Beacon on the Hill project is making big strides in creating a new community space and heritage gateway in Doddington. Conservation builders have begun vital work at St John’s church to repair floors and windows while creating a new servery and display spaces along with a toilet and some improved heating. The local community have also been inspired to leave their mark on this historic building as it moves into a new chapter while continuing its role as the local parish church.

This month local ceramicist Sue Dawes has been leading workshops for people to create new tiles inspired by the Victorian ones in the church. These tiles will be used in the new servery area where walkers on the hill will be able to get a hot drink while they learn about the area’s rich heritage. The tiles reflect the area’s nature and history using impressions made by leaves and found objects. Everyone who came to add their touch to the church also got to make tiles to take home.

As one participant put it ‘it was an amazingly chilled workshop and satisfying to create something for the church!’ The tiles will be fired and installed in the new year ready for a reopening in April. Church Warden Celia Gibb explained the idea behind the project.

‘Each generation has left their mark on this wonderful church going right back to the 1840s. We wanted to add to the building’s history with something lasting and handmade. There were potteries and clay pits up on the Clee hills for hundreds of years so this is a great way to reflect that history.’

There are other creative opportunities as part of the project. Our songwriter in residence Sid Peacock has been busy working with local groups to write works for the Song of the Hill. He is now looking for local singers and musicians to help bring these Clee Hill songs to life. If you have a talent and would like the experience of working with others to perform in the grand finale in May, please contact sidpeacock@gmail.com

The new St John’s website has gone live and features work by schools, colleges and volunteers all celebrating the heritage of the area. stjohnsdoddington.org will grow and develop as more people share their stories and collections. Take a look and let us know what you think or if you have anything to contribute.

The Clee hills have such a rich community heritage, if you want to get involved in celebrating this the Beacon on the Hill team would love to hear from you. Get in touch with Jim or Celia stjohnsdoddington@gmail.com