St Peter, Malvern opens as a ‘cool space’

St Peter’s Church in Cowleigh, Malvern has welcomed local residents into its air conditioned building during the recent hot weather, providing a cool refuge from the soaring temperatures. Around 100 people came into the building to shelter from the heat outside. 

Priest in Charge, James Williams, said:

“Over the past few days, families, older residents, and people working remotely have made use of St Peter’s Church to rest, work, and spend time together. When Northleigh Primary School closed early due to the heat, we were able to offer the building as a cool and welcoming place for children and their families. Many of the children took up the offer, enjoying a break from the high temperatures while taking part in activities and spending time with friends. Others dropped in for refreshments, conversation, or simply a quiet place to sit.”

The initiative was made possible through generous legacy funding from Malvern Hills District Council, which enabled the installation of air source heat pumps that also provide air conditioning.

The new heating system has already helped St Peter’s achieve its Bronze Eco Church Award, recognising the parish’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Work is already underway towards achieving the Silver Award as the parish continues to explore ways of caring for creation and reducing its environmental impact.

James continued: “When the PCC approved the installation of our air source heat pumps, we were mainly thinking about heating the building more efficiently and reducing our environmental impact. We were slightly surprised to discover that they could also provide air conditioning and wondered how often we would ever need it. Little did we know that, just a few months later, they would enable us to open St Peter’s as a Cool Space during the heatwave, offering a place of welcome, rest, and relief for so many people.

“It has been wonderful to see such a wide range of people making use of the space. From children and families enjoying activities together, to neighbours catching up over a drink, the church has been full of life. Opening our doors in this way is a simple but practical expression of our commitment to offer hospitality and support when it is most needed.

We were particularly grateful to the volunteers who gave up their time to open the church throughout the week, provide activities for children, and offer refreshments and snacks to visitors. Their generosity and hospitality helped make the Cool Space such a welcoming environment and are a wonderful example of what it means to be Kingdom People, serving our neighbours and sharing God’s love.”

The Cool Space is just one example of how churches in the parish of Malvern Link with Cowleigh are responding to local needs in practical ways. Alongside initiatives such as the Community Fridge, the dementia friendly Soup and Sing group, and a growing programme of work with children, young people, and families, it reflects the parish’s commitment to building community, sharing hope, and demonstrating God’s love through everyday acts of welcome and service.