St John the Evangelist, Tatworth

TATWORTH

Tatworth forms part of the civil parish of Tatworth and Forton, which includes Chard Junction, Chilson Common, Perry Street, South Chard and Yonder Hill. It is rural area situated to the south of the town of Chard in Somerset, bordered by the counties of Devon and Dorset. The population of approximately 2,700 comprises around half working age persons, one third retired and the remainder children. There is a thriving village school, pre-school, a shop, a pub, a sports club and a social club. There is a good co-operation with the Parish Council, who have provided grants for a Food Table which is hosted and organised by the church. St John’s Church hall is also available for hire and is well used by the community for various events.

The Church of St John the Evangelist is a mid- 19th century two-cell church built in 1851 in the Old English Style. The Church is constructed on rubble stone and flint with moulded Ham stone to doors, windows, quoins, coping, buttresses and bell cote. Internally the walls are plastered and painted magnolia with Ham stone surrounds. The entrance is via a southern facing porch. Vestry and organ are on the north of the building with the chancel at the east end. On the Apex of the west nave is a stone-built cote with two bells. There is a gallery and a font at the west end of the nave. Seating capacity is approximately 200 on simple pitch pine pews with removable upholstered cushion seating. 30 chairs have been added at the front and the rear in recent years to provide flexibility. To the northwest of the building is the church hall with catering and toilet facilities. It is joined to the church via a link, which provides storage. Also included in the building is an office. The churchyard has recently been closed and upkeep has been transferred to the Parish Council.