All Saints’ Church, Westbury and Holy Trinity, Dilton Marsh opened their doors again for private prayer on a limited basis on Saturday, 20th June. The churches will be open each Saturday between 10am-12 noon.
The churches took the decision following the government announcement on 6th June that churches can open for private prayer, and further guidance from the Church of England.
For the time being, Holy Saviour, Westbury Leigh and The Tin Church (All Saints’), Brokerswood will remain closed.
Beth Thomas, churchwarden and treasurer said, “For everybody’s safety, these sessions will be supervised by church volunteers and we will ask you to follow our hygiene regime.
“If you are able to support us by volunteering during this time please contact either Garth Brocksopp at Holy Trinity or myself at All Saints’ Church.
“We will be asking you to maintain a 2 metre distance between others in the building and you may be asked to wait if the Church is busy.
“You will be asked to sanitise your hands before entering the church and only certain areas will be accessible. However, you will be able to light a candle and sit for private prayer.
“We will be cleaning throughout the session to ensure everyone’s safety. The toilets will NOT be available. This limited opening is designed to provide an opportunity for those who have missed the experience of praying in our beautiful churches. We will be monitoring and evaluating as we go, so please let us have your feedback. As the current situation is constantly changing, please sign up to our e-newsletter for regular updates or follow our Facebook pages.
“For everyone’s safety and protection, we need to ask that the church remains unused and locked in-between sessions without prior agreement from the team rector, team vicar or churchwardens.
“Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.”
The Revd Rebecca Harris, team rector, White Horse Team Ministry said, “We are looking forward to opening our doors for the public again and hope that people will come and enjoy the peace and quiet and opportunity to reflect and pray in this sacred space.”
