Renovated Cemetery Chapel Now Open

The restored Thornbury Cemetery Chapel was officially reopened by Thornbury Town Council on Tuesday 16 June, marking the completion of a project to bring the historic building back into community use.
More than 30 invited guests gathered to mark the occasion and see first-hand the results of the refurbishment, which has transformed the long-closed chapel into a welcoming space once again. The project was made possible through funding received from the Community Infrastructure Levy, helping to restore an important part of Thornbury's heritage for the benefit of the whole community.
Guests enjoyed a fascinating and entertaining talk from Meg Wise of Thornbury Museum, who brought the chapel's history to life. Meg shared stories about the origins of the cemetery, which was established after the closure of the graveyard at St Mary's Church at the end of the nineteenth century, as well as the important role the chapel has played over the years.
The highlight of the morning was the official ribbon-cutting by Thornbury's Mayor, Councillor Helen Ball, who declared the chapel open once more.
Mayor Ball said:
"The Chapel is a real asset to the town and has been greatly missed. It is wonderful to see this historic and beautiful building brought back into use. I was delighted to meet and talk with so many guests and celebrate the reopening. It's exciting to know that future generations will be able to enjoy and make use of this special place."
For the next month, visitors will also have the opportunity to view the much-loved ‘Community Bunting’ on display inside the chapel. The bunting was created to celebrate the King’s Coronation by hundreds of local residents and community groups, making it a colourful celebration of Thornbury's community spirit. To allow as many people as possible to enjoy both the restored building and the bunting display, the chapel will be open to visitors Monday to Thursday from 10.00am to 4.00pm and on Fridays 10.00am to 12.00pm over the next month.
The light and airy chapel will be available to hire for small ceremonies, gatherings connected with burials and the interments of ashes, and for suitable community events. For further information call Thornbury Town Council on 01454 412103.
The reopening not only preserves an important piece of Thornbury's history but also creates a welcoming community space that can be enjoyed for years to come.