Stories

Malmesbury Abbey can be seen for miles around. At the centre of one of Wiltshire's most picturesque towns, it was first established on the site around 676 and the present building dates from the 12th century.  But never in it's long, proud history has it ever witnessed the spectacle that took place on February 12th. When the ancient, sacred Abbey turned in to a skate park!

Youngsters from across Wiltshire were invited to the Abbey to the two-day event, organised by Christian Skaters UK, Phil Williams from the group said:

"I've been running Christian Skaters for around 17 years now, the idea is to encourage kids to go to church. Only 10% of young people aged 16 to 24 go to church regularly and we're trying to change that. To be able to bring skaters into some where like Malmesbury Abbey is a great opportunity for us.

The Abbey, photo by malmesburyabbey.com

"I know some people are unhappy with the Abbey being used in this way but for us the church has to reach out to every community. There's quite a lot for older church goers to do but not the youngsters.

"I recognise these skaters aren't going to be transformed in to Christians over-night, it's part of a process. It's not about shoving religion down people's throats. We get to know them, they get to know us and we break down barriers."

Days of preparation went into turning Malmesbury Abbey in to a skate park to protect the skaters and the Abbey's stunning, historical interior. Hay-bales were bought into protect the Abbey's pillars and young heads! Wooden boarding was laid down to protect the stone floor, boarding was put up so the skaters remained in one place and ramps were installed so over enthusiastic skaters weren't tempted to power-slide off a pew!

Under the cloisters, by Richard Wintle

And the skaters were impressed, one said: "I thought it was going to be outside, so when I realised it was in the Abbey I was well impressed. It might even encourage me to come to church!"

One young skater who had only ever skated on her kitchen floor before the event said: "You'd think it was a strange idea but it went down really well. It was something really different and really fun. I learnt a lot of new things.

One parent of a skateboarder thought it was a great idea: "It seems to be the ones who don't come to church who are saying it's a terrible idea. If this wasn't happening the kids would be skating around the streets and the Abbey would be empty.

"Abbeys and churches are special places and they should be opening their doors to young people.  They need to be flexible places for every one to use."