Holy Cross, Durley

• is a welcoming church with a 13th century building of great charm which is located on the edge of the village and is surrounded by a beautiful and peaceful churchyard. The building seats around 100 people
• has 82 persons on the electoral roll
•has a core congregation across the various services. Some young families come to the monthly Family Service at the school, but the congregation is almost entirely over 50 at all other services except at festivals and baptisms
• has a monthly Communion Service at the Thresher Room, attended by elderly parishioners who cannot make Sunday morning services
• is supported by the Friends of Durley Church; a committed group which includes many villagers who are not churchgoers
• is reaching out to young families by having the monthly Family Service at the school and by starting a Parent and Toddler Group.

The Village

Durley is a rural village covering an area of 14 square miles with a population of about 860 and with a strong community identity. The housing is mixed and includes some social housing and bungalows for the elderly. Although some residents work locally, the proximity of Durley to all the major conurbations in south Hampshire means that most commute to work outside the village.
Durley has an excellent C of E primary school, a large village hall, two pubs, a garage, small business park, recreation ground with pavilion, and a village green. There are a number of farms, plus a large equestrian centre, horticultural nursery, and golf course.

Community life is mostly centred on the village hall. There are many village organisations and activities including a flourishing pre-school and a well supported parent and toddler group (the latter run by members of the church), an entertainments committee, luncheon club for the older folk, a care group, a newly re-formed and thriving WI, The Friends of Holy Cross Church, bingo, whist, musical events and quiz nights. More active pursuits include football and cricket clubs, short mat bowls, yoga, line dancing, salsa dancing, martial arts, and fitness. Annual church events including the Church Fete, Harvest Supper, Spring and Autumn fairs are well supported by the village, as is the Friends of Holy Cross Duck Race. There is a very good monthly parish magazine (financed by the church) delivered to over 60% of the houses in the village.

A second smaller hall in the centre of the village, and adjacent to the village green, is the Thresher Room built in 1896. This hall is held in trust and the trustees are the Rector and Churchwardens. The pre-school and parent and toddler group meet there and it is also used for church and other small group meetings. It is hoped over the next few years to initiate a refurbishment and extension or re-building of the Thresher Room.

For more information visit www.durleyvillage.com (Opens in another window)