We are delighted to anounce that the Revd Clare Dean will be joining us in October. But while we are still in vacancy please contact the Church Warden (Who’s Who) or use the Contact Us page to get in touch, thank you.
Stour Vale Benefice takes its responsibilities surrounding the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults who may be at risk very seriously, and works in partnership with the Diocese of Salisbury to ensure that we work in accordance with best practice at all times.
Please click here to see our Benefice Safeguarding Policy
If you have any Safeguarding questions or concerns you can contact our Benefice Safeguarding Officer, Jeremy Stanford 07766 071538
Alternatively you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, Suzy Futcher (Mon – Thurs) 07500 664800 – suzy.futcher@salisbury.anglican.org or Jem Carter (Tues – Fri) 07469857888 – jem.carter@salisbury.anglican.org
The Church of St. Mary, West Stour
Welcome to the webpages for the Parish Church of St. Mary’s, West Stour, Dorset. St. Mary’s Church is one of the group of seven Anglican churches in the Benefice of Stour Vale – the parishes covered are listed in the menus above.
We hope you find the infomation you seek here and whether or not a church-goer, whether or not you belong to the Church of England, you will be welcome at any of our events.
We have Services on two Sundays of each month, with additional ones during festivals (Christmas, Easter, etc.) and a short Service of Morning Prayer each Tuesday.
All are welcome to join us at any Service, at 10:30 am on the First Sunday which is led by a LLM. The 3rd Sunday is a Parish Communion service at 9:15am with coffee served afterwards.
Life in our Church
We hold events throughout the year, the Lent Lunch, Harvest Lunch or Supper and Christmas Bazaar being to raise money for specific charities, while the annual Plant Sale at the beginning of May is shared between charities and the Church.
The West Stour Village Hall also hosts a range of activities and often provides space for church events such as Bible Book club.
Life Events
Interior view of St. Mary’s Church from the gallery at the west end
If you are looking to arrange a baptism or wedding, or if you are interested in being confirmed, please contact the Benefice Aministrator who will be happy to provide the information you need.
Funerals are usually arranged by the Funeral Director but the churchwardens may be able to assist with local information.
Visiting us
West Stour is a small North Dorset village on the A30 situated 5 miles west of Shaftesbury. A map giving the location of the church shows where we are, and also information for use with maps / GPS. Parking is available for normal Sunday Services in the Village Hall car park which has footpath access directly into the churchyard. Our church is open each day, usually between 9.30am and 4.30pm, for those wishing to visit.
St. Mary’s Church,
Church Street,
West Stour,
Dorset,
SP8 5RL.
St. Mary’s Church
The Parish Church of St. Mary stands on a slight hill towards the end of the village street. A stone building dating from the 13th century, the Grade II* listed church has a 13th century chancel with 18th century alterations, the nave, south tower and porch being rebuilt 1840. View the full history of West Stour Church. An old building also brings a not-insignificant task of maintenance, and we are constantly having to raise money. If you would like to make a donation please contact our treasurer.