Regular Church Events

Children and Young People

Crèche

There is no Crèche at present but parents are welcome to stay in the hall with small children during the children's activity if staying in church is difficult.

Children's activity / Sunday School

This is available for three to nine-year olds in the Parish Hall during the 9.30am Parish Communion in term time.
Please contact Katie Elliot-Smith on 01243 375409 for more information on the Sunday School.

Parish Safeguarding Officer

Parish Safeguarding Officer, Mrs S Alexander on (01243) 377600 or Churchwarden Mrs J Stuttard (01243) 431810.

Safeguarding section of the website.

Church history

A short history of the church building is available inside. A church restoration trust raises additional funds for the upkeep of the building.

Church services and events

If you are new to Westbourne or church, you are welcome to come and join our services and activities. For details of the Usual services or visit the News section for the latest services list.

Church calendar - find out the services and events on today or in the weeks ahead.

Drop-ins

Come and have tea or coffee at the Parish Hall for a friendly drop-in mornings on Mondays, from 10am to 12pm. All welcome. February 2022 update: the drop-ins are back but for now on Mondays only!

Thanks to all the volunteers who provide a warm welcome to visitors and who make the drop-ins possible!

Do join us for refreshments and chat for all. If you think you might be able to help by volunteering please contact Andrew Turner - 01243 373545 or email sjbwparishoffice@gmail.com. Thank you.

Groups

Home and Overseas Support Group

This raises funds and awareness in support of various charities at home and abroad by holding austerity lunches in the parish each Friday in Advent and Lent and on the first Friday of each month. Other social events include a curry evening (not austerity!). More details of the group's fundraising activities.

House Groups

There is currently one house group. Others are formed on an ad-hoc basis to study topics relevant to that group or church season. House groups run during Lent and are well attended. Details of seasonal House/ Study Groups are published in the pew sheet.

Electoral roll

The church electoral roll is a list of members. Application forms may be obtained in church, they are to be found above the pigeon holes next to the main door. The only qualification required is that you are a baptised member of the Church of England. It is not necessary for you to live in the parish. 

Life events

If you are interested in finding out more on Baptisms (Christening), Confirmation, Weddings and Funerals, and other family and life celebrations, contact the Rector at westbournechirector@outlook.com 

Confirmation instruction is provided for adults and children. Holy Communion is offered to baptised children aged seven and over who have completed a course of preparation.

Music

The choir usually meets on a Thursday evening at the church and before special services.

If you are interested in finding out more about taking part in the music at Westbourne, visit the music page.

The church has a Kenneth Tickell pipe organ which was installed in 2002. More details on the music page of the website.

If you are interested in using the Parish Hall or requesting use of the church for a musical event, contact sjbwparishoffice@gmail.com in the first instance.

Bell ringers

Westbourne Church has a dedicated and proficient team of bellringers, practising on Monday evenings and ringing for all main services. We have a magnificent ring of eight bells in the tower which attracts ringers from far and wide. 

The team have previously taken part in Heritage Open Days to welcome visitors from the locality to learn more about the bells and have-a-go at ringing.

Fundraising and social events

A number of fundraising events are held throughout the year organised by volunteers. These raise money for the church and a range of other charities. Check posters and pew notices for the latest events. Do come and join us for these. More on fundraising at Westbourne.