Melplash Beaminster
01308 862320
http://www.beaminsterteamchurches.org

Christ Church Melplash is part of the Beaminster Area Team Ministry which covers 50 square miles of beautiful rural West Dorset. The team consists of 14 individual parishes plus the chapel in the grounds of Mapperton House. Our worship shows a wonderful variety of styles ranging from services from the Book of Common Prayer to the child-centred Messy Church, with music a vital part of our activities.

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Christ's Church, Melplash was built between 1845 and 1846. Its construction was funded by James Bandinell in memory of his father, who had been vicar of Netherbury, some 3 miles from Melplash. James Bandinell was at one time secretary to William Wilberforce. The church was designed and built by Benjamin Ferrey, a pupil of Augustus Pugin and a friend of his son Augustus WN Pugin, and is a Neo-Norman structure, based on a church in Shoreham, in Sussex. (The Neo-Norman style was apparently very popular in the 1840s).

Tower Hill Netherbury Beaminster
01308 862320
http://www.beaminsterteamchurches.org

Netherbury St Mary is part of the Beaminster Area Team Ministry which covers 50 square miles of beautiful rural West Dorset. The team consists of 14 individual parishes plus the chapel in the grounds of Mapperton House. Our worship shows a wonderful variety of styles ranging from services from the Book of Common Prayer to the child-centred Messy Church, with music a vital part of our activities.

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Netherbury was once one of the largest parishes in Dorset and the size and prominence of the church reflects its importance in the locality.

It is possible that Netherbury had an earlier church than the present building. The Font is late 12th Century and a drawing in Dorchester Museum shows it with longer pillars and without base and step. The Piscina is 13th Century.

The Nave has 14th Century arcades north and south.

Salway Ash Beaminster
01308 862320
http://www.beaminsterteamchurches.org

Holy Trinity Salway Ash is part of the Beaminster Area Team Ministry which covers 50 square miles of beautiful rural West Dorset. The team consists of 14 individual parishes plus the chapel in the grounds of Mapperton House. Our worship shows a wonderful variety of styles ranging from services from the Book of Common Prayer to the child-centred Messy Church, with music a vital part of our activities.

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This interesting church, described by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as "rather Home Counties with tilled roofs", is brilliantly sited to take advantage of its high commanding position. At 250 feet above sea level, the views are wonderful.

Prior to the building of the present church, the vicar of Beaminster and Netherbury, the Reverend William Bookland BA, built a chapel of ease at Coles Ash, which opened in 1842. Although called a chapel of ease, the new building was only a licensed room for divine services. This meant that funerals and weddings had to be conducted at Netherbury. The chapel doubled during the week as a schoolroom and the arrangement continued until the opening of Holy Trinity and it remains part of the school to this day.

The foundation stone for the new church was laid by a Mrs. Reeves on 5th August 1887 and the church was consecrated on 17th January 1890. The church is in the early English style by architects Crickmay of Weymouth.

The organ is by The Sweetland Organ Co. of Bath and cost £125.00. It was pumped by hand for 47 years, until 1951 when it was electrified. Electric light was installed in 1947.

The chancel stained glass is of 1895.

Salway Ash, DT6 5HU
(01308) 488398

Located in rural Dorset walking country, a traditional pub with a single bar and real fires which serve both the main bar area and separate lounge. Traditional pub games with darts, bar skittles and crib leagues. A monthly folk sing-around...

Melplash, DT6 3UD
(01308) 488321
halfmoonmelplash.co.uk/

Picturesque thatched pub set in middle of village, easily reached from Bridport or Beaminster. Although mainly a food destination specialising in steaks and game, vegetarians are catered for and three local Palmers' beers are served. Muddy...

Slape Hill, Waytown, DT6 5LQ
(01308) 488203
hareandhoundswaytown.co.uk/index

Tucked away in a small hamlet, best reached from the Netherbury end, this unspoilt country pub offers Palmers ales. A single counter serves two drinking areas. The garden offers superb views and it makes an excellent stopping place for the...