I ATTENDED the Annual Parish Meeting at St John's Church, Coleford, last night and, like some others, was surprised at the proposed changes envisaged by Patrick Semple, the incumbent of nearly 20 years' service.

Apparently the layout of this Victorian church is no longer suitable and, in order to promote the church's mission to the people of Coleford, major expensive changes have to be made.

By building a wall across the nave, half way down, and by removing the old organ and dispensing with the lady chapel, a cruciform layout with a central altar would be obtained.

This would entail the removal of the carved stonework, choir pews, and the alteration of floor levels. The pews, donated as memorials, which were removed could be used elsewhere as would the beautifully carved screen to the lady chapel.

St John's has recently disposed of the church at Milkwall and the Lords Hill Centre and the capital received from this (in the region of £100,000) would be the basis of paying for these changes. A further £300,000 would probably be sought from grants and other funding.

The west end of the church, thus partitioned off would then be available for other uses by people of the town who can get up the hill.

Patrick has only four years before he is pensioned and so things will have to happen quickly if he is to have his dream come to fruition.

At the end of the meeting I urged Patrick to ensure that some lavatories are provided on site before any other group is encouraged to 'use our facilities'!

I question the urgency of spending such money on a building when so much else desperately needs to be done in this troubled world.

I would be pleased to hear all views on this subject. – A.H. Middleton, Woodland Rise, Parkend.