St John's Farley Hill to close

St John’s will close on 31st December 2012 with a final Benefice service on Sunday 30th at 10.30am.

Following a final discussion with the Revd Maurice Stanton-Saringer, the Diocese of Oxford and the Church Commissioners have confirmed that after 120 years of worship at St John the Evangelist, Farley Hill, St John’s will close on 31st December 2012 with a final Benefice service on Sunday 30th at 10.30am; it will be a sad event for many people. The decision was not reached without a great deal of discussion and it has always been hoped a community use could be found for this much-loved building.

THE CREATION PROJECT is such a scheme – a plan for the Church to be used for the interest, education and entertainment of our local villages. There are a number of hurdles to leap over before the way becomes clear to put the plan into practice and it should be understood that this is not a church project, it is a community scheme which already has the support of Swallowfield Parish Council and members of Wokingham Borough Council. Currently, a small team of enthusiastic supporters are investigating the viability of the idea and making enquiries about planning permissions and other mundane essentials which may allow us to move to the next stage or may stop us in our tracks.


The concept was conceived approximately two months ago and in the simplest terms it is hoped to create an Arts and Crafts Centre within this lovely building, without damaging the fabric, but bringing it into the 21st Century in terms of facilities. The aim is to try to preserve the wonderful feeling of space and quiet calm that is such a feature of St John’s.


It is hoped that local craftsmen will demonstrate their crafts in a workshop environment and give tuition/education in valuable skills. Apart from working/teaching space there are plans for a small display area and art gallery selling complementary products, some of which will have been made on the premises or produced by local artists and craftsmen. It is planned to have a comfortable seating area and to provide “most excellent” light refreshments. For full details please go to www.creationproject.co.uk.


We are keen to hear from anyone with an interest in supporting or participating in The Creation Project. To help us in our viability studies, we would ask you to let us have your views on this scheme by completing the online survey at creationproject.co.uk/survey, emailing the people below, or telephoning 0118 988 3409. It is also hoped to reproduce the survey form in the next Parish Council Newsletter for those, like me, who like filling out forms on paper with a pen!



Andy Armitage – armitagewilson@hotmail.com
Kim Slater – kim.slater@live.co.uk
Angela King – riseleycottage@btinternet.com
Terry Pitt – terryandmelvyn@aol.com

Terry Pitt