BEER HACKETT

 

ST MICHAEL

 

 

 

Here is a link to a recent video made of of Beer Hackett  church.

https://youtu.be/FJBu-ECA8dg

 

 

Please look at Future Events page and Recent Events page for more news of Beer Hackett. 

 

St Michael's church, Beer Hackett, outside

St Michael's church, Beer Hackett, inside

 

Welcome to this ancient church of St. Michael’s, Beer Hackett

This small parish of about 900 acres with its population of around 80-90, was formerly under the Abbot of Sherborne. After the Reformation, it became a peculiar of the dean of Sarum, and was variously described as “a chapel, dependent on the church of Sherborne”.

The nave and west tower were built in the first half of the 15th century; the north porch (by which you enter) was added early in the 16th century. Except for the tower, the church was largely rebuilt in 1882 by George Crickmay, an architect who had a hand in the restoration of many Dorset churches during the 19th century.

The entry for Beer Hackett from Dorset Ancestors reads: “There are some attractive stone cottages in the village but little else. There are no village shops, or other amenities, but there is the parish church dedicated to St. Michael…”

These bald facts are undeniably true, but they perhaps overlook the spirit of our little community. It may come as a surprise to learn that our church – for it belongs to all of us - is completely funded and run by villagers who volunteer their energies and services, led by the PCC. 

Working together, we hope to retain the only communal facility our little village has, centred around our monthly services and occasional other activities, such as the Village Fête. It is not just about keeping the roof on, but more about meeting and keeping in touch with one another. None should ever feel lonely or isolated in a village such as ours, so please check this website or our joint-parish magazine, Contact, for details of activities.

James Johnsen, Churchwarden


     

East Window showing the Crucifixion with Mary the mother of Jesus and St John

 

The pretty Bates organ at the West end

From the recent Parish Profile:

Beer Hackett is a thriving hamlet of 87 people. There are 37 houses including 5 farms and smallholdings and a world class Automobility business employing 47 people with an annual turnover of £7m. The demographic is very well balanced with 30 retired, active! adults, 40 adults of working age and 15 children of all ages. 9 of the families have children at home. Regular services on every second Sunday attract a congregation averaging 10 in number. Special services for festivals always attract much larger congregations and new “green shoots” in church life and outreach are evidenced for example in baptisms and weddings. Beer Hackett lacks a pub, shop or hall, making the church the only gathering point.

A Christian based charity  "Project Return" - Charity Commission reg. no. 1081641  supporting the poor in Vietnam has its registered office in Beer Hackett and is administered by two residents, Terry and Cynthia Gough.

Special annual events such as the Good Friday Walk of Witness and social get togethers, for example the wine and cheese and the church fete are well supported and are an encouragement to village life.

The parish has a long and creditable history of maintaining the church in good repair, always meeting its own “share” obligations and of loyal and consistent service by the PCC officers, flower ladies and others.

There is a firm wish that the church here should prosper and grow.