St Aldhelm’s Church is YOUR parish Church at the heart of YOUR community and we offer you a heartfelt welcome.
As the parish church our primary aim is as the religious centre for the parish of Branksome, Poole providing worship and ministry as part of the Church of England and within the worldwide Anglican community.
As the parish Community Centre, made up from all parts of your community we also offer activities and opportunities for fun & friendship and facilities for use by the community.
We hope you will explore what we have to offer here and we would really love to welcome you and your family personally.
Fr Pip Martin
What's On?
Want to know what is going on at St Aldhelm’s? Click the link to check out the calendar where you will find everything you need.
The Church and Centre
St Aldhelm’s Church is the lively Anglican Church at the heart of the parish of Branksome, Poole and we offer you a heartfelt welcome.
The church, made up of all parts of our community, provides worship, activities, ministry, fun, friendship and love to everyone in the parish and beyond.
Wherever you are on your own faith journey, if you haven’t started or are not sure if you want too or what it means, St Aldhelm’s offers an open and friendly “no pressure” environment where you can explore and ask questions of and about God, faith and the church at your own pace.
By its very nature, this web site can only give a 2 dimensional representation of your parish church so we offer it to you in the hope that it will inspire you to visit one day to experience all dimensions of life at St Aldhelm’s.
St Aldhelm’s Centre is the Community Centre at the heart of the Branksome Parish where you will find extensive facilities available for your use.
The Centre includes the Church Hall, the Committee room and also events in the church itself and is used extensively for parties and other celebrations, for committee, planning & management meetings.
Throughout the year, the church community and others also offer a wide range of theatre plays, music events and other performances.
Whether you are looking to run a children’s party, a concert or a meeting we have the facilities you need.
FAQ
What tradition would you say St Aldhelm's Church is?
St Aldhelm`s Church might best be described as liberal, inclusive, high Anglican. Priests wear robes and a collar during all services, there is a little bit of incense during the Sunday Mass and an altar bell is rung during communion. Our music is fairly traditional. Whilst loving the traditions, our outlook is modern and there is hopefully a very open and welcoming approach to everyone. We have loads of social events and really treasure the opportunity to chat over a coffee after the service.
Where is St Aldhelm's?
St Aldhelm’s Church (BH13 6BT) is in Branksome, a suburb of Poole in Dorset on the South Coast of the United Kingdom. It is accessible by bus (M1, M2 & others) as it is on the main route between Poole and Bournemouth and is just next to the Weymouth to London Mainline railway (Branksome station is 200 meters away). For those driving from Poole it is on the A35 road which leaves Poole past the Park and heads towards Branksome and then Bournemouth. When you arrive at Pottery Junction, take the third exit and turn the next right ( St Aldhelm’s Road) just after the Branksome Railway station and the church is visible on the left.
Do you have any facilities for hire, for parties or other meetings?
Yes, we are the main community centre in the area and as such have a large hall and smaller community room. We host lots of parties, meetings, groups and other activities. We can offer regular slots or one off sessions. Contact the Parish office if you would like to check availability.
What time is worship?
Look at the dedicated Worship page that gives you all of the times of Worship
What is the best way to get involved?
There really is no best way to get involved as it will depend upon your needs. The best starting point would be to attend a service and see if St Aldhelm’s is “for you” and if it is then either make yourself known to any of the Welcome Team or any of the clergy on duty that day or anyone else really.
You could also call the Parish Office (01202 764420) and have a chat or speak to the ministry team or pop along to one of the music events… There is loads going on and we absolutely love to welcome everyone. If you are still not sure, drop an email to the office office@st-aldhelm.com
How can I find out more information?
If you can then the best way is to drop in at any point during the week and have a look. We are open every day and so you could just pop by.
If you can’t physically make it and would like to speak to someone, then either contact the ministry team or the Parish office.
If you would like to meet up with some one again this can be arranged.
Take a look at our Facebook page where most services are live streamed.
SAFEGUARDING
FOODBANK
Poole Food Bank exists to help families through difficulties. If you would like to know more about their services, please follow Poole Food Bank for more information or call 01202 672694 or drop into their centre next to St James Church, Church Street, Poole BH15 1JN