Revamped Dove Holes Methodist Church in hall-hire plea

Hardworking locals have helped see it transformed over the years with jobs including repointing to prevent damp, roof repairs, revamped toilet and kitchen and new flooring and carpets.

In the latest upgrade the main hall and post office area have been completely repainted - thanks to a grant from Tarmac’s Landfill Communities Fund.

Church treasurer Ken Gibson said although the work ‘never ends’ in such old buildings ‘we have it to our liking now’.

However with attendance at Sunday services down to a dozen people nowadays he admitted money was tight.

Ken said: “A lot of the churches are shutting now because of a fall-off in numbers and I’m determined to keep it going.

“What we’re trying to do is get more people hiring the hall out - that’s what helps us with the running of the place.”

The church already hosts a tranche of events and groups including children’s parties and a sewing club which Ken described as ‘so busy it looks like a ‘workshop’ and its ‘infamous’ yearly pancake party.

It is also home to Chapel Male Voice Choir - who practice every Monday and are always encouraging new singers both inexperienced and experienced.

While the church also holds a monthly lunch club on the third Wednesday of the month - with home-cooked food on offer for a nominal £5.

However Ken says volunteers have to diversity the old building - which dates back to 1876 - to ensure it survives.

He said: “We have days when the hall is empty and we need to get more people in - we used to have a keep-fit group here and we’d like to attract another.

“The county council used it for a computer class in the past and it would be ideal for something like that as a good-sized hall.”

“We’re extremely happy with how it looks now - it’s a great resource for people in the village and groups from outside.”

Anyone interested in hiring the hall out should contact Ken by calling 07753 321912 or emailing [email protected].