St Bartholomew’s Church Hognaston

St Bartholomew’s stands at the heart of the ancient village of Hognaston, in the hills overlooking Carsington Water. The village has around 240 residents, with visitors staying in its holiday accommodation adding to community life throughout the year.

The Grade II* listed church has been a cornerstone of village life since the 12th century. Its medieval tower, Norman doorway, tympanum and font survive, although much of the present building dates from a Victorian remodelling in 1879.

The church is open every day with the help of a large and committed volunteer team. Volunteers also care for the church and churchyard, arrange flowers and wind the clock. Inside, there is flexible space, a small modern kitchen, a meeting area, an accessible toilet available to visitors and walkers, and a popular book swap.

Alongside our two monthly Communion services, we hold a much-loved—and sometimes quite competitive—monthly coffee morning. It is always well attended and raises several thousand pounds each year for the church and other charitable causes.

Christmas is particularly special. The village comes together to decorate the church, enjoy the Christmas-light switch-on and carol singing, and attend the Hognotes choir concert, which is always a sell-out.

We are a friendly and practical church community, willing to try new things. We have achieved a Bronze Eco Church Award, hope to reach Silver shortly and are currently installing a new heating system as part of our work to improve sustainability.