There’s been a positive response to plans, first announced earlier this week on ‘Bishop Monkton Today’, for the possible opening of a regular café and shop in the village as part of the redevelopment of the Methodist Chapel and Schoolroom.

The first phase of work on the Chapel is due to start soon and subsequent phases, which still need further funding, could involve the running of a café several days a week in a new space created to the right of the chapel front. This area could also be used to open a shop providing basics and serving as a collection point for the delivery of pre-ordered food.

Lesley Shervington, Secretary of the Village Hall, said:- “ We are delighted by this news. Members of the church have worked hard to bring this about. A community hub for all to enjoy, not just church goers, will be a great asset to the village.”

Helen Smith, a member of the WI Committee in the village told us:- “This is fabulous news indeed. When John and I first moved to the village there was a post office with shop, a garage with a shop and two busy pubs. We will be very keen to get on board with a community-led shop and cafe and can’t wait for it to happen.”

Gary Cross, landlord of the Masons, commented:- “The addition of a cafe/shop for the village, in my opinion, can only be a much needed fantastic addition to this wonderful village. I look forward to supporting this project in whichever way I can.”

Jonathan Pimley, co-Chair of the Tennis and Pickleball Club, said:- “I’m really pleased that the redevelopment of the Methodist chapel is going ahead and look forward to supporting the shop and cafe. Developing a community hub will be such a valuable asset for the village.”

Stancey Coughlan, organiser of this year’s Hog Roast and Monkton Fest, said:- “A cafe and shop would be a very welcome move for the village and I’m sure would be very well supported, especially by us!”

Stephen Verrill, Chair of the Parish Council, said he would be discussing the idea with other councillors and there would be a response from the Council as a whole in due course.

Lisa Bradbury runs Burton Leonard Stores, which is in discussion with the Methodist Church about the possibility of running any shop in the redeveloped chapel. Lisa said:- “We are very interested about the possibility of being involved in this development. We already have plenty of customers from Bishop Monkton but the chance to provide a local service in the village and to be a real part of the village community is very exciting.”

In a joint statement, the village’s two faith leaders, the Methodist Minister Sarah Caddell and Anglican priest Robb Wainwright, told us:-“ As faith communities in Bishop Monkton we welcome all initiatives that seek to build, to outreach to and share with, our community. We see this opportunity as part of our calling as we are blessed with the redevelopment of the Methodist Chapel and welcome the prospect of working with the Burton Leonard store to offer villagers an alternative point of collection. In seeking to potentially make this offering in the future we acknowledge the current hard work of the staff at Burton Leonard and the important service it provides for both villages so would encourage everyone to continue their support of it.'’

For full details of the Chapel and Schoolroom redevelopment see https://bishopmonktontoday.chessck.co.uk/METHODISTCHURCH/News