CHANCE TO TAKE A STEP BACK IN HISTORY – The outcomes of an archaeological excavation will be on display and explained at a special evening in the parish church in the village of Peterchurch following an historic dig.

The church will welcome people on the evening of April 23, when an archaeologist involved in the work will be on hand to guide visitors.

“You could say the building is a bit like a time machine at the moment,” said Enid Tarbox, who is secretary at St Peter’s. “Before they start the work to transform the church into a centre for children’s services, it’s a great opportunity to see things you are never likely to see again.”

Following the decision to transform the nave of the church into a space to be used to deliver children’s services for Peterchurch and the wider area of the Golden Valley, the pews were recycled through the Take a Pew scheme. After removal, the archaeologists from Border Archaeology moved in.

The work took the church back to how it was before its Victorian restoration in the nave or main part of the building. Work in the vestry area discovered new evidence about the early history of the building. When the builders move in, the dig will be covered up again.

Enid added: “Anyone with an interest in local history will enjoy what we have on show and Neil Surety, from Border Archaeology, will be here to answer questions and explain some of the finds. But come in sensible shoes.”

The work has come about as a result of a partnership agreement between Hereford Council’s Early Years & Extended Services and Peterchurch Parochial Church Council to deliver services from the newly refurbished building. The rest of the space will provide additional facilities, including kitchen, lift, library, meeting rooms and toilets and will be available for church and community activities. Worship space will always be available in the re-ordered church.

“It’s a really exciting time for the whole village at the moment,” added Rev Simon Lockett. “While the evening of April 23 will give people a chance to look back, the whole scheme is designed to help us all look forward to how the church can still very usefully serve the needs of the community in the 21st century through an historic building at the heart of the village.”