Peasedown church gets £25,000 makeover thanks to generous community

A growing community church in Peasedown St John has received a £25,000 makeover, thanks to the generous giving of its members and volunteers who carried out the work.

St John’s Anglican Church in Church Road was in desperate need of new flooring and chairs after decades of wear and tear.

Over a three-week period, the church was closed which enabled volunteers to carry out the work.

The building, opened in 1893, is thought to be Peasedown St John’s biggest indoor venue with capacity for 250 people to sit down.

Church Vicar, Revd Matthew Street said: “Not only did our church members raise the money for the new flooring and chairs, a small number also gave up their time to install all the new fixtures and fittings.

“With a growing amount of mid-week groups in the church it was important that we made the space accessible and flexible for a range of activities.”

A brand-new parquet floor has been installed and the existing parquet floor in other parts of the church has been restored.

The church council also decided to sell many of the pews, with proceeds raised going towards the renovation costs.

Matthew added: “Change doesn’t happen over overnight, so I’m grateful to all the church family who have supported us throughout the journey.

“We are always keen to make sure our church buildings and activities are fit-for-purpose and relevant to the challenges and social dynamics of today.”

St John’s Church is part of the ‘St J’s Group’ Anglican benefice, which covers the parish churches of St John’s Peasedown, St Julian’s Wellow, St James’ Foxcote and St Julian’s Shoscombe and is named after the three patron saints.