Meet The Team

Resting in the shadow of the Berkshire Downs, the Hermitage Team of Churches covers an area of about 100 square kilometers east of the A34 trunk road and both sides of the M4 motorway near to junction 13.  The nature of its seven Parishes varies from rural seclusion to busy commuter belt, with residents working in nearby and continuously growing urban developments of Newbury, Reading and Oxford.  It is about midway along the M4 corridor between London and Wales.

The Team comprised seven churches each located in a separate village with its own history and character. Our congregations and communities contain a wide mix of people and personalities, from those whose families have worked the land for generations to those who are newer to the area, sometimes moving here for work or for our excellent range of village schools.

Each church has a different story to tell and each community has a vision for being at the centre of village life, supporting our communities and those who live there to flourish.

The Team itself is part of the Newbury Deanery in the Diocese of Oxford.  Its seven Parish Churches are:

St Mark's - Cold Ash

St Mary &  St Nicholas - Compton

St Mary's - East Ilsley

St Frideswide - Frilsham

St Mary's - Hampstead Norreys

Holy Trinity - Hermitage

St Peter & St Paul - Yattendon

The Churches share a sense of drawing together while retaining their own distinct character and are all actively involved in engaging with their local communities both within the Church and outside.

We hold a Team Service every fifth Sunday moving around the different churches in the team.  We all share a common weekly pew sheet, 'The Team Messenger' which highlights services and events within in our team.

You are very welcome to visit our churches, with most of our buildings open every day, or to come along to a community event or service. You will receive a warm welcome!