The Chairman of Trimdon Parish Council, along with a lot more of our parishioners, are concerned about the proposed closure of St Pauls church at Trimdon Station, which is the biggest church in all the Trimdons.
This church has two war memorials i. e. the church clock and the church organ. When the church clock needed repair the people rallied around along with the local school at Deaf Hill, and raised thousands of pounds to repair the memorial clock.
This gesture in itself means the church is really needed in our area, there are a lot of houses being constructed in the Trimdon Station area, and also proposed houses to be built in the Trimdon Colliery area. I believe the proposed closer of St. Pauls church be strongly reconsidered as the area is growing fast. Trimdon Colliery, Trimdon Station and Deaf Hill all use the church.
The public should have the right to use the church if and when required. The attendance may not be good at present but the younger generation should be given the opportunity to attend St. Pauls church, as they are educated in our local school at Deaf Hill about the Christian faith.
George Martin. (chairman)
27th Sept 2006
The Northern Echo
Wednesday 18th October 2006
By CATHERINE JEWITT
Parish councils oppose plans 'to shut down village church
TWO parish councils have been angered by proposals to close a church that serves their communities. The Church of England says it is considering closing St Paul's Church, in Trimdon Station, following demands from its congregation.
The church has a small, elderly congregation and is finding it increasingly difficult to operate. After six weeks of consultation, church members agreed to press ahead with the closure process with a view to merging with one of three other local churches.
But the chairmen of Trimdon Foundry and Trimdon Colliery Parish Councils have written to the Durham Diocese to object.
Councillor George Martin, of Trimdon Foundry, said: "I cannot stress enough how much the church is needed in our area. It plays a valuable role in the community.
"When the church clock needed repairing, local people rallied round, along with Deaf Hill Primary School, to raise thousands of pounds, which demonstrates how valued it is"
Councillor George Elliott, of Trimdon Colliery, added: "I wouldn't like to see it close, "It would mean people in an area with low car ownership having to travel elsewhere for christening, funeral and wedding services traditionally held there."
The proposals will be subject to a period of public notice before the Church Commissioners, who manage the Church of England's assets, make a final decision. During that period, the congregation can decide whether to join St Mary's, in Trimdon Village, or St Alban's, in Trimdon Grange. or launch joint services with Trimdon Station Methodist Church. The future use of the building would be discussed at a later date.
Paul Judson, director of communication for the Diocese of Durham, promised that a war memorial clock and organ would be protected,
Mr Judson said: "The initiative came from members themselves. They decided this could be the best way forward and the proper procedures are now being carried out. No time scale can be set:'
The parish councils want the plans to be postponed until new housing developments are built in the hope they will increase the congregation.
Mr Judson said new housing was unlikely to make a huge impact on the congregation numbers.
The Hartlepool Mail
Monday 30th October 2006 (original article)
The call to save village church
VILLAGERS are being urged to save a church threatened by closure.
The Church of England is considering closing St Paul's Church, in Trimdon Station, after members of the congregation said they were finding it hard to worship in the building.
Paul Judson, director of communication for the Diocese of Durham, said only eight or nine people regularly attended Sunday services and they wanted to merge with one of three other local churches.
But Trimdon Foundry and Trimdon Colliery parish councils have fiercely objected to the plans and are urging local people to sign an online petition or write to the diocese.
Councillor George Martin, chairman of Trimdon Foundry Council, said: "This is the biggest church in the three Trimdons and I honestly think it is essential that we try to keep it open.
"I believe the proposed closure of St Paul's Church should be strongly reconsidered as the area is growing fast and the public should have the right to use the church if and when required."
Councillor George Elliott, chairman of Trimdon Colliery Council, said: "I am surprised that the congregation want the church to close.
"There is a housing programme for 150 homes in Trimdon and they should give it a chance for the congregation to pick up."
Public consultation is currently taking place on the proposals before church commissioners make a final decision on the building's future.
Members of the congregation are being asked if they want to join St Mary's, in Trimdon Village, St Alban's, in Trimdon Grange or hold joint services with Trimdon Station Methodist Church.
Councillor George Martin opposite St Paul's Church, Trimdon
Mr Judson said the building would not be abandoned even if the church was closed.
"This is a process of careful thought and consideration and we need to find out what is best for the church family," he said.
Next page: Comments and response from the Diocese..........
For anyone interested in contacting the Diocese directly, details below;
The Diocesan Office,
Auckland Castle,
Bishop Auckland,
DL14 7QJ
Tel: (01388) 604515,
Fax: (01388) 603695
E-mail: Diocesan.Secretary@durham.anglican.org
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