IT was an ambitious project that has created a vibrant meeting place at the heart of this rural Hampshire village.

The £600,000 initiative succeeded in preserving the heritage of the historic church in Droxford – and launching a Community Hub and Heritage Centre that includes a busy café. Now villagers, walkers, cyclists and tourists flock to drink coffee and sample home-made cakes in this idyllic spot close to the River Meon.

The creation of a new annexe meant St Mary and All Saints Church became a bustling centre for the local community. It includes a kitchen and toilets for Wilfrid’s Café, which opens four days a week with seating inside and outside.

Those modern facilities will allow the 12th century church to be used more easily for music concerts, parties, plays, community meetings and exhibitions – and showcase the rich heritage of the church and village to visitors.

The innovative project pre-dates our current Live | Pray | Serve vision, but echoes its desire that churches should find a trusted place at the heart of their local community.

The rector, the Rev Tony Forrest, said: “When I arrived six years ago, the church was packed with people who were interested in how this project was going to unfold. It’s a testament to all those involved that they’ve succeeded amid conflicting pressures, and in the face of a pandemic.

“For those who worship in the Bridge benefice, an important part of our Christian discipleship is to serve those who live in these communities. We want to serve God by serving others, and this project gives us a fantastic opportunity to do just that.”

The project was initially conceived seven years ago by the PCC and the Friends of Droxford Church. From the outset, the idea was not just to raise the £250,000 needed for structural repairs to the tower, walls and nave roof, but to go further and create a hub to serve the community.

The first phase – the restoration work for the grade 1 listed building – was largely funded by the National Lottery, on the understanding that community facilities would follow. This took place between 2016-18. The work included the removal of a run-down Victorian organ from the north chapel to provide space for a community hub.

The second phase involved the creation of an annexe on the north side, with flint walls to blend in with the existing church. It includes a kitchen, toilet, disabled toilet and office.

Hampshire County Council and the South Downs National Park were among the bodies providing funding, as they recognised the community benefits. And a new Droxford Community Hub community interest company was created to manage the new café and facilities.

The work was completed towards the end of 2019 and a launch planned in early 2020.

Unfortunately, the new Wilfrid’s Café was only open for 10 weeks before it had to close because of the Covid pandemic. A takeaway-only service was started last summer, and the café has gradually opened more fully during 2021.

Now up to 40 volunteers take turns to staff the café four days a week, welcoming dog walkers, ramblers, villagers and families with locally-roasted coffee and home-made cakes.