The Situation: Most parish activities had for the past 20 years centred around the Rectory. When circumstances changed and the incumbent no longer lived in the Rectory, there was no longer anywhere for informal parish gatheringsand there was a danger that the social aspects of parish life would disintegrate. It was felt strongly that just meeting on Sunday very much diminished our opportunities for service and evangelism within the wider community.

Vision/goals: To peovide a safe comfotable base where people from the community can come to find welcome, support and friendship.  There was a particular need to provide a centre suitable for work with children and young people. We needed a suitable premises from which we could truly be a Church that exists to serve those outside the worshipping community as well as within it.

What was the funding strategy? The total cost of the project was £30,000. A small committee was formed to steer fundraising efforts within the community and to approach charities that might donate. Approximately 25% of the cost was generated through local fundraising, and the remainder through grants and donations. The Diocese of Bangor was very supportive throughout, but this was essentially a parish project.

What lessons were learnt? Not to be afraid of undertaking a big project if there is a definite vision that this will widen the Church’s outreach and service to the community.  We feel that the Stables has proved that for any church to grow and flourish, it needs appropriate facilities where people can meet fior fellowship during the week, as well as for worship on Sundays.

Outcomes: The delapidated stable block next to the Rectory was converted into a purpose built centre, providing three meeting rooms, a shower room, toilet and kitchen. The rooms very in size to provide suitable spaces for a variety of functions (small hall for community meals and games, and cosy rooms for small groups or individual pastoral counselling). The stable yard has been converted into an attractive garden where children learn to tend plants as well as playing on the hard surfaced and grassed areas, and where flowers are grown to take to those who are ill. Canolfan Stablau was opened by the Bishop of Bangor in 2001.

Social Cohesion: Carnolfan Stablau has transformed the life of the parish! It has opened up opportunities beyond anything we coukd have foreseen. Because the Centre is warm and welcoming it has encouraged the community to form clubs and societies and support groups which attract those who would not normally be involved in the life of the Church. It is now seen as very active in the community eg through an after-school club for primary aged children and the ‘ECHO’ healing and support group offering aromatherapy, pastoral counselling and a listening ear. The craft group has organised a biannual exhibition, ‘Art in the Aisles’ which draws over 1000 visitors. All these build bridges between denominations, and fellowship between worshippers has been significantly improved. Some people say the Stables has given them a new purpose in life.  Because the community feels real pride and ownership of the Carnolfan Stablau the building is sustainable and there is sufficient money for its upkeep. There is a much more positive attitude within the wider community towards the church and consequently more support for any fund raising efforts.

Any future plans for the building? The Carnolfan Stablau is rather a victim of its own success. Storage for the needs of the different groups using it has proved a problem. We have erected a small shed, and now also have use of the garage.  It would be good to enlarge the kitchen and make better use of the garage as a large downstairs meeting room. We hold Carnolfan Stablau on a 25 year lease from the RB. Thus there are only 17 years remaining on the lease.  What will happen in 2026?

Many other people may be interested in what you have achieved and may like to get in touch to talk to you or arrange to pay a visit? Are you willing to be contacted and if so, can you give details of a contact person? Reverend Stephanie Beacon: harlechvicarage@hotmail.com