Littlehempston Church has gained quite a reputation through Rev Nicholas Pearkes’ innovative idea of putting the pews on wheels to create a space for both worship and “village hall” activities. Enquiries from as far away as Canada are received through this website, asking for more information, and we’ve hosted many visitors on fact-finding expeditions, hoping to secure the future of their church by widening its use.
Here are a few responses received, the first from a parish on the Scottish Borders: Congratulations on such an imaginative solution to a very common problem! Another wrote: This is so exciting, as we don’t have enough money to replace all pews with seats – only in the chancel – and this seems like an answer to prayer! And sometimes we put parishes in touch with one another: I am blown away by your amazing innovative pews on wheels! I would love to see it in action and learn further how you have accomplished this, but we are long way from you in Surrey. I understand you have helped other churches…are there any closer to London that you would recommend I visit?
An exchange of letters in The Times last month discussed the problem of opening up churches for community use in the face of resistance to change. Jenny Galton-Fenzi wrote this letter to offer our local solution. And if you google Pews on Wheels, you’ll find lots more media coverage! Well done to all who worked so hard to make all this possible.