Apperley Methodist Church
Apperley Chapel stands in a beautiful rural setting on the south side of Apperley Village some 5 miles south south west of Tewkesbury, on high ground not far from the banks of the River Severn. The red brick building was erected in 1904 superseding the old Moravian Chapel on the same site, which is now a private residence. Refurbishment carried out in 2003 provided kitchen and toilet facilities, improved heating, and wheelchair access making the premises attractive for small group Quiet Days. Numerous walks are available from the Chapel to the river and surrounding countryside enabling visitors to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The village has a population of less than 1000 and the Chapel can accommodate a congregation of about 80 with car parking alongside for about 10 cars. Additional parking is available on the cricket club field, 150 metres up the lane.
Most children attend the village primary school and then move up to secondary school in Tewkesbury. Alternative schools are available in Cheltenham or Gloucester both some 10 miles or so away. Few adults work in the village as there is no industry or commerce; so most travel out to work, as they do for shopping and all other services.
Morning services are currently held at 11am on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th, Sundays each month and United services are shared with the local Anglican Church once a quarter. Other joint ventures take place during the year such as Lent courses, children’s holiday activity days, and other special anniversaries as they arise.
Sunday Worship is usually of a traditional style but with a bright atmosphere and mixture of modern and traditional music. The congregation is made up of residents of Apperley and other villages round about as there are no other Chapels between Tewkesbury, Cheltenham and Gloucester.
A Wednesday Bizzy Fingers group meets in the Chapel when ladies knit articles specifically to go to babycare units and children’s charities both at home and abroad. In the winter the group meets from 10 am - 12 noon and in the summer from 2.30 – 4.30 pm.
Visitors holidaying in the area or taking “a ride out from town” are always most welcome.
