A group of members from Withycombe Methodist Church are still hoping to get it reopened, after more than two years of uncertainty over its future.

All services and community activities at the church were put on hold in November 2021, with members unable to use the church hall. At the time the church members were told Withycombe could become independent if they could fill all the positions needed to run it themselves – the roles were previously shared with Littlemead Methodist Church.

Since then the group have been holding meetings in their own homes every month to plan for the reopening.

Yvonne Crisell, who was Withycombe Church’s communion steward, said: “So far we have met all the necessary requirements which have been asked of us, financial and otherwise.”

Exmouth Methodist Church is part of the Exeter Coast & Country Circuit. Yvonne said Withycombe Church and its hall have passed inspections by the circuit’s property officers, and the group have also shown that they have people able to take up all the necessary roles of treasurer, secretary, safeguarding officer and stewards. Local schools have also shown an interest in using the large garden area behind the church. But the group are still waiting for a decision on the reopening.

The Journal contacted the circuit office two weeks ago (January 22) to ask if there was any news. The reply was: “The representatives will be notified of the decision soon.”

During this period of uncertainty the Withycombe church group have been doing their best to continue their work in the community and beyond. In the past they had sent bunches of daffodils to elderly and housebound people in the area; instead they have sent cards and bookmarks decorated with daffodils ‘to let them know they haven’t been forgotten’. 

They also continued their tradition of sending Christmas parcels to families in Moldova. The group packed 41 shoeboxes of presents, sweets and toiletries, and also sent two bags of baby clothes and two of blankets made from squares knitted by group members, some of whom are in their 90s.