2011

This account of Chapel’s renovations was published in the Derby Church Net News :

http://www.derbychurch.net/news/?year=2011&id=35

 

Refit for Historic Chapel

Rural premises brought up to date

Travelling along the A57 from Ladybower towards Glossop, about four miles from Ladybower, a stone building stands isolated in a field on the right hand side of the road. This is Woodlands Methodist Chapel. It was built in 1868 by local farmers, who provided the stone and built a chapel on land given by the Duke of Devonshire. Since the flooding of the villages of Derwent and Ashopton, when the Ladybower dams were built, this has been one the few public buildings in the area. It is about 6 miles from Bamford, the nearest village.

Following the deaths of Pat and Maurice Cottrill, who had for many years been the driving force in keeping the church open, the people in the locality felt the need to renovate the building in order to keep it available for the community. Money was raised and expertise provided. The building is now watertight, rewired, the floor replaced, a kitchen installed and water supply connected making it fit for 21st century use.

It will be a focal-point for the community throughout the year. There are only four services held each year, celebrating the seasons. In addition the Alport Love Feast is held in a barn at nearby Alport Farm. This is a simple meal of cake and spring water begun by non-conformists in the 1600’s as a thanksgiving for their safe arrival in these remote hills. It is celebrated by local Methodists in July each year.

On Sunday 17th July a Thanksgiving Celebration was held to celebrate the (near) completion of the work. It was led by Rev Fran Lane with Rev Steve Wild (Chairman of Cornwall Methodist District) speaking on the need for the expression of Christian love throughout the area and beyond. Steve, from his student days and his ministry at Cliff College, has long associations with Woodlands and he and Fran brought their usual warmth and vitality to the event. Following the service in true local tradition tea and cakes were served outside in the glorious sunshine.

The chapel was full to overflowing and the singing and fellowship inspired us all. The love of Jesus is so needed in our world. Let’s go out and share it with all we meet.