Community meeting place planned for Dinting church

A community meeting place is planned for Dinting Vale's Holy Trinity Church - but it will mean losing some pews.

New toilet and kitchen facilities which will lead the way to more space to get together have got the go-ahead.

The Rev Nick Gurney, who became vicar at Dinting last September, said: “This is great news for everyone.

“The church, the school next door and the wider community after several years of hard work by the church, in designing and seeking permission to provide much- needed facilities to the building while maintaining the heritage, beauty and powerful presence of prayer that Holy Trinity encapsulates and makes Dinting so special.”

There has already been support from Cllr Jean Wharmby who has given an early donation for the fridge to go into the new kitchen so new community groups can start up.

Meanwhile previous popular events such as the Soup Service will be able to recommence at some time. 

A complete toilet suite, won in a competition by a church member from Joe Barber’s Plumbers on High Street West, has also been donated.

During the current closure of church buildings, preliminary works have been able to start and floor spacing and utility access is underway.

A section of pews has been removed and is being offered for sale to anyone interested.

Rev Gurney, who is also the pioneer missioner for Glossopdale, added: “Supporting one another in the community has been a clear  and obvious response due to the current pandemic and these changes to the building I hope will be able to support the local community  in such a way going into the future.”

Anyone wanting to know more, or to help or support the project, should contact Rev Gurney on 01457 867521 or email dintingchurch@gmail.com.

Anyone interested in buying five good condition pews, two are 9ft 6ins, three are 11ft 6ins, by a donation should  contact the churchwarden Keith Hough on 07596 640356. 

Main image:

REVAMP: Rev Nick Gurney with the faculty church closure notice.