St. Radigund's Church Capel-le-Ferne
St Radigund’s Church, Capel le Ferne, Kent
When the village of Capel le Ferne, on top of the cliffs overlooking the English Channel between Dover and Folkestone, expanded after the Second World War most of the development took place along what is now the B2011, some distance from the medieval parish church of St Mary’s from which the village takes its name – the Chapel among the Ferns. Consequently the congregation dwindled to the point where they could no longer support its upkeep, and the church passed into the care of the Churches Conservation trust in 1985. Today’s St Radigund’s Church stands in Albany Road, nearer to the centre of the village as it is now, and is signposted from the B2011 at its junction with Alexandra Road.
The parish St Radigund’s serves extends from the municipal boundary near the Battle of Britain Memorial eastwards towards the Royal Oak pub, near the Court Wood Interchange where the A20 crosses the B2011, and northwards beyond the A20 trunk road and the old church towards the Alkham Valley. The current building, built by local contractors with mainly locally sourced materials, was built on the site of a previous temporary building, and dedicated in 1997. It stands alongside the church hall, which has been extensively renovated in recent years. The clifftop, with its stunning views of the French coast when the weather is fine, is just a short walk from the church.
As a modern building not only does St Radigund’s have the advantages of effective heating in winter and access to toilets, but also the advantage of car parking and good disabled access for those requiring it. Light, airy and welcoming, as St Radigund’s is equipped with comfortable padded chairs rather than pews it is ideally suited as a venue for events and for community use. The attractive interior it is dominated by a striking quilted wall-hanging behind the altar, worked by people from the Benefice.
St Radigund’s is a friendly church, and visitors are more than welcome. There is usually a Eucharist on the 1st Sunday of each month at 9.30, on the 2nd Sunday there is a Family Service at 11.00, and an Evening Service on the 3rd Sunday at 6.00.
Both the Church and the Church Hall are available for hire - please contact Audrey Goaten on (01303) 244735 for details.
