St Andrew’s Church recently surveyed the community seeking to find out what villagers and visitors alike value about the parish church, as well as how we could better serve people of all ages in Walberswick. The results of the survey have now been analysed and there were a number of common threads to the feedback.

The survey was publicised here in the Walberswick News (for which we are very grateful) including a link allowing the survey to be completed online. Paper copies were also delivered to every household. 62 surveys were returned of which 8 were completed online. The 2021 census puts the population of the village at 347, giving a response rate of 17.8%.

Sadly, we didn’t receive responses from anyone under the age of 31, so we are considering other ways to glean the views of the young adults and youth in the village. If you are reading this, are under 30 and would like to tell us how the church could better serve you, please do get in touch (details below). 83.9% of responses were from people over the age of 60, with 12.5% being over 80 years, probably reflecting the age demographic of the village.

A quarter of all those who responded live alone and many who replied indicated that they would like to be part of smaller fellowship groups (watch this space).

Regarding what the church currently offers, the majority of those surveyed said how much they appreciate the church building and grounds as a place for quiet contemplation and saw that it was a valuable community asset to be protected.

Music and singing also provoked much feedback (unsurprisingly given most of us have such varied taste in music) and what was very clear is that whilst some respondents enjoy the traditional services, especially Choral Evensong, many choose not to attend because when they last visited, they found the services rather outdated, with music that was sometimes difficult to sing. There was also the comment that services do not currently connect with issue of everyday life.

Another area that many felt needed to be developed was provision for children and young people and it was felt that the church would be the logical provider for such need (again, watch this space).

The findings of the survey, whilst not hugely surprising, have given the Church Council the evidence to conduct a review of the various services and other activities we offer to the community, seeking to address the needs of residents and visitors alike.

If you have any further feedback you would like to provide, do contact me directly by email at russ.gant@solebaychurches.org.uk

Thank you to all who contributed to the survey. Do call into St Andrew’s when you are passing – it is your church and all are very welcome.

With all blessings,

 Revd Russ Gant - Team Rector