As you know we have been considering for some
time the future of Berkhamsytch Church and how we
can manage to keep it for the future or find some
other use for the building.
A number of questionnaires were sent out earlier
this year setting out some options for the future –
about 20 were returned out of about 200 distributed
and about half of these expressed a positive interest
in keeping the church going and expressing a
willingness to support it in some way.
Summary of Questionnaire Comments
There are several suggestions that the church could
be converted into a craft centre with coffee shop.
There would be a focus on art and craft and a venue
for people to meet and share coffee. It could also
provide facilities for an after-school club and attract
passing tourists.
Some think that the church is suitable only for
worship as the access is difficult, parking is limited
and there are no facilities for running water or
sewerage.
No one is in favour of offering the church as a
camping venue.
Most people accept that the church should be able
to pay its own way. Suggestions include inviting
people to make regular donations and holding fund-
raising events such as concerts, raffles, social
entertainment events, tea parties, barbecues,
summer fun days etc.
Several people thought that the church is no longer
viable and should be sold.
After we had analysed the questionnaires, we did
some more research into the options. Further
investigation would rule out converting the church
into a craft centre/coffee shop as it is unlikely
planning permission would be granted because of
the difficulties of access and parking.
The church will therefore need to pay its own way,
with its own volunteers, or be sold.
Selling the church also presents difficulties on
account of the consecrated ground and the valuable
stained-glass windows.
The Parochial Church Council have decided to have
one more attempt to ensure the viability of
Berkhamsytch Church.
You are invited to a public meeting to determine the
future of the church on Saturday 5th October at 10.00
a.m.
At this meeting the results of the questionnaires will
be presented in detail, and you will have the
opportunity to pledge your support – either
financially or by becoming a volunteer to share in
taking responsibility for the care of the building.
Following that meeting and any clear outcomes from
it, Ipstones and Berkhamsytch PCC will need to make
a final decision about the church’s future.
We hope you will be able to attend this meeting, but
if not and if you are willing to offer any support,
please write the vicar before the meeting.
With our Best Wishes,
—Roger Cutts (Lay Reader)
—Revd Jane Held (Vicar)