A Roaring Success – 8 October 2025

On 4 October, following the tail-end of Hurricane Amy, The Friends of St Mary’s Church Beaminster were delighted to present an exhilarating evening of entertainment with the John Maddocks Jazzmen.

As the magnificent Church filled to capacity, getting “The Blues when it Rains” was far from our minds. We were entertained by light-hearted banter between John Maddocks and his Band as he introduced their wide repertoire of tunes from early jazz to popular songs. Like “Sweethearts on Parade” we all felt we’d been transported to a bygone era and, by the end of the evening, we truly felt we could “Leave our Worries on the Doorstep” and return home “On the Sunny Side of the Street”.

The Friends would like to thank you for your valued support and are delighted to say the event made £1626 profit which will go towards the much-needed new lighting system.

If you would like to become a Friend of St Mary’s Church, or hear more about us, please email hillsusannah@hotmail.com and one of the committee will be happy to tell you more.

Sue Corner

The Friends of St Mary’s Church 25th Anniversary Service – 19 June 2025

On a gloriously hot summer’s day, a special service was held at St Mary’s Church Beaminster to celebrate the founding of The Friends of St Mary of the Annunciation.

A warm welcome was extended to the congregation by Team Rector Reverend Canon David Baldwin and by Chairman of the Friends of St Mary’s Church Mr Peter Brook, with a special thank you to the Friends of St Mary’s who have given their dedicated support to the many and varied projects that have taken place over the last 25 years.

Murray Rose gave a fascinating and illuminating talk titled ‘Changes the Church has seen in Recent Years’. One major change was the removal of the pews which were replaced by chairs. This was a controversial move at the time but, as Murray explained, it meant the church could open its doors ever wider and become a hub within the broader community.

A hard-working committee was formed twenty-five years ago and soon became involved in a huge and successful fundraising project to renovate the Tower. They continued to raise money for many other projects, such as the magnificent organ, the lift and, more recently, a new kitchen, a toilet, a sound system, heating, and lighting. The Friends are still actively supporting the church by continuing to raise money to help with any future requirements that may be necessary.

After the service, everyone was invited to a delicious tea served in the stunning garden of Peter and Maggie Brook. A truly fitting end to an uplifting and heartwarming day.

Anniversary Service

The Friends of St Mary’s Church Beaminster warmly invite you to a special 25th Anniversary Service on Thursday 19th June at 2:30pm.

The service will be a joyous occasion to celebrate the inception of the Friends, formed 25 years ago to support our beautiful and historic Church. It will be followed by an illuminating talk by Murray Rose titled, “Changes the Church has seen in recent years”.

After the service our Chairman Peter Brook invites you to join him in his garden for tea and cakes and time to socialise.

Please put this special date into your diary.

If you would like to become a friend, or learn more about us, please email Tim and Susannah Hills at hillsusannah@hotmail.com. We are always delighted to welcome new members.