General

There are steep sloping footpaths to the church from the North Lychgate (on the High Street opposite Glebelands) and from Rectory Drive via the top corner of the recreation ground. The shortest path leads up from the South Lychgate (opposite the old village school) but this has uneven ancient steps.

Disabled access

There is a level footpath that leads to the church along the left hand side of the Rectory garden. Those with mobility difficulties or who need wheelchair access are welcome to park in the Rectory on Rectory Drive and use the garden footpath.

At the north door there are 2 steps down into the church.

At the south door there is 1 step up into the church. A ramp is available here for wheelchair use but those using a wheelchair may need help as the path to the south door is a bit bumpy due to the age of the building and the big, ancient yew tree near by.

Lighting

Bidborough has a minimalist approach to village street lighting, and all the footpaths to the church are very dark after dusk. A torch is highly advisable for winter evening visits! Lighting is currently planned by the council for the Churchyard paths which they are responsible for.

Although there are no "double yellows" in the vicinity, the lanes around the church are narrow, and the High Street area can become very congested particularly on school days. It is especially vital that access along the lower end of the High Street and Spring Lane is not compromised, as there is no other route for emergency vehicles to access the school and homes further down the hill.

On Sundays there is usually some roadside parking along the wider middle section of the High Street, down Glebelands and in Rectory Drive.

Other places to park include Woodland Way and St Lawrence Avenue. The walk to church takes 5 minutes: there is a footpath next to 16 Woodland Way that leads through to Rectory Drive.

See access section above for disabled parking.

There are no toilets in the church. However you are welcome to use the cloakroom at the Rectory if necessary - a member of the welcome team can show you over to the house.

When the Sunday School classes are in progress there is also access to the toilets in school, in the old school building (Class R) or the school hall.

There is a disabled toilet in the school hall (though the route to this is down Spring Lane which is very steep). This may be available if the school is in use. However, the school is downhill from the church via the steps to the south lych gate. Please do ask a member of the welcome team to show you to the school.

If you have traveled a long distance (perhaps for a wedding, baptism or funeral) and have arrived early, our village pub the Hare and Hounds (at the top of the High Street) is very friendly place!

The church is fitted with a loop system for those who are hard of hearing.

Large print hymn books and Bibles are available. Please ask the welcome team. We print a few large print copies of the notice sheet each week - please let us know if you would like a regular copy.

Gems - creche for 0-2's age group

There is a creche available at the 11am service each Sunday.

If numbers are small, Gems meet in the school in Class R (alongside the Sparklers group which is for ages 3 - 6).

If there are more children, Gems sometimes meet in Ivy Cottage instead (the red brick cottage second to the right of Class R).

We start all together in church and (apart from Family Services on the first Sunday of the month) the children all go down together to their groups after about 10 minutes. You are welcome to take your little ones down to Gems then, or at any point later in the service.

Happy Bags

In church there are Happy Bags to borrow with books and toys for young children. Please do not worry if your toddlers need to have a little stroll about - we are very used to little people going on expeditions!

Prams and buggies

Space inside the church is rather cramped with narrow aisles. We will always do our best to fit in prams and buggies, but at busy services you may find it easier to bring small babies in a car seat instead.

Refreshments are served after the 11am service each week. At busy services there may be a small delay while chairs in the coffee area are stacked away to make space for the coffee table.

There are also refreshments on "special occasions" after the 6.30pm service!

If you have come to church with a particular need or sadness in your heart, there are a people available to listen and pray after the 11am service each week. They will be sitting at the back of church in the tower area, and will listen and pray for you if you wish to approach them. All matters are held in confidence and we respect your privacy.