Pirbright’s parish church is thriving again just two years after it was threatened with closure.

The church of St Michael and All Angels, set in a secluded country lane, had a congregation of just 30 and few visitors back in 2023. Onto the scene came Revd George Watkinson.

George decided that if people were not coming to church, he should take the church to them, and so Church on the Green was born.

Once a month it relocates to Lord Pirbright’s Hall on the village green and offers a contemporary and informal family service which attracts around 130 people, many of whom do not regularly attend a church.

George said: “I was looking for fresh ways to engage the many young families in the village who are looking for something to do on a Sunday.

“In the run-up to Church on the Green, I also lead an assembly at the local community school to encourage children and their parents to join.”

Not satisfied with just more people – and money, as giving has increased by 250 per cent – George has now launched The Parish Dash.

This is a Sunday morning park run from 9 to 10am, after which runners are offered coffee and pastries at Pirbright Hall, followed by an invitation to the church service.

George said: “I’m meeting more people than ever who feel something is missing in their lives – that the Government has failed them, and the world isn’t offering anything to fill the void.

“We’re showing them that the church has something to say on these big issues.

“For people who didn’t grow up going to church, it’s an alien concept. We can’t just expect them to wander in - we need to go out to them and give them a reason to come.”

For information visit pirbrightchurch.org.uk