Events & Activities
Please also see our upcoming events, weekly activities and Sunday services pages for regular church activities.
Bell Ringing Practice
Graham Horn - Commons.Wikimedia
Event:
‘Bell Ringing Practice
Date & Time:
Every Friday Evening
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Phil Taylor - email
Bell Ringing
Skordarector, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Event:
‘Bell Ringing’ prior to Sunday Service
Date & Time:
Every Sunday Morning
10:15am - 11:00am
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Phil Taylor - email
Sunday Service - All age worship
Event:
Date & Time:
Every Sunday Morning
11am - 12pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Sunday Creche
Event:
Date & Time:
Every Sunday Morning
11am - 12pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Liz Hale - 01453 765422; email
Ash Wednesday - evening service
Event:
‘Ash Wednesday - evening service’
Date & Time:
Wednesday Evening
7:30pm to 8:30pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu:
Creamy Chicken and Leek Casserole (GF) served with mashed potatoes and carrots (vegetarian casserole option available).
Cherry crumble with custard (or GF brownies or cheese & biscuits)
Tea or coffee
Date & Time:
Every 3rd Friday of the month
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Liz Cole - 07875028671; email
Sunday Service with Holy Communion
Event:
Date & Time:
Every Sunday Morning
11am - 12pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Messy Church
Event:
Date & Time:
Every 3rd Wednesday of the month
3:20pm - 4:45pm
Loccation:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Liz Hale - 01453 765422; email
Easter Wreath-Making Workshop
Event:
‘Easter Wreath-Making Workshop’
Date & Time:
Saturday 21st March
9:30am to 12:00noon
Ticket Information:
£20 including refreshments
Please email Helen Jackson to book your place: Email
Further Information
We supply wreath base, scissors, selection of greenery, dried flowers and trimmings
Please bring other embellishments for your own use and/or to share with other participants
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Helen Jackson 07471204221; email
Men’s Weekend Away
Event:
‘The 4th Men’s Weekend Away’
Date & Time:
Friday 27th March (4:00pm TBC) to Sunday 29th March (6:00pm TBC)
Location:
Kington Accomodation, 8 Victoria Road, Kington, England, HR5 3BX8
Here on Google maps
Trip Details:
What a treat we have for you, following a long gap!
We have obtained exclusive use of Kington Accommodation, which is in west Herefordshire. In the past it has been a cottage hospital, and more recently a Youth Hostel. Since being bought by its owners, it has been upgraded, but still keeps the communal aspect. There is room to sleep 20, and also, (for those who wish it) several local B&Bs – so space for everyone, of all ages. (The ladies will be going to the same place in May.)
As previously, one of the activities this time will still be walking (for which the area is very well suited): but for those whose arthritis prevents it, more gentle activities will be organised too – such as a trip out to see nearby Hay on Wye, with its bookshops. There will be something for everyone!
Food will again feature strongly, which we men will be cooking. Uley Bitter (or alternative) will also be making a guest appearance. Amongst evening activities there will be a quiz and a wine tasting – but above all it will be a chance to relax in good company. Even if you cannot join us for the whole weekend, you are welcome to come just for the Saturday.
We are planning the weekend, all in, to cost £85 a head (plus transport which will be in shared cars). If the expense would make it difficult to come, do have a private word with Peter Francis (Rector), as financial support can be provided.
Joining Instructions
Please email the information below to David Pouncey at david@dacgp.plus.com
Your Name
Your Mobile telephone number
Your email address
Any special requirements.
