St Mary's Community Project

St Mary's Church, Pembridge, Herefordshire is a Grade I listed building. The present building dates from the early 1300's but the site was occupied prior to this.

The last major work done to the building was in 1908/9 when the church was re-ordered and the box pews removed. Since then only routine maintenance has been carried out and the building is now in a state that is not compatible with modern requirements.

A Consultation Day was held in March of this year when, as far as practicable, all the furniture was removed to show the magnificent space the building offers and visitors were asked to consider what might this space be used for in the future.

The day was well attended and there were two formal presentations. The speakers included the Archdeacon, Rev Nick Read and Roger Phillips. Throughout this consultation process it has always been stressed the the prime use of the building as a church, place of worship and the centre of the community will remain at the heart of any new development.

The consultation day generated much discussion and all who attended were requested to record their thoughts and comments on a questionnaire. These have been analysed and details of the findings can be downloaded here.

The recent SMCP open meeting, chaired by Rev Read heard the results this analysis of the questionnaires from Bob Anderson. Major findings were the need for an effective heating system, toilets and a means of providing refreshments with the main proposed uses being a versatile performance/exhibition space and a Heritage Centre.

Sub committees are being formed to progress these ideas. If you would like to help please contact us.

The following is a brief summary of the main findings from the report.

FACILITIES
Top of all the results is the need for heating and toilets. As mentioned above, the building is not compatible with modern standards and, wonderful though the building is, without basic amenities it cannot be used to full advantage as the heart of a modern community.

Improved power points and lighting were next on the list with kitchen facilities close behind.

USE
Regarding the use of the building the most asked for applications were Performances, Support for Versatile Use and a Heritage/Visitor Centre. These were closely followed by Exhibitions and Tourist Information Point.

SUMMARY
Taking into account the comments and statistics shown in the main report it is clear that there is a need and a desire for action in order to allow the church to continue it's role as the centre of the community, as it has been for many hundreds of years.

There also is universal agreement that a new heating system, lavatories etc. are prerequisite in any project and, whatever work is carried out, must be done sympathetically and maintain the church's main role of caring for the spiritual well-being of the village - stated as a first priority in all presentations and leaflets. There were also a small number of comments regarding possible conflict with existing businesses and organisation. Again, it has always been stressed that any project will work with the community and add to services offered rather than detract from existing businesses.

The Church with everything taken out - what would you do with this space?

Photographs of the Feedback Meeting

     

Photographs of the Consultation Day

Pembridge Church Fete

The Church Fete took place on Saturday 21st August and was a great success. Thanks to all who helped out in the preparation and on the day. With an extra special thank you to all who came and spent so freely. Jane Melvin from the New Inn opened the Fete. For the first time in many years the Fete was held inside the Church. All the chairs were removed creating a wonderful space and atmosphere for this event.