Churches become 'cool spaces' in hot summer
Vicars and churchgoers find relief in cooler church buildings during heatwaves.
Every summer, vicars in the UK struggle with the heat while performing their duties. They often joke about getting lighter robes to make their work more comfortable. However, this year has been different, as churches have become "cool spaces" for both worship and community activities.
## Churches provide relief from the heat
Churches have become a refuge for people seeking relief from the heat. In Madley, a primary school headteacher, Mr. Batstone, called the local vicar to ask if classes could be held in the church. The church, with its large nave and cool crypt, was an ideal place for the children to learn. The vicar visited the church and found it bustling with children, enjoying the cooler environment.
| Church Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Nave | Large enough for each class | | Crypt | Cool and subterranean |
The church has also hosted a summertime pet blessing, where animals are celebrated as part of the community. The vicar brought an earthworm to the service to highlight the importance of these often-overlooked creatures. However, this year, the earthworms were nowhere to be found, having dug deep to escape the heat.
## Heatwaves and their impact on the community
The heatwaves have had a significant impact on the local community. Farmers are struggling to produce food, and wildlife is dying in the blazes. The vicar reflects on the biblical mandate to care for the Earth and laments the failure to meet this responsibility. The smoke from the Bannau Brycheiniog fires has become a constant topic of conversation among the community.
The heatwaves have also brought out the irony of Madley church being notoriously cold. At one midnight mass, the temperature by the altar was -15C. In contrast, the recent heatwaves have seen people attending services wearing jumpers, a rare sight in the usually chilly church.
The worst of the heat has passed now, but the vicar knows that they must invest in lighter robes to make their work more comfortable. As the community continues to navigate the challenges of the heatwaves, the church remains a beacon of relief and a symbol of the importance of caring for the Earth.
