Every year on 26th July Christians around the world remember Jesus’ grandparents (Mary’s parents) Joachim and Anna. As it so happens, St Anne’s church is named after the very same Anna, making this Friday a special day in the life of our church in Bagshot.

It is especially memorable this year, as we celebrate our 140th birthday as a church on its present site. When the old building, situated in Bagshot cemetery, became unsafe, it was decided to build a new church where it could be seen from all parts of the village, to be a ‘beacon on the hill’ in Church Road. Consequently, St Anne's on its present site was blessed and opened on 25th April 1884 by the Bishop of Winchester, in whose diocese it was at the time.

But Bagshot had already become a separate parish 150 years ago in 1874 (the exact date is unknown); previously it was part of Windlesham. So, we are celebrating both, our 140th  and 150th anniversaries this year along with St Anne’s Day.

And in keeping with our motto ‘In the community, for the community, inspired by Christ’ we are currently making some very exciting plans for the next few years, including another Christmas Tree Festival, a regular ‘Messy Church’ for our younger community members as well as a series of Eco and Inclusive Church services/activities – and we’d love you to get involved! So, why not come up and find out a little more about us? You are most welcome!

And this Sunday we will be celebrating our patronal festival with a bit of cake and bubbly after the 10am service.