WORSHIPPERS and villagers are celebrating the 150th anniversary of a chapel affectionately known as “Ticklebelly.”

Clements End Green Chapel near Sling picked up the name due to a comment by the builders to a lady who was delivering the stone.

Chapel spokesperson, Angela Allcock, who has researched its history, said: “Apparently, the donkey pulling the stone laid down and the builder shouted “tickle his belly, Mrs, and he’ll get up,” hence the name.”

The foundation stone in Clements End Road was laid on August 10, 1869 by Mr I Kear who gave the ground for the chapel to be built on.

“The chapel cost £70 to be built and then it was extended in 1904 at a further cost of £85 7s 5d,” added Angela.

“The first service was actually on Sunday, March 27, 1870, so we are having a period of celebrations between these seven months.”

And next Saturday afternoon, October 19, between 3pm and 6pm they are hosting a memories afternoon covering the timespan of the chapel.

“Hopefully people will come and chat to people they may not have seen since Sunday School,” said Angela.

“We have many old photos of events at the chapel and in the village which we are trying to name everyone on.

“There are photos of the carnivals, as the chapel had a carnival committee, plus large Sunday school and fellowship groups.

“Having put a booklet together on the 150 years of the chapel, it has been lovely hearing things, like how they marched behind the banner with Bream Band up to Mr Evan’s field for their party.”

Angela even found a hefty shopping list for one of the parties – 32lb of tomatoes, 12 cucumbers, 4 tins of meat, 32 sliced loaves, 20lbs of sugar, 4lbs of tea, 8lbs of margarine, four fruit cakes, 30 dozen cakes and four tins of crisps.

“Memories get lost very easily and I think it is important to preserve them.

“I hope the memories afternoon will be a place where people can share memories, bring photos or anything they have from or about the chapel as I would like to put another booklet together on our seven months of celebrations and people’s memories, come April,” said Angela.

The chapel started its 150th celebrations with a ‘Pudding Evening’ and has also had its first Harvest Sale in 30 years.

Regular events include a ‘Summer Bazaar’ for charity each year and a Christmas one for the chapel.

A 6pm service is held on a Sunday, and the last Wednesday in the month there is a a social afternoon where people come and chat, do a bit of craft or just drink tea, eat cake and talk.

Anyone is welcome between 2.30pm and 4pm.