And please pay a deposit of £25.00 by BACS to:
St Mary’s Woodchester PCC
Acct 29255560
Sort No 30-99-50
with the reference ‘MW followed by your Surname’
Further information
Contact David Pouncey on 07974 403 449 or email david@dacgp.plus.com
‘Tuesday Gang’ - Churchyard Maintenance
Event:
‘Tuesday Gang’ - Churchyard Maintenance
For further information and how to join this group please see the ‘Churchyard Maintenance page’ under ‘Church Life’
Date & Time:
Every Tuesday Morning
8:00am - 10:00am
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Richard Spencer - 01453 872686; email
Sunday Creche
Event:
Date & Time:
Every Sunday Morning
11am - 12pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Liz Hale - 01453 765422; email
Bell Ringing
Skordarector, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Event:
‘Bell Ringing’ prior to Sunday Service
Date & Time:
Every Sunday Morning
10:15am - 11:00am
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Phil Taylor - email
Bell Ringing Practice
Graham Horn - Commons.Wikimedia
Event:
‘Bell Ringing Practice’
Date & Time:
Every Friday Evening
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Phil Taylor - email
Joint Benefice Sunday Service
Event:
Joint Benefice ‘Sunday Service’
Date & Time:
Every Sunday Morning
11am - 12pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christmas Day 10:00 am - Praise Service - for families and children, but everyone of any age is very welcome!
Event:
‘Christmas Day Morning Service for families and children’
Note - service starts at 10:00am
Date & Time:
Wednesday 24th December 2024
10:00am - 10:45 am approx
Further Information:
Please come along on Christmas morning for this short service of joy and happiness to celebrate the birth of Jesus
Children and adults of all ages are very welcome. There will be some activities etc for children at the back of the church
Please stay for a tea or coffee or soft drink, cake and a chat after the service if you can
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve Service - for families and children, but everyone of any age is very welcome!
Event:
‘Carols by Candlelight Service’
for both adults and children
Date & Time:
Wednesday 24th December 2024
6:30pm - 8:00pm approx
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christmas Crib Service - mainly for younger children and their families, but everyone of any age is very welcome!
Event:
‘Christmas Crib Service’
Date & Time:
Wednesday 24th December 2024
3pm - about 3:45pm
Further Information:
This will be a short service in which the last carol will be sung by candlelight.
We invite youngsters to dress up as shepherds, kings, angels or an animal.
We have lots of dressing up clothes in church.
Please stay for refreshments after the service
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
‘Tuesday Gang’ - Churchyard Maintenance
Event:
‘Tuesday Gang’ - Churchyard Maintenance
For further information and how to join this group please see the ‘Churchyard Maintenance page’ under ‘Church Life’
Date & Time:
Every Tuesday Morning
8:00am - 10:00am
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Richard Spencer - 01453 872686; email
‘Longest Night’ Service
Event:
Longest Night Service
Date & Time:
21st December
4:00pm to 5:00pm TO BE CONFIRMED
Further Information
This year we are not holding an All Souls service in Woodchester as All Souls falls on the Lee Abbey weekend. However, we are holding a ‘Longest night’ service on 21st December, "The Longest night is a special service, held on the longest night of the year when everything can feel dark. We might feel like sadness, grief or loss has no place in the often exuberant Christmas festivities. But this is a more reflective Christmas Carol service, especially for anyone for whom this might be a difficult time of year.
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Decorating the church for Christmas - please help!
Event:
‘Decorating St.Mary’s Church Woodchester for Christmas
If you can help in any way please contact Jill Farrow - email
Date & Time:
Sat 20th December
10:00am onwards
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Jill Farrow - email
Bell Ringing
Skordarector, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Event:
‘Bell Ringing’ prior to Sunday Service
Date & Time:
Every Sunday Morning
10:15am - 11:00am
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Phil Taylor - email
Five Valley Voices Winter Concert
Event:
Five Valleys Voices Winter Concert
Date & Time:
Friday 12th December
7:00pm to 9:00 approx
Programme
Ladies/High Voice Choir
Alto's Lament, No Time to Diet, Time, Lady Marmalade, River, Winte
Men/Low Voice Choir
Bear Necessities, Bohemiam Rhapsody, When I Fall In Love, Ad Astra, Dance
Full Choir
City Called Heaven, I Want To Stare At My Phone With You!, Stars, Carol Of The Bells, What Were You Thinking and a couple of Christmas Favourites
Further Information
Five Valleys Voices web site here
Tickets
Tickets - £5 - scan the QR Code above or go to TicketSource here (Tickets on TicketSource incur a small booking fee)
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Lunch with Friends - Christmas Dinner
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - Annual Christmas Dinner - a two course home-cooked Christmas Dinner for local community
Menu:
Drinks - red or white wine or elderflower cordial on arrival
Cooked dinner of - turkey (or nut roast vegetarian dish), roast potatoes, sprouts, carrots & parsnips, stuffing, pigs in blankets
Christmas pudding with double cream or brandy cream (lactose free available) or trifle with cream
Cheese & biscuits
Tea or coffee
Date & Time:
Usually on every 3rd Friday of the month
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Sally Bull - Telephone; email
Christina Lewis - 07968159779; email
Gail Birch - 07875028671; email
Liz Cole - (Church Warden) 07974911016; email
Woodchester Christmas Fair
Event:
Woodchester Christmas Fair
Date & Time:
Saturday 6th December
!0:30 - 4:00pm approx
What to see & do:
Festive Stalls….Christmas Presents….Hot & Cold Snacks….Mulled Wine….Stalls……Toys…..Games..…Jigsaws..….Fabulous Raffle……Bulb Planters…..Children’s Activities and much more!
