Cumbria's Communities Using their Churches

Communities in Cumbria using their church buildings for a wide range of activities while at the same time keeping them open for public worship. The uses below are just examples of some of the activities taking place around Cumbria. We would be very happy to talk through your plans and/or ideas for new uses of your church if you contact us.

Community cafes
In the west of the county, both Whitehaven St Nicholas and Frizington St Paul host community cafes. Cafes may be run by volunteers or as small businesses. Penrith Methodist Church hosts a luncheon club.

Local services
St Bega's, Eskdale hosts a Post Office on certain days. Much interest has been expressed in how churches can fill such gaps in local services in rural communities. Heritage Link has recorded the progress. The Carlisle Diocese website provides information about hosting a post office in your church. St Oswald's, Burneside has provided public toilet facilities for the village since the council-run toilets were closed.

Farmers' Markets
All Saints, Orton regularly holds stalls in the church during the farmers’ markets days in Orton. Click here to see photos of the days in action.

Music performance
Ten churches provide annual venues for the popular Lake District Summer Music Festival. Others are used as rehearsal spaces by local groups.

Rooms for hire
Ambleside Parish Centre serves the churches and people of Ambleside offering a range of social, health and young people’s activities with high quality rooms for hire. The new Methodist Church has been incoporated within the Parish Centre allowing the old church building to be utilised for much needed affordable housing.

Sports
Penrith Methodist Church has been extensively modernised. The church hall is with the same building and offers sports such as badminton and bowls to the whole community.

Young people
Church halls across Cumbria are used by groups of young people of all ages. However Great Clifton Methodist church hosts a range of activities in conjunction with Catholic Caring Services within the church building itself. Contact Angela Good, Centre Manager 01900 818877.

Churches
Directory

Registered in England as Churches Trust for Cumbria - a Company Limited by Guarantee No. 6553020
Registered Charity No. 1128091. Registered Address: Enterprise House, Gillan Way, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9BP
Correspondence address:

Community cafesIn the west of the county, both Whitehaven St Nicholas and Frizington St Paul host community cafes. Cafes may be run by volunteers or as small businesses. Penrith Methodist Church hosts a luncheon club.

SportsPenrith Methodist Church has been extensively modernised. The church hall is with the same building and offers sports such as badminton and bowls to the whole community.

Young peopleChurch halls across Cumbria are used by groups of young people of all ages. However Great Clifton Methodist church hosts a range of activities in conjunction with Catholic Caring Services within the church building itself. Contact Angela Good, Centre Manager 01900 818877.

Community cafes
In the west of the county, both Whitehaven St Nicholas and Frizington St Paul host community cafes. Cafes may be run by volunteers or as small businesses. Penrith Methodist Church hosts a luncheon club.

Sports
Penrith Methodist Church has been extensively modernised. The church hall is with the same building and offers sports such as badminton and bowls to the whole community.

Young people
Church halls across Cumbria are used by groups of young people of all ages. However Great Clifton Methodist church hosts a range of activities in conjunction with Catholic Caring Services within the church building itself. Contact Angela Good, Centre Manager 01900 818877.