Churches in the Warwick district reopen - and delayed wedding and christenings can now take place

People are starting the return to churches after lockdown - and delayed christenings and wedddings can now take place.

Abbey Hill United Reformed Church in Kenilworth has opened its doors and used the Covid-19 lockdown period to do some interior redesigning.

Church manager Ivan Pointon said: "The church had been talking about removing the pews from our building for some time to allow greater flexibility of seating and use.

"We decided lockdown was the time to do this as it would be needed when we returned to worship after the pandemic."

Once lockdown eased enough for it to be allowable, a small church working party in masks and gloves removed the pews from the church building.

The church said that a 'rigorous' risk assessment then took place resulting in extensive cleaning and the removal of non essential furniture.

On Sunday July 19, the church opened for the first time in four months for a service.

Ivan added: "A young family joined church members (socially distanced) for a service of infant baptism (pictures attached) led by George Jones.

"Their baby had been born in March, just as the country went into ‘lockdown’."