St Mary the Virgin Church is at the heart of Beech Hill village. It was completed in 1867 at a total cost of about £2,500. The inside of the church has changed little since its construction. The church has been badly damaged over the years by subsidence. Leading up to 1997 the residents of Beech Hill managed to raise the grand total of £45,000 which together with an English Heritage grant of £150,000 was used to repair this historic building.
This Gem of a church also boasts a village store and tea room with homemade cake, and locally produced products, making this an event not to be missed.
The store in St Mary the Virgin Church in Beech Hill near Reading is run by locals and profits will be ploughed back into the community. It was officially opened by TV presenter and former model Melinda Messenger, who lives locally in 2013
Many residents have invested in the enterprise, which has also been funded by the Big Lottery Fund and grants.