Having been closed since the start of lockdown in late March, the doors of St John’s Church Peasedown will once again be open for funerals.

As part of the government’s easing of lockdown, family and friends will be able to gather once again in St John’s to celebrate the life of a loved one who has recently passed away or who was buried or cremated during the strict lockdown period.

Church Leader, Revd Matthew Street, said: “With social distancing rules still in place and to help keep all visitors safe, St John’s will only be able to accommodate twenty mourners who will be asked to sit on easy clean seats that have been carefully placed to be two metres apart from each other.

Pictures or movies can be shown on the 60-inch TV screen at the front of the church and music can played through the church PA system or on the organ or piano.

Unfortunately, no one will be able to sing as singing vastly increases the possibility of spreading the corona virus in a confined space and would require five metre social distancing to be in place.”

On arrival everyone will be encouraged to wash their hands and again as they depart in order to remain safe and prevent the spread of the corona virus.

“Opening St John’s for funerals is just the beginning of the easing of lockdown and members of the church family are looking forward to the time when they can regularly return to Sunday worship,” added Revd Street.

To watch a short film about the re-opening of the church for funerals visit  www.youtu.be/gDVtxUd12s8

For details about St John’s Church, and its sister Anglican churches in Wellow, Shoscombe and Foxcote visit the benefice website: www.stjsgroup.church, or contact the Operations Manager Rob Bubyer by emailing [email protected]ch or calling 07973 972018.