About us
Dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, (of the catherine wheel firework fame), our church building spans many centuries.
Our tower dates from the middle ages, the majority of the church building was rebuilt during the 19th Century. Parts of the foundations are believed to date back to the Saxons. We hope to add to the existing building over the next couple of years to create more space for greater diversity of worship and space for more social and community activites.
The church is entered throught the great south door, a rather imposing portal, with wonderful carvings and dating back to the 17th Century. Current seating provision is in the form of traditional pews. Our nave altar is a relatively new addition and the work of a former Assistant Priest of the Parish.
Our font, on your right as you enter the church is believed to be well over 400 years old and carries the arms of the Hastings family among others. The aumbry for reservation of the Blessed Sacrament is also on your right as well as a chair and prayer desk where the sacrament of reconciliation is practiced.
St. Catherine’s is well served by it’s choir which numbers around fifty members. They sing on Sunday mornings at the 10.30 am service and as many as can also sing at the 6.00 pm Evensong service. The choir also performs concerts and special services for the life of the church. The choir pews were a gift from Balliol College, Oxford which is Patron of the benefice.
Our church spire houses the eight bells which are ably rung by our bellringers each Sunday to call the faithful to worship. If you should be passing by on Tuesday evenings you will be able to enjoy their music as they practice.
There is a great deal more to discover about our church and a visit is to be recommended. A published history of our church is available at the back of the building along with various cards and other momentos. The church is not kept open throughout the day but is open for the regular services. (Please see here for service times to find out when access is possible.)
