Our Community
Almeley Parish is situated in the English County of Herefordshire, approximately 15 miles North West of Hereford in the beautiful rural Marches border country between England and Wales. We are at the centre of a thriving farming community. Part of our charm is that we are off the beaten track in a relatively remote area, not on a direct route to anywhere, and comprising Almeley Village and the hamlets of Almeley Wootton, Woonton, and Logaston.
St Mary’s, Almeley is a beautiful Grade 1 listed building, but more importantly, is a community of people who are followers of Jesus Christ and committed to the wellbeing of all people living in our parish as well as our many visitors.
We are part of the Eardisley Benefice of six parishes (Almeley, Brilley & Michaelchurch, Eardisley, Kinnersley, Whitney, and Winforton) in the Deanery of Kington and Weobley in the Diocese of Hereford. Ever wondered what goes on in Hereford Diocese? Have a look here.
Services across the benefice on Sunday 8th June 2025 – Pentecost
St. Michael & All Angels Winforton – 10.30 am – Group Service
The Services at St Mary Almeley for June can be found here, and the Services across the benefice, including St. Mary Almeley, for the month of June can be found here.
Wednesday 18th June at 7.00 pm Special concert in St Mary’s Church Almeley.
Classical guitarist Carlo Fierens – full details including how to buy tickets are here.
Marquee for hire
Planning a summer party? A wedding? Special birthday lunch? A marquee may be more needed to keep dry and warm than provide shelter from the sun given our recent summers but don’t forget that St Mary’s have a good-sized marquee for hire. 4m x 8m.
For a mere £50 you can hire this substantial marquee to hold the whole event or just those extra guests who can’t quite fit into the house. Easy to collect and erect. Contact Elizabeth Shayler on 01544 327695 or 07444 405822.
Recipe Book
St Mary’s church has ‘gone to print’ with a new recipe book. This has tried and tested family favourites and is on sale (£5) in church. Please contact Judy Hayes (07914 812 509) if you wish to purchase but cannot get to church.
While thinking of those not as fortunate as us, please remember the Community Larder (a box kept in the church porch). The donations of non-perishable goods are taken to Kington where they are distributed to those in need in our area. Thank you.
This week, Bishop Richard shares his Ascension Day reflection…from 40,000 feet above South Sudan! He explores what it means to be “close to God” — not in altitude, but in faith
– the video is here. To access the previous video messsages, please use the Hereford Diocesan website here or on YouTube here
Almeley Church Choir – are looking for new members. You don’t have to read music, just enjoy singing. We are a mixed group with three children. The children sing with us on two Sundays a month if they can, and the adults three times if possible. We try to introduce a little music knowledge to the children. We have a choir practice in the church every Friday evening from 6.30 pm – 7.30pm. We also sing at some weddings and funerals. We would welcome people who simply enjoy helping with festivals such as Christmas. Come and give it a try. Just turn up or call if you would like to know more. Di Brain 01544 327396 or stuartbrainuk@btinternet.com
Our vicar Marcus’ latest thought for the month of June 2025 can be found here, where you will also find the Bishop of Hereford’s letter for June 2025.
Church website – Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are, again, looking for someone to manage our website and keep it updated. If you are, or someone you know is, interested in more information about what is involved and feel that you have the appropriate skill and, of course, time, please contact Judy Hayes (07914 812 509). Thanks in advance.
Diocesan Services – An online service every Sunday from the Diocese, this will be broadcast at 10.00 on the diocesan Facebook page.
Church of England – Church of England services can be joined at any time here or here
Further afield – The Taize community in France livestream their prayers everyday at 7.30 here and beautifully from across the world, here
Night Prayer (Compline)
Night Prayer is a traditional short time of prayers at the end of the day. Wednesdays here at 7.30 pm
What about Christening?
Birthdays always mark a new year in our lives and so does baptism – christening – whether for children or adults. If this is something you would welcome for you family or children, please do be in touch with Revd. Marcus Small
Visit our Baptism and Christening page here.
What about getting married?
We have a number of couples tying the knot at St Mary’s this year and there’s plenty of room for more. If this might be you, please do be in touch with Revd. Marcus Small
Visit our wedding page for more details here.
Upcoming events
For up to the minute news of events in the parish go to:
St Mary’s Almeley facebook
For village news in general:
Almeley Parish Council website
Eardisley Group of Parishes Facebook page can be found here
Safeguarding
St Mary’s church ensures that safeguarding policies are fully implemented and give the highest priority to promoting the safety and welfare of all including that of children, young people, and vulnerable. The full details of our policy, procedures and contact details can be found here.