The Methodist Church has been actively supporting the community in Great Ayton for over 100 years. 

Our high street hall and church buildings are available for anyone to use and we currently have regular activities including a Babies and Toddlers Group, Brownies and Guides, After School Club, Community Choirs, Prime Time Games, Film Night and a Community Hub. As need arises we aim to respond in a timely manner - for example we have hosted a Warm Space and a Ukrainian Support group. This is all in addition to the regular church services.

We have already taken steps to reduce our environmental impact (e.g. roof insulation, LED lighting, green electricity provider) but we are well aware of the need to further reduce the impact our buildings have on the environment and also keep the rental costs as low as possible.  That is why at the beginning of 2024 we had a decarbonisation report produced, kindly funded by our local council. This showed what additional steps we could take to become 'net zero'.

One of the key recommendations was to install solar panels on our south facing roof and a battery storage system. The 25 panels would generate approximately 9 mWh p.a and save almost 1 tonne of CO2 equivalent per year. 

As we are in a conservation area, we needed to apply for planning permission which has recently been granted. We are now seeking to raise funds so we can have the panels in place for the summer sun in 2025!