Oldbury Benefice

A message from our Rector

Becoming a Christian is always a free choice and nobody can ever be pushed into it. Being a Christian is about believing in the Easter message. Easter isn't about cute bunny rabbits and chocolate chicks. It's far better than that. Easter isn't about the greening of the earth and newly born animals. It's far better than that. Easter is the commemoration of a Cosmic battle that took place in our world between the powers of good and evil, and Jesus won the battle.
.. . Read all of his message.....
Calstone Yatesbury Heddington Cherhill Compton Bassett

Our Benefice Vision

Our Vision is of five united and interdependent Christian communities working together to grow the Church in the Oldbury Benefice.

It will be a Church which is caring and welcoming, following the life and teachings of Jesus.

It will be responsive to the needs and aspirations of our community.

It will be a Church that will thrive and grow as people acknowledge its importance in their lives.

 

The Oldbury Community Chest

The Oldbury Community Chest is a discretionary fund to help folk in need throughout our five parishes. Some circumstances arise out of unforeseen crises, others are less serious. People have received a small gift or a bunch of flowers for the birth of a new baby or surgery, whilst others have received such things as a new bed to help cope with a disability.

If you know of a person or situation that might be in need of support, or indeed if you wish to contribute to the chest please have a word with Philip.

New Years Lamb
Leg of Lamb The Benefice flock has for sale some fine offerings for the New Year. More..
Country Ways
Cherhill Church
Manor Cottager Studios
Max Colbourne
Dove Cottage
Hungry Lab
Divine
Raw Tuna

Cherhill

Village Website

The name Cherhill is thought to be drived from two seperate words, the chalk fertile uplands were known as 'eal' and the 'Cher' is widely believed to be the stream running through the village which joins the Marden at Quemerford. In recent years there have been several Roman artefacts found around the village pointing to the possibility of there being a Roman villa or other building of some importance nearby, although I am unaware of the discovery of the site of the building.

 

The Church

All Saints church was built on the 13th century although parts of a 12th century door could put it as early as the previous century. A south porch and the bell tower were added in the 15th century. The church was built on Westcourt Manor and had connections to Kington St Michael priory. It was built of chalk block and free stone and consisted of the chancel and vestry, naive and aisles. In 1854 the church was renovated and the gallery was removed during these renovations. The bell tower originally held three bells although the tenor and treble bells were removed and replaced in 1636 and the remaing one was recast at some time during the late 17th or early 18th century. In the late 18th century a fourth bell was added and the fifth was added in 1931.

In 1951 the parishes of Cherhill and Yatesbury were joined under the same Rector until 1972 before becoming part of the Benefice in 1973.