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 alonf the M4 corridor between London and Wales.

The Team comprised seven churches each located in a separate village, although the rurual locations sometimes belie the 21st century lifestyle within.  Congregations and communities all contain a wide mix of people and personalities, from those whose families have worked the land for generations to those whose only connection with the locale is its proximity to their place of work, and uncounted variations in between.

Each one has a different story to tell.

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.

Ecclesiastically, we hold a Team Service every fifth Sunday on a rota basis.  We all share a common pew sheet, 'The Team Messenger' which highlights events and activities within the team which are open to any church member.