WOODLAND’S unique corrugated iron church has a new feature – a red bell.
Children from the village were asked what colour they would like to see the bell as part of scheme to repaint the 116-year-old church.
Suggestions included yellow with blue dots, rainbow colours, a Union Jack, pink stripes and even a skull and crossbones.
But when one suggested bright red, everyone agreed.
The rest of the church has been repainted in traditional black and white.
Tim Smith, a member of the congregation at St Mary’s, Woodland, said as happened when the church was built, the village had come together to see it maintained.
“The church was built in 1906. It was brought in flat pack to Cockfield station and carted up here,” he said.
“The bell was cast at Tile Sheds Farm, just round the corner, which used to be the foundry and the blacksmith made the altar. The whole village was involved.”
To help with the cost of repainting the church, a community brunch was held which also included a show of exotic animals, tombola, book and clothes stalls, a book signing by a local author and even a “name the pig” competition.
In all the event raised £600.
“The village was involved 118 years ago and it has come together again now to bring the church back to life again,” added Mr Smith.
Glenwood Paints donated the paint and painter and decorator Paul McNulty, who lives in the village, volunteered his time.
Mr Smith said the church was in need of some TLC.
“It was in an awful state. It’s so long since it had a lick of paint.”
When it came to the bell it was decided to let the younger generation have their say.
“There was a group of children playing just over the road from the church with one of the parents looking after them,” said Mr Smith.
“They came over and we asked them to choose the colour. We had all sorts of suggestions, then one of the young lads said red and they all agreed.”
St Mary’s Woodland is part of the parish of Cockfield, Lynesack and Evenwood, with services led by priest in charge Revd Brian Whitley and associate priest Revd Lloyd Evans.
