Services in September
This month we return to our usual pattern of services. We also celebrate Harvest!
- Sunday 11 September at 09:00 Holy Communion
- Sunday 25 September at 10:30 All Age Harvest Festival Service
Also in September…
Join us for the Old Hurst Harvest Supper
On Saturday 24 September we are holding a Harvest Supper in the Old Crocodile House at Johnsons. Tickets can be purchased from Nicky, Elizabeth, Cally, Barbara and Sue – £10 per adult, £6 per child. There will be a variety of casseroles, jacket potatoes, salad followed by a choice of desserts. We accept card payments, so don’t worry if you have no cash to hand! There will also be a licensed bar selling red or white wine, small beers or fruit juice (plus free squash). Come along and catch up with friends and neighbours. All welcome!
PCC Membership
Just a reminder that the following people form the current the St Peter’s Parochial Church Council (PCC):
- Revd Sue Simpson (Rector and Chair)
- Nicky Torrance (Churchwarden)
- Gwen Collis (Secretary)
- Maria Dorman (Treasurer and Deanery Synod Representative)
- Elizabeth Taylor (Electoral Roll Officer)
- Lesley Bowring (Vice Chair)
Please feel free to contact any of the above if you have any questions or suggestions.
Fundraising
In order to pay our bills St Peter’s has been holding some fundraising events during the year, including our BBQ on 9 July and a coffee morning at Nicky’s. The next event is this Saturday – the Harvest Supper – and we will be organising other events, so keep checking back here for updates. Although we must raise funds, the primary thing with our fundraising events is FUN and FRIENDSHIP and we hope you will be able to join us at some of them.
Regular Services
The usual pattern of services at St Peter’s changed after Covid-19 lockdowns and is currently as shown here:
- Contemporary Communion is held on the 2nd Sunday at 09:00
- An All Age (child-friendly) service is held on the 4th Sunday of each month at 10:30
Any changes to this usual pattern will be shown at the top of this page.
Sue Simpson who is the Rector for the whole Benefice or Gary Evans who is the Curate usually take the 9am communion Service and also special services such as Harvest Festival and Christmas. Other services are taken by Lesley Bowring or Maria Dorman who work with Sue as part of the Benefice Ministry Team.
You are all very welcome to join us at any of these services.
Church Open for Private Prayer
St Peter’s is open for all on Sundays and Wednesdays for private prayer or simply as a quiet space. Please pop in if you need a moment of peace in our busy world.
History & Architecture
St Peter’s Old Hurst is the smallest of the churches in the Benefice. Right in the middle of the rural village of Old Hurst, the church was possibly built by Ralph Mowin who is said to have presented it in the reign of Henry II (1154-89). The thickness of the north wall suggests that it is of 12th century date, but the church was practically rebuilt and slightly lengthened late in the 13th century. A considerable restoration took place in 1868, and the east wall was rebuilt in 1903.
Church Bells
The Church of St Peter in Old Hurst has two bells which are clearly visible from the outside. They are:
- 22½ ins – Cast by James Keene of Woodstock in 1630
- 23½ ins – Inscribed H HVNSTON R WEST C W 1705
If you look carefully at the picture, you will see that the wooden headstock on the right-hand bell is looking a little wonky and in 2013 both bells were taken down and repaired. 
Supporting St Peter’s
We rely on the financial support of a small number of folk to help pay our bills. If you would like to help us, please use the link below which will take you to our Give A Little page; if you are able to gift aid any donation, we are also very grateful for that additional support from the taxman!