Supporting Westerham and Further Afield

We support people locally.

We are committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at St. Mary the Virgin. We aim to benefit Westerham by offering a variety of church services and by enabling people to live out their faith as part of our parish community. As a parish church, we support people at key moments in their lives by preparing them for, and taking weddings baptisms and funerals. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

Being the only Anglican church in Westerham we offer a variety of worship services, including traditional language ‘said’ services, choral morning services, occasional evensong services and ‘2nd Sunday, our informal service of word, prayer and praise’.

As well as systematic Bible-based teaching in the Sunday services, church members support Churchill Church of England Primary School as governors and regularly lead Collective Worship.

Throughout the year there are particular services that draw many from the community to St Mary's. The church is open every day for private prayer as well as for tourists (free of charge); prayer requests can be left on the ‘prayer board’ and are included in the prayers in Sunday morning services. The clergy meet and pray with individuals on an informal basis as requested. The governors of Churchill school and the clergy offer pastoral support to staff and pupils.

The Pastoral Care Team offers spiritual support, prayer and to distribute communion to those from our congregations who are unable to attend church services due to ill health.

We also care for the large churchyard.

Release the pressure - a new helpline from Kent County Council

Mental well-being remains a huge concern at this time.   We've been made aware of a new phone line available through Kent County Council, offering 24/7 access to a highly trained and experienced team, to provide expert support no matter what a person is going through.   People are encouraged not to suffer in silence and to text the word Kent to 85258 or call the number 0800 107 0160, for free confidential support.   A link can be found here. 

In Westerham, the church is a key supporter of the Foodbank.   The collection point in the church is available on Sunday mornings when the building is open for church service(s); the collection points at The Co-op, Wolfe Garage and Waitrose Biggin Hill are available at other times.   And if you know anyone in need of the Food Bank’s help and support at this difficult time, or you need this support yourself, then please contact the foodbank at 01959 562147 or 01959 562058 or via email [email protected].

Supporting Children - Hosey Trust Grants

The Westerham Church of England Boys and Westerham Church of England Girls School Trust (known as the Hosey Trust) is a fund set up in 1987 for the benefit of children who have been through Westerham Church of England Schools - Hosey School and Westerham School. The proceeds of the sale of Hosey School were invested and the interest accumulated is made available for the benefit of these pupils. They can apply for financial assistance for their studies for the sort of things that are not normally provided by the school, college or Local Education Authority.   This must be accompanied by relevant receipts.  The Trustees are the Priest in Charge (Revd Dave Fox-Branch), the Churchwarden (Anna Morris) and two co-opted members (Judy Duffield and John Warde) and a clerk (Carol Davis), who meet twice a year in April and October to consider applications. The grants vary depending on the number of students who apply each session. They are not means-tested and are available to all former Westerham Schools’ pupils up to the age of 25.

Applications to the Hosey Trust Clerk, c/o St Mary's Parish Office.