THE future of a local church is likely to be decided at a public meeting next week. Now redundant, St John's Church, Beachley, is proposed to become an amenity for local groups – but only if sufficient public support is forthcoming. Otherwise it will be sold for conversion to a house.

The Tidenham Historical Group is suggesting a 'Friends of St John's Church' group should be set up to administer the building.

"This new group would comprise all those keen to see an invaluable part of our local history and heritage remain at the service of the community," says Sedbury historian Keith Underwood.

"Use would be restricted to small, relatively quiet groups in view of its proximity to dwellings. It might prove a useful centre for day courses.

"The Diocese of Gloucester is keen to see the building conserved, but the resources of the Tidenham Group could not permit its members to take on the considerable commitment of ownership."

The church, an attractive building surrounded by a picturesque graveyard, is at the centre of the once flourishing Beachley village. In the days of the ferry there was a sizeable resident and passing population, served from mediaval times by local chapels.

The ferry was operated from 1825 by the Beachley Ferry Association. Senior partner was local landowner James Jenkins, lord of Beachley manor, who lived in Beachley Farm – the handsome mansion next to the church which until recently was residence of the Beachley Camp commandants.

In 1833 Jenkins put up most of the funds to build St John's, with a schoolroom next door. From 1850 it was a separate curacy from Tidenham's St Mary's, successive curates living in the building which is now the Old Ferry Hotel.

From 1905 the living was held by the vicar of Tidenham, and combined with St Mary's in 1932.

"The church contains many memorials to the members of the Jenkins family, whose descendants have spread to Australia and the United States," says Mr Underwood. "Their representative in this country is Lord Savile." The government acquired the estate during the First World War for the shipbuilding yard, and became the Army Apprentices School thereafter.

The old schoolhouse is today the Beachley Old Boys' Association office.

Those interested are invited to the meeting at 7.30pm next Tuesday, or to contact Keith Underwood on 01291 623316.