A bit more Dorset…

Just two churches to report on – both in Purbeck in Dorset.

St. Mary’s, Swanage

St. Mary’s, Swanage

We have just spent a weekend in lovely Swanage, one of my favourite places. I called into St. Mary’s for a look around.

First things first. The sign outside says that St. Mary’s is open everyday for quiet and prayer. This is very good. Inside I found a simple guide to the church, as well as one on the north rose window, which gives an interesting historical overview of why stained glass is used in churches.

For children there is the usual area set aside with toys and books. There is a display of the work the church children have produced which was well worth a look at.

There were 15 people in the visitors book in the last month.

A votive stand is available for those who wish to light a candle and there is a quiet chapel for prayer. This is obviously regularly prayed in.

Children’s display at Swanage

Interior of St. Mary’s Swanage

I also met a very friendly lady who was doing some jobs in the church. She was enthusiastic about her church and invited us to the service the next day. The vicar was also around and he apologised for not being able to speak to us as he had to rush off to take a wedding. This is obviously a friendly church which is used to visitors dropping in. I rate it as good.

The church website is on www.swanageteam.com but doesn’t give any visitor information.

Lady St. Mary, Wareham

Lady St. Mary, Wareham

One of my favourite churches in Dorset which I know to be both well visited and well set up for visitors.

Unfortunately, today it was shut! The sign on the door says that the church is open in the summer months from 11-5pm and 11-3pm in the winter. At 4.20pm it was shut. This is a real shame and I wasn’t the only one disappointed, several other people tried the door as I was there also. I realise that sometimes things happen and a church may need to shut earlier than usual. I sign on the door would have been a nice idea.

I know that this church is an interesting one to visit so I cannot rate it this time. The church website is on-

www.warehamchurches.org.uk but there is no visitor information on it.