Location

The approach to St Barbara's Church is from the village cross through the lychgate at the junction of Beckford Road, Elmley Road and The Groaten. If you are using a satellite navigation system, the post code WR11 7SW will bring you to the village cross in front of the lychgate. Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SO 9937

History

The villagers of Ashton have worshipped here in St Barbara's for almost 1000 years and the churches of Ashton and nearby Beckford have been linked since the 8th Century; Ashton church was mentioned in the Domesday Book. The dedication to St Barbara, patron saint of armourers, gunners and blacksmiths, is an unusual one and first appears in the 18th Century. Over the centuries, St Barbara's has evolved into the church you see today. The oldest parts date from Norman times, represented by the South doorway with its characteristic rounded arch. The Tower, which houses a fine ring of six bells, was begun in the 13th century. The Chancel was rebuilt in 1624 by Sir John Franklin, then Lord of the Manor. The striking Arts and Crafts stained glass windows at the East end of the church date from the late 19th/early 20th Centuries.

There is a useful booklet The History of St Barbara's Church.

See also details of Memorial Inscriptions in St Barbara's

More details about the history of St Barbara's from this website

Download a short illustrated Tour and History of St Barbara's Church (Please note this is a large 10MB PDF file)

St Barbara's Ashton under Hill is Grade II* listed - more details here from the British Listed Buildings website

Visit the website of St Barbara's at Earlsdon in Coventry, the only other active St Barbara's Church in England

Today

Since 1985 Ashton has been a member of the wider Beckford Group Parish (Church of England) which also includes Beckford, Overbury, Teddington, Alstone and Little Washbourne. The church is open every day from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm (or dusk in winter) and all are welcome to come in and enjoy the atmosphere of peace and centuries of worship. In November 2008 the Beckford Group became part of the Bredon Hill Group of Churches. As well as regular services at which everyone is welcome, there are special services for Festivals and other significant events in Ashton's year. St Barbara's also serves the community for Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals. The church is fortunate to have a regular organist and choir. There are refreshments and a friendly chat after morning services.

St Barbara's relies on your support for its worship and its fabric. If you would like to be involved in the activities of the church in any way, please contact the churchwardens. The most effective means of donating to the church is by Regular Giving, and our Regular Giving Secretary would be very glad to hear from anyone who would like to contribute.

Are you interested in getting married in St Barbara's? Or perhaps arranging for a baptism? Then why not take the first step by talking to Revd Terry Henderson on 01386 710394 or by email: terryhenderson2@googlemail.com

Further information about our parish from A Church Near You website

Parish Magazine

View or download this month's Beckford Group Parish Magazine

Charitable Giving

St Barbara's Church aims to support a number of charities throughout the year, with special collections at various services and events, or by donating the collection from the United Parish Worship service which takes place in our village twice a year.

New In 2011 a total of over £3300 was donated to 10 good causes. Click here to see a summary.

Churches in The Beckford Group have committed to support the CATCH Project in Mzamomhle, East London South Africa.

New A New Kitchen for the CATCH Project, Mzamomhle!

As a result of the Ploughman’s and Pud Lunch in Ashton on Sunday 17 July, we have sent £1,850 to the CATCH Project in Mzamomhle, South Africa.  This is thanks to the support of everyone who attended the lunch, helped with catering and manned stalls, and most especially to those who donated so very generously to make this splendid sum possible.

We have let Sue Davies know that the work on the refurbishment of the kitchen can begin, and have received the following reply from her:

Thank you so much for the fundraising.  I am very grateful indeed.  That kitchen sink is getting uglier and uglier.  I will acknowledge receipt of the funds with a special letter of thanks to the friends who helped so much.

We had a very successful two week all day programme in the school holidays for 60 orphans ages 5 – 15 years.  It took the form of structured group therapy and had good results in allowing them to ventilate their feelings of sadness, grief and anger.  We ended with a big party and much fun and laughter. With love and blessings to you and everyone there. Sue.

Revd Margie Schutte, former curate, who introduced the CATCH Project to our parish has also sent this message:

“My dear friends in Ashton
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your huge generosity in supporting the CATCH project in Mzamomhle! The world is in such turmoil and it is acts of kindness like this that make one realise that God is good and (as someone said) if we call God 'Our Father' then every man, woman and child is our brother or sister. Your generosity will make the lives of some extremely deprived children in Mzamomhle so much better in terms of hygiene, health and safety and sheer enjoyment of being alive - something so many of us take for granted. May God bless you all - with warm love Margie”