ST John's Church in Ben Rhydding has a new look and more comfortable seating.

Sue Boerrigter writes: "Back in 1905, when the church first opened, wooden chairs were the order of the day. It was not until 1959 that pews were installed. Over the summer, those old, dark wooden pews have been removed. In their place now there are stylish blonde wood chairs with seats comfortably upholstered in red fabric. Linked together they can provide a wide variety of seating arrangements.

"The original parquet flooring has been professionally sanded and sealed creating a warm and welcoming appearance. Along with further comfortable chairs in the coffee area at the back, the new look has opened the church up, providing greater possibilities for use and enabling it to better serve the community "The question of pews or chairs - fixed or flexible seating - had been under consideration at St John's for some time. But it was the Covid pandemic, lockdown and the ensuing social distancing rules that highlighted the real advantage of flexible seating. A strategy for making the change was developed by the PCC and vicar with the decision finally taken in 2022.

"The cost of the refurbishment project has been met by legacies and specific donations. Further legacies and donations have led to the installation of a state of the art laser projector and a new sound desk housed in an oak cabinet. The church is now a contemporary multi media space with clear acoustics."

St John's church is available for hire for concerts and community activities. Enquiries should be addressed to bookings@benrhydding.org.uk