Please put it on your own calendar to come along and support it and invite your family and friends.
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Liz Cole - Telephone; 07974 911016; email
Helen Jackson - Telephone 07471204221; email
Christmas Craft Evening for the ladies - NOW FULLY BOOKED
Event:
‘Christmas Craft Evening’ for the ladies
Date & Time:
Saturday 29th November
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Ticket Information:
THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED …SO SORRY!!
We would be grateful for ay donations of cakes for this event. Thank you.
Further Information
Last year our Christmas Craft evening was very successful
There is no better way to start the season than an evening in our lovely church with friends enjoying festive music, delicious food and beautiful crafts washed down with a glass of warming mulled wine.
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Helen Jackson 07471204221; email
Messy Church Christingle
Event:
‘Messy Church’ Christingle
Date & Time:
Weds 26th November
3:20pm - 4:45pm
Further Inforation
We warmly welcome you all to our Messy Church Christingle where we will make our Christingles with oranges and sweets. Come and find out what it is all about and have a great time making Christmas crafts.
At the end of our time together we will light our Christingle candles. What a wonderful sight to see the church full of glowing candles!
All our donations on the day will be for ‘The Children’s Society’, who help young people in this country, who are in desperate need of help.
If you have time, please look online to see all the wonderful ways they help these young people. (https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/whatwe-do)
All young people need to be accompanied by an adult please. We look forward to seeing you all.
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Liz Hale - 01453 765422; email
‘Tuesday Gang’ - Churchyard Maintenance
Event:
‘Tuesday Gang’ - Churchyard Maintenance
For further information and how to join this group please see the ‘Churchyard Maintenance page’ under ‘Church Life’
Date & Time:
Every Tuesday Morning
8:00am - 10:00am
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Richard Spencer - 01453 872686; email
Sunday Creche
Event:
Date & Time:
Every Sunday Morning
11am - 12pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Liz Hale - 01453 765422; email
Bell Ringing Practice
Graham Horn - Commons.Wikimedia
Event:
‘Bell Ringing Practice’
Date & Time:
Every Friday Evening
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Phil Taylor - email
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu:
Sausages with mashed potato and vegetables followed by apple charlotte and cream.
There will be veggie sausages as an alternative. (The meat sausages will be gluten free),
A gluten free and sugar-free apple crumble will be available for guests with special diets
Date & Time:
Every 3rd Friday of the month
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christina Lewis - 07968159779; email
Gail Birch - 07875028671; email
Liz Cole - (Church Warden) 07974911016; email
Thanksgiving Service for the life of John Hale
Event:
Thanksgiving Service for the life of John Hale
All Wellcome
Date & Time:
Thurs 20th November
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Further Information:
A service to celebrate the life of John Hale. There will be family flowers only and donations will be gratefully received for 'The Brain Tumour Charity'.
All are welcome to come and give thanks for the life of this lovely man who did so much for our church and who will be so very much missed.
