The Churches in the Parish of Affpuddle with Turnerspuddle
Although there are two churches in the parish reflecting the original two parishes of Affpuddle and Turnerspuddle only the Affpuddle church of St Laurence is still in use. The other at Turnerspuddle has been declared redundant.
One of Simon Jenkins’ “1,000 Best Churches” this 13th Century church dedicated to St. Laurence stands in an idyllic situation on the banks of the River Piddle in the Parish of Affpuddle and Turnerspuddle and lies in the West Purbeck Benefice (Wool and East Stoke, Bere Regis and Affpuddle with Turnerspuddle). It is justly renowned for the carving of its pew ends thought to have been done by a 16th century incumbent and for those on the pulpit done at a later date. Over the centuries there clearly have been numerous alterations and “modernisations”. The last major restoration was in the 19th century but quite extensive work was also carried out under the patronage of Sir Ernest Debenham in the nineteen twenties and thirties. Sir Ernest also presented a number of artefacts including screens and figures carved by the East Anglian craftsman Loughnan Pendred. The church can seat a hundred in the pews but this can be increased to a hundred and fifty with the use of occasional chairs.
Services at St Laurence’s Church, Affpuddle
Please refer to the West Purbeck Benefice website https://westpurbeck.org.uk/ for more dates and times of services and other information
| Sunday 2 August | 11:00 – Holy Communion |
| Sunday 9 August | 10:00 – Morning Praise |
| Sunday 16 August | 11:00 – Holy Communion |
| Sunday 23 August | 09:00 – Holy Communion |
| Sunday 30 August | United Benefice Eucharist |
| Sunday 6 September | 11:00 – Holy Communion |
Helping hands needed
The Church needs all sorts of people with different skills:
Could you spare a little time? Do you have computer skills? Could you mow some grass? Can you put flowers in a vase? Are you good at fund raising? Could you sweep the floor?
We would also appreciate some help in putting together rota’s for cleaning, mowing and the other regular tasks.
Like everybody, the church has bills to pay, such as electricity, gas and candles. We also have to pay what is known as our ‘Share to Salisbury’ which goes towards paying for clergy, repairs and so on. We have a regular selection of fund-raising events each year, but we always welcome new ideas and energy. We need to ensure St Laurence has a sound financial future.
You don’t have to go to church or attend services to lend a hand or share some skills. To keep the church going and ensure it is here for future generations, and for those big moments in our lives when we need it.
Please take a moment to think about it. Your help and support are really needed and if we can share the load, it wouldn’t take up too much of your time.
Come and have a coffee with us. Call Elizabeth Whatley 01305 897 302
Churchyard mowing
Could you spare a couple of hours every couple of months? St Laurence’s church needs some more volunteers to help mow the churchyard. We have the mowers and ensure they are filled with petrol and serviced. Our rota runs from March – November and we would ask you to volunteer twice or ideally, three times during this period.
Part of the churchyard is left wild whilst the remainder is divided into 4 areas, so nobody is asked to mow too large an area. If you think you can help or would like to know more please contact Chris Parker on 07733 084951 or email crumble2002@icloud.com
Rotas of volunteers from the surrounding villages maintain the church and churchyard. More volunteers are always welcome and any resident willing to join in this work should contact one of the Churchwardens for further information.
Turnerspuddle
Holy Trinity Church, Turnerspuddle, has been declared redundant and has passed into the care of members of the Debenham family. However Evensong and other services are still occasionally celebrated there. The font was moved to Affpuddle for safekeeping following bomb damage in WWII and was returned to Turnerspuddle in 2007. The communion silver has passed into the care of St. Laurence’s Affpuddle where it is still in use.