September 2024 saw major renovations begin on the Methodist Chapel and Schoolroom on Boroughbridge Road that marked an exciting new phase in the history of the Chapel, the foundation stone for which was laid in 1874. The vision was to create not only a space more suitable for 21st century worship, but also to develop a central village hub where people could meet, hold celebrations and generally gather together. As 2025 draws to a close, hopes are high that, by the end of December, the first three phases of this four section project will have been completed.

Any work of this magnitude is never without complications and unforeseen obstacles, and, as is often the case, it is usually the final hurdle that can be one of the more problematical. In this instance this proved to be the building of a new porch at the entrance to the schoolroom, causing a delay of many weeks.

When excavations for the porch foundations began, an old soak-away system was unexpectedly discovered which had made the sandy ground wet and consequently too soft to support the porch. A solution was needed and so, on the advice of a structural engineer, the sandy soil was removed, which necessitated meticulously and patiently digging to a depth of one meter, all the time taking care that the existing church walls were not undermined. This took many weeks, but the very firm foundations are now in place, with more concrete than was used in the original structure, a building that has stood for over 100 years. The porch walls can now start to take shape.

Current ongoing work inside includes the installation of new heating system, completion of the very smart, much enlarged kitchen, painting of the main church hall and by the end of November, the laying of a new floor covering in the chapel itself.

And Finally

The fourth and final phase of the work, the prospect of a shop and cafe, almost seemed, at times, like a pipe dream, but no longer. It will be happening. The Methodist community is extremely excited to be able to announce that these plans will start to come to fruition in the New Year, thanks to the generosity of the Methodist District -the equivalent of an Anglican diocese. The District has been so impressed by the work and vision of the Bishop Monkton congregation for its community-it is a central part of the mission and outreach of the chapel to serve the community-that it has agreed to provide a substantial amount of the cost for this final phase, plus an interest free loan to cover any shortfall, enabling other funds to be sourced.

Tim Abel, senior steward, said “This is fantastic news, not only getting the financial backing from regional Methodism, which is a big boost to us, but also great that the long awaited shop/café build can be started and that the present builder will be able to continue his work for us. We may even be able to make a start before Christmas with foundation work.”

There is much planning needed yet as to how the shop will actually operate but current indications are that it will run in conjunction with Burton Leonard Post Office and Stores. Discussions with the owner of the shop, Lisa Bradbury, are currently positively under-way. Initially, the shop would be open for perhaps a couple of hours a day, on certain days of the week, with orders taken by telephone or via the internet. Dependent on how it is used, and it will need support from villagers, opening hours may increase if there is sufficient demand.

The cafe will operate differently and will be run by volunteers, ideally not just from the Methodist congregation but also from other residents. The aim is to provide a warm and inviting hub in the centre of the village that offers company, a cuppa and a chat, effectively developing the Chapel's weekly and ever popular Tuesday coffee morning into a more frequent offer and open several days a week.