Church of England officials will be clearing the pews from historic Malmesbury Abbey as it transforms into a temporary skate park for February half-term. The historic Abbey will be completely transformed between 18th and 20th February 2009 as skate ramps take the place of pews and a café and live music stage are introduced. These radical new plans are an aim by the Church of England to encourage youngsters into the church.
Members of the congregation of Malmesbury Abbey will be working with Christian skaters UK hosting the event with a skate park inside the 12th century Abbey. The three days will include beginner’s workshops, classes for girls only, competitions and demonstrations by experts and there will be short talks will cover issues like relationships and making good choices now for the future.
Malmesbury Abbey is a Norman/Romanesque Abbey, founded by St Aldhelm in Saxon times. Today it acts are the parish church but in its heyday Malmesbury Abbey was one of the largest buildings in the country and even though only about one third of the 12th century Abbey Church remains today, it still constitutes one of the most notable remains of Norman ecclesiastical architecture in England. It is also the burial place of King Athelstan (895-940).
