HAVING a celebration for a toilet, a special church service, cakes and a glass of something sparkling might sound a little odd but that is what happened at Yeoford’s Holy Trinity Church.

For a long time the village hall opposite the church shared its facilities such as toilets and kitchen with the church.

When the old wooden village hall was sold for development more than 10 years ago the church lost those shared facilities.

Two houses now stand there.

Plans began to be made, approvals sought and fundraising begun to rectify the lack of facilities.  There is now a composting toilet, so no need for water nor drainage, and a kitchen built, extending the vestry but, again, no water or drainage yet.

Hence the celebration on Sunday, March 12 for having achieved installation of the very smart composting toilet and the much improved facilities so far in the kitchen.

The Archdeacon of Exeter the Rev Andrew Beane led the service, then led everyone outside for a short ceremony.  The toilet building and its “throne” is behind the church with its separate access.  There is a hand sanitisation point.

Licensed Lay Minister Carol Price thanked everyone who had supported the fundraising.  These included Yeoford Fun Day, Crediton Hamlets Parish Council, Devon Historic Churches, League of Friends of Crediton Hospital and the Governors of Holy Cross Church in Crediton as well as many individuals.  

There is still an outstanding bill of £7,000 for which donations are sought although a sponsor is prepared to pay a part of this.  

At the start of the service of Thanksgiving and Celebration, a pair of oak candlesticks and an oak cross on the altar were dedicated by Carol Price.  They had been given earlier this year.

The cross had been made by Andrew Ware who lives at Winkleigh and is Verger at Crediton Parish Church using reclaimed oak from pews that had been at Winkleigh Church.  He had made a similar cross for Winkleigh Church.

The candlesticks had been made by wood turner Lee Bridger who lives in Yeoford.  He said he always tries to source wood locally and this came from Cheriton Fitzpaine.  He added that it was good to do something for the community.

Carol Price explained that not having the facilities was a particular problem for events and services such as weddings, baptisms or funerals, especially when people had travelled some distance. 

The church hosts a coffee morning every Monday and a community lunch once a month.  For both, water has to be brought in, food cooked at home and taken to the church.

The primary school across the road also uses the church and Carol hoped more use would be made of the church now that it has the kitchen and toilet. 

She added that the only funding the church received regularly was from Crediton Hamlets Parish Council for cutting the grass in the churchyard.  It runs fundraising events as well.