St Andrew's Bredwardine is a fascinating church of considerable antiquity, in a beautiful and peaceful setting above the banks of the River Wye. The south doorway and much of the nave date from the time of the Conquest, and the chancel was rebuilt after being partially destroyed by Owain Glyndwr's soldiers in 1406. Inside, notable features include a massive font, and the tombs of a gigantic knight, Walter Baskerville and a smaller effigy of Sir Roger Vaughan who died defending Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Another striking feature is the "bend" in the nave towards the altar, which means that the altar is not visible from all seats.

In the churchyard are the tombs of two notable residents (see "Famous Residents" link on left for more information) who lived in Bredwardine, albeit for a short time only, namely George Jarvis and the Reverend Francis Kilvert. The former's will set up the Jarvis Charity in the late 1700s, which still continues to generate intense debate in this area, while Francis Kilvert is known much more widely for his fascinating Diary, which shed light, humour and pathos on the hard life of the poor in Victorian Times. Kilvert ministered in St Andrew's from November 1877 until his untimely death in September 1879. Leaflets and booklets on the church and the area can be found in St. Andrew's.

For more images of the Church click here

Church Services, and people involved today

St Andrew's is one of the eight Border Link Parish churches. The position of Rector is currently vacant. The Curate is Rana Davies-James, Brickleys, Dorstone, HR3 6BA, Tel. 01497 831567

The Schedule of Services for St Andrew's and the other churches is published monthly in the "Link" magazine, and at each church. The Churchwarden for St Andrew's is Mrs Gwynneth Mackenzie, Pool Cottage, Brobury, Herefordshire HR3 6DX, Tel. 01981 500606.

In 2007, St Andrew's was part of a Church Tourism pilot project which resulted in the preparation of a village leaflet to put Bredwardine with Brobury and St Andrew's on the map.

Brobury's Church In 1851 the parish of Brobury, on the opposite bank of the River Wye, was united with Bredwardine, and St Andrew's became the church for the combined parishes. This left the church of St Mary Magdalen, Brobury, abandoned. In 1873, the former nave was pulled down and a western wall built to the c1300 chancel. More recently the building was extended and converted into a private dwelling. Brobury's ancient bell was moved to St Andrew's but not installed until 2007 when the bell tower was restored. It now rings out as the tolling bell.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

Work Mornings at St Andrew's

Saturday, 9.30am till 12.30pm

We plan to hold a 'working morning' at the Church on the last Saturday of each month. No previous experience necessary, so come along and join us. Come and go at a time suitable to you. Please come in old clothes or bring protective clothing. Coffee and cake will be served. Gwynneth

FRIENDS OF ST ANDREW'S ACTIVITIES

100 Club Draw

In an effort to raise money for the maintenance and upkeep of St Andrew’s Church, Bredwardine, we applied for and received a Small Lotteries Licence from the Herefordshire Council to run a monthly draw. Initially, the draw has been restricted to 100 people. 50% of the proceeds will be given in cash prices to the lucky draw winners and the remainder going to St Andrew’s Church. 

It worked so well this year, why not do it again in 2010? Together, in 2009, we raised £940 for the maintenance and upkeep of St Andrew’s Churchyard in Bredwardine. We have renewed our Small Lotteries Licence from the Herefordshire Council for our Friends of St Andrew's monthly draw and expanded the number of participates to 125. The name and rules will remain the same for 2010. Each draw ticket will cost £20, same as in 2009.  One small change:  more prize money! There will be twelve monthly draws, each with three prize winners.  

January thru May; July thru November Prizes
1st = £50     2nd = £25     3rd = £15
June and December “Bonus” Draws
1st = £100     2nd = £50     3rd = £25. 

Good luck and thank you for your support!

Draw Schedule Dates for 2010

You do not need to be present to win.  Winning numbers will be printed in the Bredwardine & Brobury County Events Section of the Hereford Times, on the website www.bredwardine-brobury.org.uk and in the following monthly issue of the ’The Link’.  Plan to attend!  It is a great opportunity socialise and catch up on the latest!  The 100 Club Draw is registered with Herefordshire Council, Registration Number 937. The 100 Club Draw is registered with Herefordshire Council, Registration Number 937.

CHURCH EVENTS

2010 Church Fete

The Fete is on August 7th 2010 at 2.30 pm in the field opposite the "Red Lion".

The competition for children is 'A Garden on a Tray'. Stalls will include Cake, Produce and White Elephant. Various Games will be available such as Tombola, Hoopla, Skittles and 'Guess the number of balloons in the Car! A band will be playing and it will be a traditional 'fun' afternoon for all the family. For more details, contact Gwynneth on 01981 500 606.

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PAST EVENTS

2009 Christmas Fair Father Christmas did not disappoint as he listened intently to all of the children's Christmas wishes.  The hustle and bustle of our Christmas Fair at St Andrew's Church created quite the festive spirit.  There was no shortage of crafts, gifts and delicious baked goods.  A profit was made on the day, totalling over £500 and still counting!  This made everyones efforts all worth while.  Thank you to all for your support and custom!  Proceeds in aid of St Andrew’s Church.

2009 St Andrew's Church Fete

Despite the weather, St Andrew's Church Fete was held on Saturday, August 1st, in Bredwardine.  Attendance was slightly down but fun was had by all.  Thank you to everyone who attended and especially those who worked so hard to make it happen!  A profit of over £1,100 was made, with all proceeds in aid of St Andrew's ChurchAll proceeds in aid of St Andrew's Church.

2008 St Andrew's Church Fete We were so lucky with the weather!  It tipped down with rain at 5.30 am in Bredwardine on Saturday morning, August 2nd, but as luck would have it, by the time that Charlotte Sellar opened the annual St Andrew's Fete, the sun was smiling on us again.  Emily presented Charlotte with a lovely bouquet of posies. A Big Thank you to EVERYONE for your support!  Unofficial estimate of the funds raised were approximately £1,470.  All proceeds are in aid of St. Andrew’s Church!

St Andrew's Harvest Festival Our Harvest Festival Service was held on Sunday October 5th, starting at 3pm. Tony Charles and Rana Davies-James took the service.  Tea and cakes were served after the service in St Andrew's Church, Bredwardine. 

September Evensong The Evensong Group produced, in anticipation of Trinity 17, a praised anthem performance of Stainer's 'God So Loved The World'. This service is now receiving acclaim beyond the parish. All welcome. Thanks to all music participants for this time and dedication!

August Evensong The Anthem Group provided the icing on the cake with their anthem! The August Evensong service included favourites 'All Hail The Power of Jesu's Many Crowns', ending with 'How great Thou Art'. What a turnout! Although I did not take an official count, I believe there were 50 people who attended the service!

Work Day at St Andrew's Church Saturday, July 12th was another success! The sun shone and it was a good day. Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent working day. The Churchyard is looking much tidier. We have made a good start but there is still a lot to do in both Churchyards. Regular effort is needed. So we hope to have another working day in October. Watch this spot. Special thanks to Jack and Emily for baking the delicious Banana Cake for our "elevenses". It was yummy!! Thank you Gwynneth for keeping us organised!  

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Last updated: July 25, 2010