There has been a church, of one style or another on the site of the St Michael and All Angels, at Walford, for more than 1000 years. It is one of the oldest churches in Herefordshire.

Originally a mud and wattle Saxon church, the stone building dates back to 1100 when the Normans constructed the central stone church which is still used for worship. Over the centuries other sections have been added and, at some stage in its long history, there was an upper floor, which can be seen in pictures showing the interior of the church.

The Reverend Laurence Mathew is proud of the church and the fact that it has adapted constantly to suit the needs of those who worship there. That there are still villagers who regularly attend services, not just those on Sunday’s but also a special Paddle and Praise group for toddlers and parents in one of the local homes which has a swimming pool. There is a time of play followed by a Bible story and activity, the families often attend family services too.

A midweek ‘activity service’ for families in the newly created area at the back of the church is being considered and Easter and Christmas are big events at the church. The Christmas Eve service with sheep in the lych gate ‘stable’, a Nativity service and a band made up of local musicians who are brought together for this occasion, is one of the highlights of the year.

The latest change to the church is the removal of several of the pews from the far end of the church. It makes the entrance more accessible as the steps have been covered by a new floor, and the congregation who sit in this area don’t need to go down any steps to reach the pews, most of which are still in place.

The font has also been moved to a position nearer to the front of the church and the area around it means there is more space for people to stand and more space has been created at the front.

The light wooden flooring enhances the wooden floor already in place, which has also been sanded, and makes the whole space seem much lighter, and more welcoming.

The idea for these changes was first mooted about six years ago and the money was available without having to carry out extensive fundraising. Reverend Mathew explained that it took a while to get a plan agreed and a joinery company to carry out the exact specifications.

As well as removing pews and installing a new floor, a kitchen area including a water boiler, a hob and a large fridge has been installed which are hidden behind beautifully crafted cabinets. This means offering refreshments after a service is much easier but can be hidden away if the area is being used for more serious church meetings or discussion groups. Reverend Mathew is also delighted that an accessible toilet has also been installed which he is sure will be much used by visitors to the church or those attending rehearsals for special services, such as weddings.

He added that there is a community hall which is very well used nearby and changes to the church are not intended to compete with what is on offer there, but to expand what the church can offer to those who attend.

The work started in the New Year and although regular churchgoers will have seen the changes for themselves, the forthcoming flower festival is the perfect opportunity for everyone else to see how the church has been transformed.

The flower festival will take place over the weekend of May 20th, 21st and 22nd and the theme will be the Parables told in flowers.

Rev Mathew told the Ross Gazette, the planning has been amazing, he said:?“So much is being discussed and organised via email but it is shaping up to be a beautiful celebration of the completion of the refurbishment.”

He hopes lots of villagers will take the time to visit and view the work of the flower arrangers and also the improvements to the layout.