Village's new two-storey soft play area angers parishioners... because it's in their church

Published: 17:56 EDT, 1 November 2026 | Updated: 20:26 EDT, 1 November 2026 A Dorset village has been divided over a vicar's call to install a children's soft play area inside a church.St Mary's Church in Burton Bradstock has spent £20,000 on the equipment, which has been set up in the nave alongside the rows of pews.It was the brainchild of Reverend Andrew Rawding, who noticed how often parents of a neighbouring school sheltered in the porch with their toddler children when it rained.He wanted to entice them into the Grade I listed building while at the same time fulfilling the need for an indoor play area in the village.But residents have tabled concerns about the play gym not aligning with the solemnity of a place of worship.Further concerns were raised over the potential of children damaging the stained glass windows.Rev Rawding said it made sense to make use of the building, which is largely empty for most of the week.He said the village hall was always busy with pilates classes, yoga and bridge club. A two-storey soft play area has been installed inside St Mary's Church in Burton Bradstock, Dorset, sparking debate among parishioners. Pictured: Reverend Andrew Rawding in front of the equipment Rev Rawding came up with the idea of installing a soft play area to provide a free indoor space for young children in the village The £20,000 indoor play area sits alongside the traditional pews inside the 15th-century churchHe said: 'The church is next to a primary school and I noticed parents were dropping off older children and then hovering outside the church at pick-up time with younger children'And when it rained they took shelter in the porch but never came inside.'It was clear to me we could use the church to provide an indoor play area for younger children in the village because there wasn't one.'I put the idea of raising money for one out on the village Facebook page and had really positive feedback.'Some of the older members had a few reservations and thought the children would break the stained glass windows, which was just really over the top.'Yes, the play area does take up part of the church that might be used on a couple of occasions of the year but my point is this is an area for children and parents and carers to use all year round.'It is more important we are here for those people in the community than we are for niche groups.'The church is in the community and we should be serving the community.'I would say this is the first time that a soft play has been put in a 15th Century church.'The soft play area is free to use and is unsupervised with parents politely told to take responsibility of their children.It features a slide, steps and large foam blocks for children to build up and climb over. Holly Varndell-Paulley, the interim head teacher of Burton Bradstock CofE School, said: 'We can bring our younger children over here on a rainy day and they can have a playtime in there.'Children who might need a bit more of a movement break can come over and use this - it's just an additional space to add to our school.'According to the Telegraph, residents are now questioning whether there had been sufficient consultation before the project went ahead.