Ripon church transforms itself for the community after closure of village pub

The “daunting” four-year project means St Mary’s Church, whose foundation stone dates from 1860, now boasts a new kitchen and accessible toilet fitted, as well as a new electric heating system – all part of its Welcome Project making the building fit for the future.

The completion of the major programme of improvements and repairs at the historic church situated in the quiet village of Lower Dunsforth was seen as so significant that the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, came to bless the new facilities.

Michael Wildblood, church Treasurer, said: “We were delighted that the Bishop of Ripon, agreed to visit.

"All is now done and a new chapter in the life of St Mary's has begun.

"The benefits that are now beginning to be felt include the flexibility of the new facilities, which are suitable for 'cafe church', a new more informal form of worship.

"We hope these new facilities help foster a general feeling of belonging to an active community, one that has no barriers."

St Mary’s Church’s journey started in 2022, following the closure of the local pub, with the people of the church deciding that the villages of Upper and Lower Dunsforth needed a community building suitable for wider use.

The church launched fundraising, with villagers raising £39,840 of the target, through contacts and events, as well as awards from grant-giving charities.

They are also grateful for support from North Yorkshire Councillor Arnold Warneken, the Anglican Diocese of Leeds, the Bramall Foundation of Harrogate and the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust.

Mr Wildblood, said: “It is fair to say that fundraising was a daunting task.

"Not having tackled this kind of project before, we had no idea how much we could expect from individuals, nor could we anticipate the extent of support we would get from grant-giving trusts.”

St Mary’s Church now plans a monthly Saturday coffee morning to help compensate for the loss of the village pub.