Buckfastleigh Methodist Church becomes vibrant community hub

The Methodist Church in Buckfastleigh has been given a new lease of life as a community centre, continuing its long-standing role in serving the town.

The public can now explore the building’s history through a sound installation and an exhibition, both highlighting the church’s importance to the community over the years.

The Moor Imagination Collective, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, acquired the church in 2023 and has since restored it. 

Local radio station Skylark has worked alongside the collective to gather oral histories from those who have used the church, sharing their stories through recorded voices placed around the space.

Young people from the Bungalow Youth Club have also played a key role, learning how to record sound and interview older members of the community. The project has bridged generational gaps, allowing local residents to reflect on their experiences of the building and celebrate life in Buckfastleigh, an historic woollen town.

The Buckfastleigh Methodist Church was built in 1835 with funds from local mill owners to benefit the town. 

Over the years, it has served not only as a place of worship but also hosted playgroups, children’s clubs, coffee mornings, jumble sales, fitness classes, music events, and provided vital support for the elderly and isolated.

Sophie Lovett of the Moor Imagination Collective said: “We picked up the keys to the old Buckfastleigh Methodist Church building in February 2024, and have been working hard since then to transform it into a welcoming and vibrant community hub thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and our awesome team of volunteers. Now we are bringing the former users back into the space, with recordings of their voices.”

Lucinda Guy of Skylark said: “We’ve really enjoyed meeting with people who have used the building over the years. Their engaging stories – some funny, some spiritual – are a delight to record and by placing them around the building, the space will really come alive.”

Fanny Jackson of the Bungalow Youth Project said: “Young people enjoyed using recording equipment, and exploring how to collect oral histories in their community. Many of them are from families who have lived in Buckfastleigh for generations, and it was important for them to tell the stories of their grandparents and parents, and their relationship with the Methodist Church.”

The sound installation and exhibition will be open to the public on Saturday 23 November and Sunday 24 November, from midday to 6pm.