St John’s Doddington or, as it’s locally known ‘The Church on the Hill’, is welcoming visitors back following an extensive restoration project. This has created a new heritage gateway to the Clee hills and provides new facilities for tourists and locals alike. This follows a community-led arts and heritage initiative supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Government (through the Levelling Up fund) and many local and national trusts.
Hundreds of local residents have been involved in celebrating the area’s rich geological, natural, and social history. The project has created new displays and facilities that showcase the unique character of Titterstone Clee Hill and its surrounding landscape. Visitors explore exhibits highlighting the area’s distinctive geology, diverse natural environment, and fascinating social history. These include displays created by pupils from Clee Hill Community Academy which showcase their family histories from the early quarry and mine workers to the those who staffed the radar station in WW2.
“This project has opened an exciting new chapter for St John’s,” said Celia Gibb, Church Warden, who managed the restoration efforts. “What makes this special is how local people have come together to capture and celebrate our shared heritage. We’re delighted with the refurbishment of this beautiful old church but most excited that we are attracting new visitors, inviting them to stop off during their journey into the Shropshire Hills.”
The renovated church now features improved community facilities including a toilet and coffee machine with snacks, making it an ideal venue for local gatherings, educational activities, and cultural events. The new facilities are designed to serve as both a visitor attraction, for walkers, cyclists and tourists alike, and a valuable resource for residents.
Volunteers with interests in nature and local history have helped record and share heritage information. Artists have assisted, creating new works including a new musical work to reflect the area’s character. A finale performance of this Song of the Hill, by Clun composer Sid Peacock who devised music with the pupils from Clee Hill Community Academy and drew on local musical history and talents, was held at St Laurence’s in Ludlow in May, and 2 short films of the performance and participants can be seen on the website www.stjohnsdoddington.org
The church is open to visitors every day 9am-5pm and retains its role as the parish church, holding regular services, with special events and activities continuing. For more information see the website or contact stjohnsdoddington@gmail.com