A CONGREGATION has said goodbye to a North Warnborough church after 130 years of worship.

The North Warnborough Methodist Church, in Hook Road, held its final services on May 18, led by the Reverend David Priestnall.

More than 100 people, including a former minister, came to the church on the day, and enjoyed tea after the two services.

The Rev Margaret Locke-Wheaton, superintendent minister in the Basingstoke Methodist Circuit, said the numbers of those attending the church had fallen in recent years.

She said: “The regular membership is down to six, but we did have more than 100 people there on the final day.

“They recognise that they have not got the energy to continue. It is sad that we have had to close because the numbers have dwindled, but because of the way we work in Methodism, being so inter-connected, the people will still be a part of the circuit.”

She added: “What the congregation wanted was to give thanks for 130 years of Methodism in North Warn-borough, and that’s what happened.”

Churchgoers will now form part of the congregation of the Methodist church in Old Basing.

Members of the Basingstoke Methodist Circuit are yet to decide on what will happen to the North Warnborough building.