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About

History of the Church

Click here for a document describing the history of the Church.

Bells

We have a peal of six bells, rung for Services and Weddings. Practice night is Thursday evening from 8-9 p.m. Learners are always welcome but children must be twelve years old and must be accompanied by a parent for the practice. Upper age limit for learners depends on fitness.

Mastering ringing is not instantaneous but the rewards far outweigh the effort of learning. If you are interested in taking up this fascinating passtime, please contact the Tower Captain (Julia Douetil) or the Vice Captain (Susan Thornton) - or any of the ringers.

Click here for a document describing the church bells and how they are rung.

Church Rooms

Click here for a document describing the costs and conditions of using the Church Rooms.

Parish Newsletter

Perinews, the monthly Parish Newsletter, is published jointly by St. Michael & All Angels church and the Parish Council, and is delivered to every house in the parish. Further copies are always available in church. It is designed to keep people up to date with what is happening within the church. We also include a section advertising events held by the various groups and organisations within the village of Pirbright. Perinews also covers news from Pirbright Parish Council. Unfortunately, due to space we cannot advertise events from groups and organisations not based in Pirbright.

This is an excellent resource and we are most grateful for the support we receive from the Village of Pirbright.

Churchyard

The Parish Church of Pirbright occupies a unique position, within the commuter belt for London, yet in a surprisingly rural setting: part of the green corridor for wildlife in the great metropolis. Surrounded by fields and close to woodland and heath, it provides a special environment within a range of ecosystems. It shelters a wide variety of wildlife including threatened species such as thrushes, bats and stag beetles whilst the stream on the South side is home to water voles and brook lampreys.

But the churchyard is not merely a wildlife haven, more than that it stands testament to the glory God, representing the special relationship between Man and God, which has been celebrated on this site for almost a thousand years. Magnificent specimen trees speak of the glory of God; planted carpets of snowdrops, crocus and bluebells tell of His bounty; tombs, from humble wooden bedsteads and brick arches to a huge granite monolith, serve as reminders of mortality and of hope for a future in God. Family names on memorials and initials of long past churchwardens, carved into the bricks of the church, link the building and the churchyard with the people of our community through the ages.

It is as a garden to the glory of God that the churchyard has a special place in the community, visited by churchgoers, children from the local primary school, families tending graves, walkers and people simply seeking a moment of quiet communion. Twenty years ago the churchyard was an overgrown tangle of brambles, rhododendrons and weed trees. Together the PCC, individuals in the community and a regular working party have gradually restored and maintained the grounds, clearing undergrowth and uncovering lost graves, sweeping mountains of leaves, planting spring bulbs and flowerbeds and installing seats for quiet meditation. The local agricultural college advised in the care and restoration of trees; uneven and flooded footpaths were gravelled and wheelchair access and low level lighting installed. Much work remains to be done, including a proposal to pave the footpaths in order to extend access for pushchairs, wheelchairs and those less steady on their feet.

Access for the disabled

Like all churches, St Michael & All Angels is open to anyone and everyone. We are, of course, aware that some disabled people may have difficulty getting up to or into the church. Please do not let this put you off! Like many other old, listed buildings, our facilities are obviously rather limited; nevertheless there is a ramp for wheelchair access and specific space for wheelchairs in a convenient spot within the church (not tucked away at the back out of sight!). The church is also equipped with a hearing loop and a disabled toilet, and large-print service sheets are available. If you are in any doubt, do please ask: in church, one of the churchwardens (Philip Barralet: 01483 473737 or 485930 / philipbarralet@googlemail.com; Barbara Douglas: 01483 237628 / RBDouguk@aol.com), or contact Gary Williamson: 01483 236909 or mobile/text 07780 872897 / roundmeadow@btinternet.com. We are hoping to make further improvements to our disabled access and facilities in the near future. Whatever your disability, you are always welcome!

 

 

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