News Stories
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18 Nov. 2025
in GeneralAnimals blessed in Droxford church service
Animals including a Shetland pony and many dogs were blessed as part of a service hosted by St Mary and All Angels Church, Droxford. The annual pet blessing service was led by the Rev Jill Kingston. Read more
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17 Nov. 2025
in GeneralIsland priest to take charge of Meon Valley parishes
Bishop Jonathan has announced that the Rev Sandra Matthews has been appointed as the interim priest-in-charge of the Meon Valley parishes. Sandra, who is currently rector of Whippingham and East Cowes and priest-in-charge of Wootton, will become the interim priest-in-charge of Swanmore, Newtown, Soberton and Hambledon, and the Bridge benefice. Read more
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16 Nov. 2025
in GeneralYoung bell ringer designs fundraising calendar
A 12-year-old bell ringer has designed a calendar featuring images of St Peter and St Paul Church in Fareham. Brandon Joyce hopes to sell copies and raise money to help essential repair work to the historic church - including to the bell tower and clock. He would ultimately love to become tower captain at the church Read more
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14 Nov. 2025
in GeneralSpectacular poppy display inside and outside church
Thousands of poppies have been hung inside and outside a Petersfield church, as part of a special community project for Remembrance. More than 17,000 poppies were created by local community groups, schoolchildren and worshippers, to be displayed at St Peter's Church, in the centre of the town Read more
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4 Nov. 2025
in GeneralChurch celebrates a year of hosting lunch
Worshippers at Holy Trinity, Gosport, have celebrated 12 months of hosting Saturday lunches within their historic church. They marked their year of hospitality by inviting the Mayor and local councillors to join them Read more
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28 Oct. 2025
in GeneralAttendance at our churches rises for fourth year
Statistics have shown that attendance at CofE churches in our diocese has risen for the fourth year in a row since the Covid pandemic. There are now 8,000 worshippers in our churches each week. The figures reflect a similar rise at national level. However, the figures are still below the pre-pandemic levels reached in 2019. Read more
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25 Oct. 2025
in GeneralCathedral offers space for homeless to sleep
Our cathedral will welcome 12 rough sleepers each night from the end of October to March 2026, as part of a partnership with the Society of St James. They'll bed down for the night in Becket Hall, the cathedral's hall in St Thomas's Street, opposite the cathedral itself Read more
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21 Oct. 2025
in GeneralChaplains are integral to hospice care
Chaplains are integral to the care that hospices give to their patients, families and staff. Spiritual issues are woven into end-of-life care, and to bereavement support. The Rev Vickie Morgan is the chaplain at the Mountbatten Hospice on the Isle of Wight Read more
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16 Oct. 2025
in GeneralNew pioneer minister commissioned on island
Ali Mascarenhas was commissioned as a lay pioneer in a special service at St Mary’s Church, Brighstone. Ali has led work in this parish over the past four years on projects including working parties in the churchyard, nature talks, a group creating mosaics and outdoor Celtic worship. Read more
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13 Oct. 2025
in GeneralNew priest appointed for Hayling Island
Bishop Jonathan has appointed a new associate priest to work in the parish of Hayling Island. The Rev May Barker will work alongside the interim priest-in-charge, the Rev Nick Todd. Read more