£10,000 face-lift for Crowle chapel

Published on 12th April 2007 in News

A chapel in Crowle dating back to Edwardian times is set to benefit from £100,000 worth of improvements to help it meet the needs of the community for another 100 years.

The Methodist chapel, on Fieldside, was built in 1904 and is now the focus of huge fundraising efforts.

The nearby schoolrooms were sold last March after it became clear that Crowle Methodist Church were unable to sustain both buildings.

Eighty thousand pounds was raised by the sale and other donations and fundraising, but a further £20,000 is still needed if the scheme is be completed fully.

At the moment, meetings have to be held in a small, cramped room at the back or with people seated at different levels on pews set on raised plinths.

Wheelchair users have to sit in the aisle and the only sink is in the vestry toilet.

However, plans have been drawn up to create a new kitchenette, kitchen, store room, toilets for the disabled and enlarged entrance.

The floor will be levelled off and comfortable padded wooden church chairs brought in which can be easily rearranged for different activities.

The Rev Verity Phillips said: "It is hoped that these adaptations will make the church more accessible for the whole of our community to experience the beauty and atmosphere of our building.

"The church is now launching an appeal for the support of the wider community in Crowle, who may look to the chapel as a resource for spiritual or practical help, or because of its place in the history and character of the town.

"Work should be able to start as soon as sufficient funds have been found and building regulations permission has been given.

"It would be a wonderful legacy to future generations to start this project in 2007, the tercentenary year of Charles Wesley of Epworth."

Anyone who would like to support the project in any way can do so by contacting the Rev Verity Phillips, 2 The Paddocks, Crowle, DN17 4HB or 01724 710311.

Looking to the future: The Rev Verity Phillips at Crowle Methodist Church. (05-04-77 GT)