The Arle Valley Benefice : St. Mary's, Old Alresford

St. Mary's, Old Alresford

St. Mary's is a small friendly and welcoming congregation and there is a committed PCC of nine members, including the Focal Minister and the Churchwarden. Each quarter we support a different charity and encourage donations with an information display at the back of the church.

The church is located to the south of the parish opposite Old Alresford Place – once the Diocesan Office and in the 19th century the church rectory. We are privileged to be the founding church of the Mothers’ Union and in 2015 the south transept, together with a new window, were dedicated to Mary Sumner.

Sunday Services at St. Mary's
1st Sunday
11am Village Family Praise

2nd Sunday
9.30am Morning Praise

3rd Sunday
11am Parish Communion (Common Worship)

4th Sunday
9.30am Parish Communion (Book of Common Prayer)

5th Sunday
Benefice Communion in one of our churches - see calendar

St. Mary's enjoys an amazing view over the surrounding countryside; the walk crossing the churchyard and seats here are used by many villagers for prayer and contemplation every day.

St Marys Celebration

St. Mary's Churchwarden - Roger Parsons
Please contact Roger: t. 01962 734561, email: rwjparsons@gmail.com

Our church address:
St. Mary's Church
B3046
Old Alresford
Hampshire SO24 9DH

Our postal address:
St. Mary's Church
c/o St. John's Church
West Street
Alresford
Hampshire SO24 9AG

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here

Planning your Visit

New to Church?

27181 poster

Here is some information about our benefice and its constituent churches, designed for those who are new to our community.

What is The Arle Valley Benefice? We are four Church of England churches, serving the town of New Alresford and the villages of Old Alresford, Ovington and Bighton.

What is your vision and mission?

Our Vision
Rooted in God
Inspiring Community
Engaging Through Love

Our Mission
We seek to be a welcoming, thriving and growing Christian family, working to discern God’s vision for us whilst witnessing to, and living out, Christ’s message in our community with a relevance that resonates in the 21st Century.

Individual Churches
Where are benefice churches located?
St. John the Baptist is the main Anglican church for New Alresford
St. Mary the Virgin Church is in the village of Old Alresford
St. Peter's is in the village of Ovington
All Saints is a church in the village of Bighton

How do I find out more about each church?

The webpage of each church has sections on:

About us: the identity and values of each church
Services: detailing service times and worship styles

Do any of the churches have mid-week events or study groups?
We offer many groups for fellowship and spiritual growth, including social events, bell ringing, prayer groups, and more. See our Benefice Groups & Activities.

Is there a welcome or newcomers’ program?
Each church has its own system of making newcomers welcome.

Do I need to be a member to attend services regularly?
Not at all. All are welcome to attend any service.

General Enquiries

Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Please email the Parish Administrator, Penny Forbes on 01962 733545 or email the office.

How can I keep updated on events and services across the benefice?
Visit the What's On page on this website or subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter.