The Parish of Rowledge

The Parish of Rowledge, situated about 3 miles south of Farnham in Surrey, is made up of the village of Rowledge, Holt Pound, the hamlet of Bucks Horn Oak, and part of Boundstone. The Parish has a population of about 3,000 people and includes a large tract of Alice Holt forest.

Partly in Hampshire and partly in Surrey, the village of Rowledge has a semi-rural feel and a very strong sense of local community. It is well served by two pubs, a village club, a village store and post office, a doctor’s surgery, hairdresser, newsagent and an excellent butcher. The village hall is a popular venue for many village activities, local organisations and clubs.

The Church of England Parish Church of St. James (within the Deanery of Farnham and the Diocese of Guildford) is a thriving church with a wide variety of services and groups encompassing all age ranges. There is also a Methodist Church. There is an excellent pre-school, ‘Little Fishes’, rated by OFSTED as 'outstanding', and a Church of England Primary School, which is ranked one of the top Hampshire Schools.

The Alice Holt Woodland Park attracts many visitors, as does Bird World and Forest Lodge garden centre. Local people extensively use the woods for cycling, walking, dog walking and riding.

The local Parish magazine, the ‘Rowledge Review’, carries details of all of the groups and activities available. By reputation, the village is a friendly place and seen by many as a desirable place to live.

The Parish Church of St. James

The Parish Church of St. James is located in Church Lane on the very edge of the forest. It is an attractive building in an attractive location. Built in 1869, the church has been very well kept over the years and has seen two sensitive extensions to provide space for children’s work, and church based activities.

We aim to offer a diversity of worship so that most people will find something that suits them. Services range from traditional prayer book, to mainstream parish communion, and family and informal services . Please see the services page for more detail.

In addition there are children’s groups, for all ages. These meet alongside the main 10:00 am service, with some on Sunday evenings.

There is also a very active branch of the Mothers Union and regular bible study groups.

St James is a broad based and welcoming church community and visitors and newcomers are made very welcome without being overwhelmed!