Astley Community and Village Life
Astley Village is very fortunate to have Astley Social Group which is a small but dedicated group of volunteers who organise events in and around Astley village. The group works hard arranging fun events throughout the year helping raise funds for Astley Church and the Reading Room and making sure everyone has a fun time and enjoy themselves. Social Group gatherings are friendly and meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month with a guest speaker and always cups of tea, slices of cake and laughter. The events are normally held in the Reading Room, although Astley Church was used during Covid times, so social distancing could be maintained, and people could still meet. During Covid times this proved to be vital during this very difficult time for us all. Everyone is very welcome to join Astley Social Group activities and join our volunteers to help run events.
If anyone would like to find out more about Astley Social Group or any of the activities, then please contact:
Contact: Anthony Proctor (Astley Social Group) 01676 540338 or
Astley Churchwardens: Jeanette Sutton 024 76342410 and Leonard Brandreth 01676 541663
Astley Village Reading Room is located on Castle Drive, Astley. It is a small, but very pretty community building and the daily running of the Reading Room has been passed to Astley Parochial Church Council, but the building is owned by Arbury Estate.
Astley has a parish population of about 250 residents and includes a residential home within the parish and has its own Astley Parish Council. Astley village has around 16 houses and the majority are owned by Arbury Estate. Arbury own the surrounding land and it is used for agricultural purposes. Astley is fortunate to have Astley Church which is Grade I listed and the Grade II listed Astley Castle. Astley Church was built in 1343 and Astley Castle was previously a fortified manor house. The Castle is now leased by the Landmark Trust who restored the building from a ruin in 2012. The Castle is now used as holiday lets by the Landmark Trust and can accommodate up to 8 people.
Astley Church is a beautiful historic church in the Diocese of Coventry. Sunday services take place at 3.30pm each Sunday. The church takes part in open weekends alongside Astley Castle, and with both historic buildings being open together, it all makes a fascinating weekend bringing people to the village to experience the church, the castle and the village. These weekends normally take place in June (summer open weekend) with stalls and refreshments in the Reading Room and information and flower displays in the church. In September during Heritage Open Days the church is open with the Castle, with information in the church and lovely refreshments in Astley Reading Room, all organised by church and social group volunteers.
Astley Church and Social Group volunteers love to work hard and decorate the church for our Harvest Festival and our festive Carol Service by Candlelight. At harvest the church is beautifully decorated with harvest produce, and after the event, produce is divided into lots for auction to raise church funds and produce is also given to individuals and local good causes. 10% of the harvest auction profit is given to local charities. Astley Church at Christmas is very special and the atmosphere in this medieval church is something to experience. Anyone is very welcome to help prepare the church for these community events and they are always memorable and fun.
Astley is a special place. It is a small hamlet but it has a big history which is fascinating and is something we are all keen to share with all who visit. Everyone is very welcome to join us whichever event you come along to and volunteers are always welcome to help us whatever the skill.
Further details of events can be found on this website and our Facebook page: St Mary the Virgin Astley
Weddings, Baptisms and other pastoral enquiries can be discussed further via the Parish Office at Chilvers Coton, Nuneaton. Tel: 024 76 383010.
