Tarrant Rushton: St Mary

St Mary's Church Blandford St Mary

The Parish of Blandford St Mary lies south of the larger town of Blandford Forum on the banks of the River Stour. St Mary’s Church is situated in Lower Blandford St Mary, DT11 9ND. The Church was built in the Early English Style and dates from the 14th century. It was later rebuilt and enlarged in Georgian Gothic style. The stained glass windows are a very special feature along with some interesting memorials. Our churchyard overlooks the meadows to the River Stour and provides a peaceful and tranquil place to sit and reflect.

Now part of the Two Rivers Benefice, this lovely church offers a variety of services and festivals and would love to welcome you. The Church has links with the local Primary school and hosts children’s harvest and Christmas celebrations open to all.

You can always be sure of a warm welcome at St Mary’s, at a Sunday service or at our busy ‘Coffee, Cake and Community Chat’ one Thursday each month.
We look forward to meeting you.

Charlton Marshall: St Mary the Virgin

You are certain of a warm welcome at St Mary The Virgin Church, Charlton Marshall whether you are a local parishioner or just visiting the area. We hold regular family friendly services.

St Mary The Virgin is a rare example of an early eighteenth century rural parish church, it is a grade 1 listed building; it includes an earlier late fourteenth century tower with Georgian embellishments, and a (largely) sympathetic Victorian refurbishment in 1895. It is a gem. An unusual feature is the "stocks" outside the entrance but don't let that put you off as you will be warmly received inside.

It is located on the banks of the River Stour and lies one mile equidistant from Spetisbury and Blandford St Mary churches.

Hearing loop at Charlton Marshall

A hearing loop has successfully been installed in the Church in Charlton Marshall. We hope those who wear hearing aids find it helpful.

Langton Long: All Saints

Langton was erected in 1862 to the design of TH Wyatt.The most interesting item brought from the old Church is the memorial brass to John Whitewood and his two wives, Joan (1457) and Alice (1467 -). The space reserved for his own death was never filled in.Langton has a bell chamber with three bells, one of which is thought to be pre-Reformation. There are 10 fine stained glass windows.The organ was built by Henry James of Fulham Road, London and the only other example of such an organ in this area is at Salisbury Cathedral.The altar cloths came from Norfolk Cathedral.Langton is a small parish but extends to encompass about 2,000 souls living on the far side of the ring road from the Church, going into the edges of Blandford Forum.We are a small community but, we think, a very generous one and welcome visitors and new members of the congregation very warmly.

(By Jean Collins)

Tarrant Keynston: All Saints

The parish of Tarrant Keynston with Tarrant Crawford is part of the Two Rivers Benefice, Dorset. The Two Rivers Benefice is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults and has a Safeguarding Officer - Lynn Webb - [email protected]. If you have any concerns about the wellbeing of a child, young person or adult, please refer to the noticeboard in the church porch or download the policy and flowchart on the left.

The Diocese of Salisbury’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advises our Safeguarding Officers. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

Spetisbury: St John Baptist

St John the Baptist Church stands at the northern end of the village of Spetisbury. Services are held on most Sunday mornings throughout the year.

We are a small community but, we think, a very generous one and welcome visitors and new members of the congregation very warmly. The origins of the church are medieval with links to an Augustinian monastic settlement in the village.

The church was much rebuilt in 1858 with the sixteenth century pulpit retained. It contains a fine organ and an impressive peal of six bells rung by an enthusiastic and dedicated team of ringers.

There are very close links between St John The Baptist and all the other churches in the Benefice

You can always be sure of a warm welcome at St John The Baptist at a Sunday service or at our busy ‘Coffee, Cake and Community Chat’ every 1st and 3rd Monday each month from 10:00 til 11:30am

Adjacent to the church is the Church of England primary school to which some 50+ children from Charlton Marshall attend.