St Peter’s Church, Woodmancote
Although there was likely to have been a church on the site in Saxon times, it is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086/87. It was reordered by the Victorians between 1869 and 1873 by the eminent architect Henry Woodyer using his own particular designs and structures that are still in good condition today. Services are held on 3 Sundays per month. It is one of 3 churches in the Henfield parish.
Parking – There is a drop off point/parking for 4-5 vehicles on the A281 road. This is where disabled people tend to park. There is a car park to the left of the church with a tarmac/gravel surface which takes approx 25-30 cars. There is no allocated disabled parking bay. Mobility scooters can be parked near the church or brought inside.
Pathways to the church – From the A281 parking area, there is a wide, flat, tarmac path through the lychgate to the church door. There is a double lychgate with a span of 1.88 metres which is left open when there is a service. The pathway is 75 metres long and is lit and swept before services. From the car park there is a wide flat tarmac slope with handrails each side which joins the main path to the church.
Entrance to the church – The church doors are kept locked unless there is a service, or by prior arrangement. There are parishioners who are able to help disabled people arriving at the church for a service or event. There are double outer doors which are both 81cm wide which lead into the porch with no step. There is a single inner door which is 103cm wide and has a 6” (15cm) step. A wooden ramp can be put in place if needed which is 72cm wide.
Within the Church – There is pew seating throughout the church with more single seats without arms which can be put out at the back of the church. Room is made for wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and a wheelchair is available if needed. There is carpet matting in the aisles. The 2 chancel steps are 6” (15cm) high, but communion can be given to disabled members of the congregation wherever they are sitting. There is good lighting throughout the church. There is a hearing loop for the main part of the church as well as a microphone and speaker system.
Toilet and Kitchen Area – There is a 1 metre wide door to this area. There is an accessible toilet with an automatic light, 1 adjustable and 3 fixed handrails which allows for a lateral transfer, and a disabled toilet handle. The toilet is 5½ feet (168cm) x 4 feet (123cm) and the door is 3 feet (91cm) wide. There is an alarm if anyone needs help. There is a small kitchen area.
