Back to basics

A few weeks ago the nave at St Michaels Without Church has been cleared to set up a factory production line for a local company producing protective eyewear.

Foldall recruited a whole host of volunteers to help in their efforts to supply health and other workers with masks during this pandemic.

Now the company has moved elsewhere the church is gradually returning to its main role.

Charles Curnock writes: ‘Attached are a couple of photos of my wife and others in St Michael’s Without.

We were enjoying excellent mushroom soup and very good coffee for lunch today. The church and the cafe are now open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2.30 p.m.  As you can see from the snaps there is no problem with social distancing.

Hello!  Well, the church and cafe together have been open for almost a week and overall the experience has been very positive!  The feeling is that people find it easier to come in with the cafe open and there has been a general increase over the days in both customer numbers and those who come to sit quietly or pray.  We have welcomed back some familiar faces for coffee and it’s lovely to have Julia bustling around in the space again. It is noticeable that the majority of visitors have been older people, that we know are living alone. We are maintaining physical distancing and encouraging proper hand hygiene in all areas, with either Roger or Caroline present in the church space to help monitor this but also to greet and welcome people who may be feeling unsure about coming out into town, or into a building.  Some very meaning encounters have happened over the last week, showing that, as ever, our mission to be open for all is always needed.