PART OF THE WEST WIGHT BENEFICE OF ANGLICAN CHURCHES ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING SERVICES AND EVENTS CHECK OUT THE NEWS AND NOTICES PAGE.

THERE IS A SERVICE AT ALL SAINTS EACH SUNDAY AT 9.30AM - However, please check the calendar/news for details of services on the 5th Sunday of a Month as this may be a shared services hosted by another church in the West Wight Benefice.

All Saints Church  is situated in the 'old village' area of Freshwater in the beautiful West Wight. History suggests that the presence of a Church on the site goes back to the 9th Century, but the church we see today is of Saxon origin and stands near the head of the tidal estuary of the River Yar just up the lane from The Causeway which crosses the Freshwater Way - the cycle route and footpath linking Yarmouth with Freshwater and Freshwater Bay.

The church has a regular Sunday service and provides a focal point for a number of community gatherings throughout the year. It is popular for Weddings and Baptisms and is closely linked to St Agnes Church in Freshwater Bay - the other church in the Freshwater Parish.

When Alfred, Lord Tennyson, moved to Freshwater with his family, they worshipped at All Saints church. Tennyson’s second son, Lionel, was born in Freshwater and christened at All Saints. Within the church are memorials to several of the Tennyson family, including Lionel, who died and was buried at sea in 1886.

Tennyson’s wife Emily survived her husband and is buried in the churchyard, with several other members of her family.

All Saints is one of the 12 Churches (11 parishes) which make up the West Wight Benefice of churches, which stretches from Shorwell to Newtown and from Calbourne to Totland Bay.

The Benefice is led by Team Rector, Revd Jackie Maw, who is supported by a dedicated team of Retired clergy, Readers and Lay Worship Leaders and 2 part time administrators.

SAFEGUARDING

"Our parish of Freshwater: All Saints and St Agnes is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Portsmouth’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO Sheila Spivey via [email protected] or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor via Email: [email protected] Telephone: 023 9289 9665. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services."