Only words of praise for members of Bishop Monkton Methodist Chapel could be heard this week from Tim Abel, senior steward at the Chapel, when he said, “Through all the decisions, upheaval and difficulties of the chapel renovation programme, we have not had a cross word at all between ourselves. It is a great encouragement to the people organising everything that our members are all very supportive in all our decisions made”. (Not to mention very excited about the Chapel's eventual new look.)

The start of 2025 sees the refurbishment work move onto Phase Two, when the chapel itself becomes the main area of focus. As the old floor was being lifted this week some interesting stone work and floor construction was revealed showing large cobbles from a river bed holding up the centre timber area. The old pews are now in the process of being removed.

On the outside, scaffolding has been erected to enable solar panels to be fitted onto the roof. Slightly higher temperatures are, however, required first as the panels themselves cannot be fitted when the roof slates are frozen. Everything is crossed for the fitting to start next week.

The cold weather has also had a knock-on effect in the schoolroom. The new plaster on the walls has not yet fully dried out, delaying the painting of the walls and the fitting of the carpet-that will now be laid week commencing January 13th.

New carpets before decorating is not really always the best plan, but villager and decorator-in-charge, Dave Molyneux, has offered every assurance that he will be very careful and there will be no paint on the new carpet. Unfortunately, therefore, and with apologies, the scheduled first event in the new schoolroom, the Men's Breakfast on Saturday January 11th has had to be cancelled.

The design for the new kitchen is currently being planned with decisions being made as to the positioning of the required electrical items. It is all starting to come together very nicely.

Although the schoolroom is not quite finished, it will still be the venue for the Covenant Service this coming Sunday, January 12th at 10.30 a.m. A very special service in the Methodist year this is an annual commitment to God, Christ and the Church and members felt that it was important that it be held on chapel premises

The service, to which the congregation of the village church are invited, usually takes place at the beginning of the year and and includes hymns, prayers, scripture lessons, a sermon, and Holy Communion. Everyone is most welcome.