St. Dunstan’s Ashurst Wood

The first St. Dunstan’s church building, opened in 1884. It was then known as the Mission Room and was situated on the main A22 London to Eastbourne road. St Dunstan’s congregation moved to the present church building in 1979, taking over the vacant former URC building near the War Memorial on Hammerwood Road. The move was undertaken because of the poor state of repair of the former building, its inadequate heating and its noisy and vulnerable situation adjacent to the busy main road.

The alterations to the building were financed by grants, interest free loans and much fundraising and the former chapel was transformed into a delightful little country church. Various artefacts were brought from the old building including the pews, a stained glass window and the stone font – now situated in the garden because of lack of space! A modern portable font has replaced it.

Various improvements have been undertaken over the past years including an extension to the car park, and like Holy Trinity, the spire was floodlit to mark the millennium. Over the next few years we will be developing the church buildings to be better equipped for the Church’s mission in the village.

The church is open daily during daylight hours and you are welcome to visit and look round.

Development Project Complete

The Development Project at St Dunstan’s is now complete. The Church itself has been transformed, providing a light and welcoming worshipping space with flexibility for different seating layouts to suit the type of service. We have received many compliments on the refurbished building.

New Hall for Hire

We also have a brand new medium size hall immediately adjoining the church with excellent kitchen facilities. The hall is light and airy and can accommodate up to 45 people seated. There is a separate gathering space suitable for welcoming guests with a capacity of around 35 people standing.

The kitchen has a range cooker, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, hot cupboard, microwave, instant hot water for drinks, cooking pots and pans, crockery and cutlery. There are hatches to the hall and the gathering space. There is a disabled toilet and baby changing facilities, an enclosed garden and a car park. For further information and to enquire about bookings, please contact Valerie Major (01342 822545).

.

Community Café

We provide lunches every Tuesday, served from 12noon until 2pm. These are open to everyone. There is no need to book. There will be high chairs for babies and toddlers. The food will all be home prepared and cooked and prices will be £1.50 for soup and a roll; £3.50 for a main course and £1.50 for a dessert. Transport will be available for those who cannot manage to get to the hall under their own steam – please contact Sue Rolley (825643) by the Monday evening if you require a lift.

Please also contact Sue if you would like to get involved as a volunteer.

Rev. Nick Lamb, Vicar, and Mr Jeremy Kirk, Churchwarden

-