Have a look here. There is also a diocesan video here.
Benefice Churches open for services on Sunday 5th May 2024
St. Mary Almeley – 11.00 am – Holy Communion.
St. Mary Magdalene Eardisley – 11.00 am – Family Service.
St. James Kinnersley – 9.30 am – Holy Communion.
The Services across the benefice, including St. Mary Almeley, for the whole month can be found here.
Church Questionnaire
Thank you to those who returned their completed questionnaires. The feedback was very useful. The church seems to be most valued for its quiet space (70% of respondents), its services, architecture, church yard and book swap facility. We have started to plan how we can move forwards, taking these results into account. Watch this space over the next few months
Our vicar Marcus’ latest thought for the month of April 2024 can be found here, where you will also find the Bishop of Hereford’s letter for May 2024
Kids club will be continuing throughout the winter months with one shorter session on Wednesdays for all ages. It will meet in church 3.30 – 4.30pm.
Diocesan Services – An online service every Sunday from the Diocese, this will be broadcast at 10.00 on the diocesan Facebook page.
Church of England – Church of England services can be joined at any time here or here
Further afield – The Taize community in France livestream their prayers everyday at 7.30 here and beautifully from across the world, here
Quiet Time Together
On the first Friday of each month, starting on 3rd May, there will be an opportunity to take time, together, to sit and be quiet. To pray, be still and be calm. This will be 9am for 9.15am start for 20 minutes followed by refreshments. All are very welcome.
Church Website. We are looking for someone to manage this website. If you are interested in doing this or would like more information, please email judyhayes618@gmail.com. Thank you.
On Sunday 19th May 3pm there will be a short organ recital by Hilary Norris, organist and music director at Leominster Priory. She is a brilliant musician and has performed in many countries and with many orchestras. Our own Joris Boon will join her for a few items on the cello. We will be very privileged to hear her play our newly restored organ. No charge, but donations gratefully received towards the upkeep of the organ. Tea and cakes afterwards.
Each week Bishop Richard gives a video message. In this week’s video he talks about about leadership and the changing church. The video is here. To access the previous video messsages, please use the Hereford Diocesan website here or on YouTube here.
St Mary Almeley Church Choir
We would love to have more children in our choir. If your child is interested bring him or her along to our rehearsal on any Friday at 6.30 pm and learn more about us.
Any adults who are interested please come along at 6.30 pm. You don’t have to read music, just enjoy singing. If you only want to sing for special occasions that is fine. Come and give it a try.
We have choir practice on Fridays 6.30 – 7.30pm.
Contact Diane Brain 01544 327396
Marquee for hire.
It may not seem likely at the moment but summer is round the corner – a time for garden parties, celebrations, weddings and anniversaries – all the good things of an English summer. For a mere £50 you can hire a substantial marquee to hold the whole event or just those extra guests who can’t quite fit into the house or to shelter in if we do get a little splash of rain. Easy to collect and erect. Contact Elizabeth Shayler on 01544 327695 or 07444 405822.
Night Prayer (Compline)
Night Prayer is a traditional short time of prayers at the end of the day. Wednesdays here at 7.30 pm
What is the Archbishop of Canterbury saying
Archbishop Justin is often misquoted or quoted out of context. It’s good to know what our archbishop is saying in his sermons and in his speeches and it’s easy to do!
Click here for his sermons
Click here for his speeches
What about Christening?
Birthdays always mark a new year in our lives and so does baptism – christening – whether for children or adults. If this is something you would welcome for you family or children, please do be in touch with Revd. Marcus Small
Visit our Baptism and Christening page here.
What about getting married?
We have a number of couples tying the knot at St Mary’s this year and there’s plenty of room for more. If this might be you, please do be in touch with Revd. Marcus Small
Visit our wedding page for more details here.
Upcoming events
For up to the minute news of events in the parish go to:
St Mary’s Almeley facebook
For village news in general:
Almeley Parish Council website
Eardisley Group of Parishes Facebook page can be found here
The award winning Bells Inn – Hereford Times Best Pub 2022, and runner up CAMRA Herefordshire pub of the year for two consecutive years – well done!
Things are changing from 1st May so for opening hours and other details check out their website www.thebellsinnalmeley.com
Jason and Lisa: Telephone: 01544 327216.
Facebook: Almeley Market & Deli.
Email: thebellsinnalmeley@gmail.co.uk
Safeguarding
St Mary’s church ensures that safeguarding policies are fully implemented and give the highest priority to promoting the safety and welfare of all including that of children, young people, and vulnerable. The full details of our policy, procedures and contact details can be found here.