Residents in a hamlet in East Hampshire are being encouraged to voice their views on a church with 1,000 years of history.

St Hubert's Church in Idsworth, known as “The Little Church in the Field”, is visited by thousands of people every year, but to survive it has to reflect the needs of the local community.  While the Parochial Church Council is working on new initiatives, it is open to new ideas from residents, such as the range of services provided and when they are held.

“We want the local community to come and talk to us and say what they would like the church to do for them,” said churchwarden John Bannell.

“We've got a digital project putting the history of the church in the context of the history of the landscape, the archaeology and the people who used it. We're also working on wellbeing projects as well.
“It really is a gem to visit.”
The church dates back to the 11th century and is not far from Clanfield and Rowlands Castle, featuring medieval art that was covered up during the English Reformation under King Henry VIII, and lay hidden until discovery in 1864.

Feedback from the community will inform the review by the new priest in charge, Revd Joy Windsor. She has asked her three parishes, including Idsworth, to carry out and help plan the next phase in the 1,000-year history of St Hubert's. In 2030, this will include the 700th anniversary of the medieval wall paintings, which are of national importance.

The Petersfield Post 12^th March

People can have their say in-person at a meeting at St Hubert’s on Saturday, April 5, from 3pm to 4pm. Alternatively, feedback can be sent by email to idsworthchurchwarden@gmail.com  or by post to The Church Office, Blendworth Church Centre, Blendworth Lane, Waterlooville PO8 0AA.