In recent months, The Parochial Church Council of St. Vigor’s has been discussing our future as a Christian worshiping community and secondly what this would mean for the historic Grade 1 Listed Building.

Following an initial evening meeting for residents, held in June and attended by some thirty people, there will be a second opportunity in the afternoon of Monday, 5th September at 2:30pm in Church, for residents to discuss the future with The Archdeacon of Bath, The Venerable Dr. Adrian Youings.

At St. Vigor’s, our congregation is very small in number, elderly and no longer able to viably support the day-today running of the worshiping community - our raison d’être – or fill the various offices of the Church. With regard to the building, essential repairs to the roofs and tower and other items have been estimated to cost well in excess of £150,000. Recently, two wall monuments had to be restored for reasons of public safety at a cost of some £16,000, for which we were fortunate to obtain generous grants from several charitable organisations. Not so essential but still to be considered, further work to preserve many other fine and historic monuments has been estimated at some £100,000. However, to make St. Vigor’s a viable building, suitable for use far beyond one hour on Sundays only, requires costly access improvements, the installation of toilet and kitchen facilities, as well as new heating and electrics. In total, well over £500,000 would be required.

The first village meeting held in the evening back in June, showed there is a desire to preserve the building. However, to do so would require a sustained and long-term commitment by people from the village to make it viable as a community asset, both in terms of their time and the raising of finance.

No decision has been made yet, but currently the PCCs view is that, sadly, St. Vigor’s will close as a worshiping community. However, we would look to maintain a Christian presence in the village. Hopefully, the building would be taken on by another body and be available to visitors and for occasional services. Whatever the outcome, the Churchyard will remain open for visitors.

If you are resident Stratton-on-the-Fosse, please do come along to show your support. For further information, please visit: www.stvigorstjohn.church.