News Stories
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2 Jan. 2026
in GeneralChurch marks 180th anniversary with unique box project
Worshippers at St Barnabas Church, Swanmore, marked their church’s 180th anniversary with a unique project. Groups and organisations from around the village were each invited to decorate a small box, and these contributions were ultimately brought together to form a fascinating display in the church’s foyer. Read more
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11 Dec. 2025
in GeneralBishop presents cheques to recipients of Lent Appeal
Bishop Jonathan has presented cheques to three charities that we raised funds for as part of the Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2025. Generous donations and fundraising ensured that our Lent Appeal for 2025 raised £9,000 which was split equally between the charities USPG, Tearfund and Vista – based at Harbour Church, Portsmouth. Read more
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5 Dec. 2025
in GeneralBishop makes maiden speech in House of Lords
Bishop Jonathan has made his maiden speech in the House of Lords. He was responding to the government’s Budget proposals, and was keen to emphasise how churches in our diocese already help those in need. Read more
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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