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Remembrance Sunday Services
Event:
Remembrance Sunday Services
At Woodchester War Memorial and St.Mary’s Church (see below)
Date & Time:
10:50am - 11:05am - short Remembrance Service at Woodchester War Memorial
10:55am quiet reflection in St.Mary’s Curch
11:15am - 12:00am Remembrance Service in St.Mary’s Church
Location:
Woodchester War Memorial, jnct of Southfield Rd. & Station Rd. Location here
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Autumn Serenade - a concert by Copious Notes and the Mozaic Octet
Event:
Autumn Serenade - a concert by Copious Notes and the Mozaic Octet
A wide range of music and styles from Mozart to Gershwin and others
Date & Time:
Saturday 18th October 2025
7:30pm - 9:30pm approx
Doors open at 7:00pm
Entry £10 on the door or from Woodchester Post Office (cash only); under 12’s FREE
Further Information
Bar with light refreshments
Alongside the well-stocked bar we will be selling tempting hot snacks, straight from the oven, and homemade brownies and other goodies.
Our aim is to raise funds for the church.
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Please contact Liz Cole (Church Warden) or Andrew Pemberton (Treasurer) for further details using the details on our Team & Contacts page here
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu:
Ham, chicken & leek pie with puff pastry top served with mashed potato and carrots (GF option of chicken, ham & leek casserole or vegetarian pie)
Fruit sponge with custard (diabetic option of fruit jelly)
Date & Time:
Every 3rd Friday of the month
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christina Lewis - 07968159779; email
Gail Birch - 07875028671; email
Liz Cole - (Church Warden) 07974911016; email
‘Tuesday Gang’ - Churchyard Maintenance
Event:
‘Tuesday Gang’ - Churchyard Maintenance
For further information and how to join this group please see the ‘Churchyard Maintenance page’ under ‘Church Life’
Date & Time:
Every Tuesday Morning
8:00am - 10:00am
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Richard Spencer - 01453 872686; email
Special Benefice Sunday Service & Lunch - Swedish Guests
Event:
A special Benefice ‘Sunday Service’
We will be welcoming a number of Swedish guests from our Swedish link parish in Näsby Fellingsbro to our service this morning
This will be followed immediately by a bring and share lunch
Please come along and meet our Swedish friends and share a lunch with us
Date & Time:
Every Sunday Morning
11am - 12pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu:
Main course - Sausage casserole with fresh vegetables and new potatoes.
Dessert - apple crumble and custard.
There will be GF and vegetarian and low sugar options available.
Tea and coffee served after lunch as usual.
Date & Time:
Friday 19th September
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christina Lewis - 07968159779; email
Gail Birch - 07875028671; email
Liz Cole - (Church Warden) 07974911016; email
Harvest Service & Baptism
Event:
This will be our annual Harvest Service
We will also have a Baptism during the service
Harvest Giving Information
We will be celebrating Harvest to THANK GOD for his many blessings.
As a token of our thanks we’ll be collecting dry and tinned goods to donate to wonderful local charities like the Stroud Foodbank.
The Foodbank does fantastic work providing a few day’s supplies to local people and families who suddenly find themselves in a crisis. They can’t deal with fresh produce, so the most useful things we can provide are:
Top 5 Shopping List
Tinned Ham & Corned Beef
Fruit Squash
Coffee
Shampoo & Conditioner
Laundry Liquid
Financial donations are also always welcomed by the Foodbank if you prefer. Please give generously
Baptism Information
We will also be celebrating the baptism of baby Harriet Eva Humphries, please do pray for Harriet, her parents Will and Emily, the family and godparents. It will be a day of real rejoicing.
Date & Time:
Every Sunday Morning
11am - 12pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
‘The Great Woodchester Village Tea Party’
Event:
‘The Great Woodchester Tea Party’ - Organised jointly by St.Mary’s Church & Woodchester WI
Date & Time:
Saturday 6th September
2:30 - 6:00pm approx
What to see & do:
Stalls….Cakes….Live Music….Fun Dog Show….Games….and much more!
Location:
The Green, outside St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact: