Reverend Andrew Rawding has introduced a children's soft play zone inside St Mary's Church in Burton Bradstock, Dorset. The £20,000 project aims to support local families but has sparked a community clash over the use of the historic nave.
The £20,000 gamble on a 15th-century nave
The installation of foam blocks, slides, and steps directly alongside traditional pews at St Mary's Church represents a radical shift in how Grade I listed buildings are utilized. According to the report, Reverend Andrew Rawding initiated the project after noticing parents and toddlers sheltering in the church porch during rainy weather, rarely venturing inside the sanctuary. By converting a portion of the nave into a recreational area, the church is attempting to bridge the gap between a historic religious site and the practical needs of modern village life .
This move reflects a broader, often contentious trend across rural England where the Church of England struggles to maintain dwindling congregations. Many parishes are now experimenting with "multi-use" spaces—turning naves into cafes, libraries, or, in the case of Burton Bradstock , play centers—to ensure these massive stone structures do not become idle museums. The stake for the community is high; if the church fails to attract young families, it risks losing its social relevance entirely.
Stained glass risks and the battle for sanctity
The project has not been without friction, as some residents of Burton Bradstock argue that a gym-like atmosphere is incompatible with a place of worship. Critics claim that the noise and activity associated with a soft play area disrupt the reverent environment expected in a sacred space. As the report notes , these residents believe the juxtaposition of modern play equipment and historic architecture undermines the solemnity of the building.
Specific anxieties have been raised regarding the safety of the church's historic stained glass windows. While opponents fear that active children could cause irreparable damage to these artifacts , Reverend Andrew Rawding has dismissed these concerns as overblown. He maintains that the soft nature of the equipment makes such accidents highly unlikely and argues that the social function of the church should take precedence over the preferences of "niche groups" who desire an unaltered environment.
How Burton Bradstock C of E School utilizes the space
The initiative has found a strong ally in Holly Varndell-Paulley, the interim head teacher of Burton Bradstock C of E School . Varndell-Paulley has endorsed the soft play area, noting that it provides the school with essential additional space for younger children to take movement breaks on rainy days. This partnership transforms the church from a Sunday-only destination into a weekday educational resource.
The need for such a space is underscored by the limited capacity of the local village hall. Because the hall is already heavily booked for activities like yoga, pilates, and bridge club, St Mary's Church was identified as the only viable alternative for an indoor toddler area. By offering the service for free and on an unsupervised basis, the church is positioning itself as a primary hub for community infrastructure .
The disputed consultation process behind the investment
Despite the perceived benefits, the method of implementation has left some villagers feeling sidelined. There are ongoing questions regarding whether a sufficient consultation process took place before the £20,000 was spent. While Reverend Andrew Rawding utilized the village Facebook page to gauge interest—receiving mostly positive feedback—critics argue that a social media poll is an inadequate substitute for a formal parish consultation.
It remains unclear exactly how the £20,000 funding was sourced and whether the decision-making process included the voices of the churcch's more traditionalist members. The report indicates that the debate is now a broader conversation about the governance of religious institutions and whether a vicar's vision shold override the traditional expectations of a parish.
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