Exciting plans are under way for a servery and toilet at the church, to enable the church building to be more widely used and enjoyed by the local community in East Chinnock. In the article below, John Chappelle, the churchwarden, introduces the plans. You can also download the presentation pack if you'd like to know more about what is proposed.

Reordering St Mary’s Church

For more than 200 years the church building as we know it has been a place of worship and gathering for the community in East Chinnock, your church. The building provided by the Church of England but maintained by you the community and those who have gone beforeus. It has served its purpose for christenings, weddings and funerals as well as services to mark the passing of the Church’s year.

There have been changes such as the provision of a vestry for those leading services and,the most welcome, addition of an efficient heating system, which is the envy of much of the Benefice, indeed the Diocese. The building remains the largest indoor space in the village and the only one suitable for large gatherings such as concerts, exhibitions and public meetings.

Unfortunately, that which was acceptable in the early 19th century, the time of revolution in France and wars with Napoleon, is no longer fit for purpose for all but acts of worship.Those who consider worship as part of their lives and well being will continue to attend the building on a regular basis. In this regard, the building is failing in its original intent. It was after all the principal building in the community and part of the history of those who came before us.

It has been my privilege over the last six years to be part of the worship community at St Mary’s enjoying the calm and quiet of our lovely Church and the story of reconciliation drawn by the beautiful windows. However, as Church Warden, I am conscious of how few friends in our community feel drawn to use the space as part of their regular village life.

There are many reasons for this including the pressures of modern life, alternative places of entertainment and education and the reality of a commuter village. We need to try harder and capitalize on the assets we have as a community. An indoor space for, perhaps 150 people with no obstructions to sight lines a fine acoustic and efficient heating within, albeit up hill, walking distance of the centre of the village. What are the downsides? Writing as a person of mature years, I would say the lack of a lavatory is the biggest downside. While accepting the problems of car parking and the A30 on our doorstep, there is no point trying to resolve other matters if people are not ‘comfortable’ as they enjoy music, a play or exhibition.

The solution is now in our grasp. We have the necessary paper work and with it the blessing of the Diocese to proceed with construction of a toilet and server, for hot drinks and a contractor raring to go. All we need is the support of the community to assist in funding the construction and to spread the financial load. Rest assured we will maximize the use of the Church for you the community of East Chinnock. This could be the first, big, step in bringing St Mary’s East Chinnock into the 21st century.

Thank you,  John Chappelle