Parkham Parish Church

Parkham church (St. James) is mainly a 15th century structure, with early 16th century aisles. It has a fine late Norman S. doorway (c. 1160-70), and a Norman font surrounded by some excellent medieval tiles. The N. aisle was erected by the Risdons. The S. aisle is of the same date, and may have been erected by the Giffards of Halsbury. There are inscriptions to the Giffards of Halsbury from 1595 to 1712. 

A country church with 84 ft tower where the 6 bells are regularly rung. A church has been present on the site since Norman times but little remains from that period except the arch to the main door. There is evidence of building from the 14th century and through to Victorian times.

Summary of Services 

You are welcome to join us for our services - please see under Church Events what's happening and where.

The Church is also OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER each day.  You are welcome to come in and have some quiet time for as little or as long as you wish.

Remember we have a God who cares for each one of us, his love cannot be separated from us, and he has the victory: so we have assurance that we can say ‘all will be well’.

If you need help in any way, or just want a chat, please contact any of the people below:

Keith Chambers     – 451199

Rev Madeline Bray  – 451445 / 07812 957971 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sarah Badham       – 451167 / 07798 661114 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Keep safe, and God bless you.  Rev'd Madeline

 

Please  see the diary under Church Events for the rostered services.  At the moment we are uniting our services with the Chapel, but the probable pattern is: 

     1st Sunday     11 am          United Worship in the Chapel

     2nd Sunday    10-12 noon  Sunday Breakfast - come and go as you wish.  Alternates between Church and Chapel.  [In November this is the 1st Sunday.]

     3rd Sunday     11 am          United Worship in the Chapel or Church

     4th Sunday     11 am          Holy Communion in the Church

     5th Sunday     10.30 am     Contemporary Worship, alternating between Church and Chapel

If you are new to the parish, or are a visitor, please make yourself known to us, and stay after the service for coffee/tea and fellowship.

ST JAMES’ CHURCH BELLS, AND BELL RINGING

The earliest record of the bells in Parkham was in 1553 having 4 bells in the tower.  This remained the case up until 1778 when they were broken up and melted down in a furnace and casting pit in the north west part of the churchyard and the original 4 bells were cast into the 6 that we have today.  In 1953 the bells were brought down and taken to the Taylor Foundry in Loughborough where 3 of them were retuned.

They were rehung on a completely new iron and steel frame with new headstocks and bearings.  The heaviest of the bells, the tenor, weighs 7.3 cwt but appears quite a bit heavier because of the iron headstock to which it is attached and swings on. We have a team of 6 ringers at Parkham and endeavour to ring every Sunday morning.  We also have a Wednesday evening group which we formed in co-operation with Abbotsham 30 years ago and is still going strong.  We meet between 7.30 and 9 pm alternatively at Parkham and Abbotsham.  

Anyone interest in bell ringing, or wishing to learn, please contact Ernie Hockin on 01237 451559.

Need Information ?

If you would like to find out about having a christening or wedding, or any other general enquiry, please contact the Vicar: Rev'd Madeline Bray Click Here and complete the enquiry form; or phone 01237 451445.