All Saints Church in Lymington reopens after six-year restoration

A SIX-YEAR restoration project to secure the future of Lymington’s All Saints Church has come to an end with the creation of a chapel for ceremonies and a new base for a nursery school.

Services in the church ceased in 2013 but the parochial church council (PCC) was determined that the Grade II building should “not stand idle” and instead be repurposed for the benefit of the community.

That aim was achieved this month when a recent ceremony was held to open and re-dedicated All Saints.

It was attended by town mayor Cllr James Hoare, the Rev. Canon Peter Salisbury and Cheryl Hadland, managing director of Tops Day Nurseries.

Nursery pupils joined in the event, putting their seal of approval on the new base by running about and enjoying the surroundings.

A spokesperson for the PCC said the reopening of the church “marks a significant milestone in the history of All Saints”.

The PCC has retained the chancel of the church for occasional worship while the nave, hall and grounds have been leased to the nursery.

New facilities include underfloor heating, radiators and toilets, while the whole building was redecorated.