Hartford Hundred West Group of Parishes
St Mary Bayford
Chapel of Holy Cross &
St Alban, Brickendon
St Mary the Virgin
Essendon
St Andrew’s
Little Berkhamsted
St Mary
Ponsbourne
The Benefice of Hartford Hundred (West) was established on November 1st, 1976 as a “united benefice” combining the four parishes of Bayford & Brickendon, Essendon & Woodhill, Little Berkhamsted and Ponsbourne (Newgate Street), with its centrally located Rectory in the village of Little Berkhamsted. In the years since then, the group has developed a coherence and a distinct identity whilst retaining the individuality of the separate churches.
We are part of the St. Albans Diocese within the Church of England and are united with the desire to welcome every person, young and older, into our wonderful community minded church families. We have 5 beautiful church buildings with various styles of worship, partnerships with three excellent Church of England Schools and a clear Bible based ministry.
We are committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our community. Find out more here
Please bear in mind some sections of this website do not reflect the current situation whilst the coronavirus pandemic measures continue.
The loss of visitors and worshipping congregations in the last year has had a significant effect on the income each of our churches receives from the generosity of those who visit, admire, use, support and worship in our buildings.
It would be wonderful if you would consider making a difference by donating to us at this time to help with our day to day running costs and ministry. Thank you
SERVICES THIS MONTH
Sunday 2nd May 5th Sunday of Easter
9.30 am PARISH COMMUNION ESSENDON
9.30 am FAMILY SERVICE PONSBOURNE
11.00 am PARISH COMMUNION BRICKENDON
Wednesday 5th May
10.00 am Telephone Service
Sunday 9th May 6th Sunday of Easter
9.30 am PARISH COMMUNION BAYFORD
9.30 am FAMILY SERVICE ESSENDON
11.00 am FAMILY SERVICE LT. BERKHAMSTED
Wednesday 12th May
10.00 am Telephone Service
Sunday 16th May 7th Sunday of Easter
9.30 am PARISH COMMUNION PONSBOURNE
9.30 am MATINS ESSENDON
11.00 am FAMILY SERVICE BRICKENDON
Wednesday 19th May for Ascension Day
10.00 am Telephone Service
Sunday 23rd May Whit Sunday
9.30 am PARISH COMMUNION LT. BERKHAMSTED
11.00 am FAMILY SERVICE BAYFORD
6.30 pm EVENSONG ESSENDON
Wednesday 26th May
10.00 am Telephone Service
Sunday 30th May Trinity Sunday
10.00 am GROUP PARISH COMMUNION PONSBOURNE
11.30 am Zoom Service
Weddings, Baptisms and other matters
Saturday Registration is held on the
1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month.
10.00 am to 11.30 am at Lt. Berkhamsted Church.
If you, or someone you know is interested in a wedding or baptism, or just have a question for our Rector we will be happy to see you.
All are welcome, you do not need an appointment, just turn up.
The monthly Parish Magazine contains all the church and village news from our parishes. It costs just 50p per copy or £5 for an annual subscription. Please contact Mike Wainwright at parishmag@begesford.co.uk to subscribe.
APCM is the Annual Parochial Church Meetings
to look at the accounts and elect the Church Officers. All parishioners may attend and vote for Churchwardens and those on the Church Electoral Roll may vote for other officers.
Our Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) will be holding their meetings on the following dates. All meetings are at 7.30pm.
Thursday 13th May Little Berkhamsted PCC on Zoom*
Tuesday 25th May Ponsbourne PCC at Ponsbourne Church
Wednesday 26th May Bayford PCC at Brickendon Church
Thursday 27th May Essendon PCC at
Essendon Church/Church Room
*Zoom joining instructions will be available at
The following churches are open for Individual Prayer:
Bayford Church every Wednesday
Brickendon Church every Thursday