AYLBURTON'S very distinctive Methodist Chapel is planning to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2015 and faces a big restoration project ahead of that.

It's all going to be costly, so fundraising starts on November 12 in a couple of weeks with a Craft Fayre (11am-3.30pm).

"In 2015 we shall be celebrating 100 years of the Chapel, and the time has come for us to update and refurbish it in readiness for the celebrations marking such an event," say church officials.

"This will involve major works as we shall be creating disabled access and amenities, improving and altering the entrance from the road to make for safer access, updating kitchen facilities and heating systems and extending the worship area at the same time creating a smaller environment for meetings.

"Our primary aim is to make our Chapel a 'place fit for purpose', enabling us to reach out more to the community and beyond, spreading God's word and through our actions encouraging others to join us in worship of our Lord.

"We do not have a large congregation, but are blessed with loyal members and friends who find great solace in Aylburton Methodist Chapel as a place of worship and fellowship. There are many others too who are willing and able to offer help and encouragement (most have had connections through their lives) enabling us to take on such a project."

There will also be a concert on Friday December 2 (7pm) by the Coalway Singers.

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PREACHING ON THE CROSS

THE Aylburton Methodist Society was born at the 14th century preaching Cross.

From its steps some members and friends of the Wesleyan Churches at Lydney and Whitecroft, led by Mr. W. Lamb and Mr. T.M. Price, offered the gospel to the villagers of Aylburton and in subsequent cottage meetings and those held at The Rink the fellowship was formed.

From 1910 services and also Sunday School classes were held at The Rink (now the modern annexe to The George).

In 1912 the circuit quarterly meeting of the Methodist Church learned of continuing success in the village of Aylburton, so much so that on September 12 1912, the same meeting adopted the following recommendations:

1) That a Chapel to seat 150 persons be built at a cost of £500

2) That a site for such a place of worship be found.

Such a site was found in the centre of the village, and purchased from Mrs. Frances Hopkins.

A goodly band of supporters and workers was formed, and such was the enthusiasm of the villagers and adherents, that on Thursday June 17 1915 the foundation stones of the church were laid...and it opened a short time later on October 7 1915 with a service by Rev T Ferrier Hulme.

Methodism had come to Aylburton...and over the intervening years the church has been a place of witness and worship as well as a place of fellowship and love.