Mickleton Methodist Church

Website: www.mickletonmethodistchurch.org.uk

The establishment of the Methodist Church in Mickleton appears to have begun in March 1812, although records show that John Wesley - the founder of Methodism, preached in nearby Quinton and Broad Marston as early as 1743.

In the early 1800s the small group of Methodists met in private houses, in particular in the Three Ways Cottage (long since demolished) close to the Three Ways Hotel. The laying of the foundation stone of the present building (in fact there were six, each inscribed with the names of those who laid them) took place in May 1891. The church was completed in September that year when around 250 people attended the opening celebrations.

Venture through the doors on a Sunday morning, and you will be assured of the traditional warm Methodist welcome. Our services are informal and varied, but with a constant focus on worshipping God and caring for our neighbours. Morning Worship currently takes place at 11.00 in the Joseph Web Hall (as the church ceiling is awaiting major repairs). Holy Communion is usually on the 3rd Sunday in the month, with Ecumenical services being held from time to time with St. Lawrence's Church. Special services include Songs of Praise, Harvest Festival, Environment Sunday, Carol service and Remembrance Day. At the moment Church Fellowship meetings have not been restarted because of COVID and illness.

Mickleton is a FairTrade and EcoChurch and is currently one of a few churches to receive a Silver EcoChurch Award from A Rocha, a Christian organisation which encourages churches and their congregations to become more eco-friendly.  As part of this programme, the area behind the church has been developed into a community wildlife garden.

The Three Bees Community Wildlife Garden

An attractive space where local residents and visitors are always welcome to sit and read, take a lunch break, or just get away from the pressures of life. For decades the large lawn behind the church building had been virtually unused, and costing money to mow regularly. Much thought and careful planning has led to the establishment of the Three Bees Community Wildlife Garden at the rear of the church – a place for people and wildlife in an increasingly hi-tech world.

This sheltered space behind the church has been transformed. More than £4000 raised from local businesses, charities and individuals enabled the purchase ‘Plaswood’ picnic tables, park benches and planters – all made from 100% recycled agricultural plastic. Areas of turf were removed, and a cottage style garden, complete with a stone bird bath, was developed at the entrance with several memorial roses planted closeby. Two mini wildflower areas were sown with red poppies, blue cornflowers and yellow corn marigolds together with a wide range of other insect-friendly native plants; nest boxes and ‘insect hotels’ provide further ‘wildlife accommodation’.

The sloping banks have been planted with bluebells, primroses, hellebores, lavender, buddleia, honeysuckle and more. A generous donation from the local Dixon Trust enabled the production of a series of educational panels. Two large colourful displays carrying up to date environmental messages: ‘What on Earth are we doing?’ and ‘Caring for the Earth – for our children and our children’s children’ explore climate change the decline in wildlife and wild places, and other panels which encourage visitors to identify and learn more about the bees, butterflies, other insects and wildflowers, are also displayed on the rear walls of the church and the adjacent hall.

The 3Bs project completed in 2017, is already becoming a haven for bees and butterflies and other insects, and visitors from the adjacent renowned Three Ways Hotel & Pudding Club, often enjoy visiting the site, as they walk around the village. We expect to see more of both as the garden grows and matures. Anyone interested in further information or helping to maintain the garden should email: markandsonia@gmail.com.