St James's, Boarstall

The Parish of Boarstall is a small and scattered one, on the county border with Oxfordshire. There has been a place of worship in Boarstall from the fourteenth century. The present building dates from around 1819, replacing an earlier structure which was largely destroyed during the Civil War.

In the absence of any other meeting point for the village, the Church is seen as being the heart of the community. Fund raising is at the heart of church life in Boarstall. The main fund raising event is the Boarstall Fete held in June each year in the beautiful surroundings of the Boarstall Tower. It is a highly successful and involves almost every resident of the Parish. In the autumn, the parishioners prepare a Harvest Feast which is enjoyed by all. The year is rounded off by the carol service, after which the congregation is invited to Manor Farm for mulled wine and mince pies; a happy social gathering and a festive start to Christmas.