Refurbished All Saints Church In Ryde To Reopen With Palm Sunday Celebrations

Worshippers in Ryde are set to return to a newly refurbished church building later this month, as All Saints Church reopens following a major renovation project.

Work on the historic church is due to be completed by the end of March, with two special services planned on Sunday 29 March to mark the occasion.

A traditional Palm Sunday service will take place at 09:30, followed by a more informal service at 11:00, including activities for children and young people.

The refurbishment has brought a number of upgrades, including underfloor heating, a new limestone floor, improved audio-visual equipment and a café area at the rear of the nave.

Some of the church’s original pews have also been restored and retained, alongside new seating.

The building has been closed since last autumn while the work was carried out, with services temporarily held in the adjoining church hall.

A second phase of improvements is planned for later in 2026, which will see new toilet facilities installed in the hall.

Team rector Heath Monaghan said the reopening marks “a new beginning” for the church and its community.

He added that while the building has been refreshed, the focus remains on growing a welcoming environment for people of all ages, whether they are regular churchgoers or visiting for the first time.

Services will continue in the newly refurbished space throughout Holy Week.

On Good Friday (3 April), there will be a traditional service at 13:30 and a contemporary service at 19:00.

Easter Sunday (5 April) will begin with a sunrise service on Appley Beach at 05:45, followed by a traditional Communion service at 09:00 and a contemporary service at 11:00, which will include baptisms, children’s activities and an Easter egg hunt.

Church leaders say the improvements aim to preserve the building’s heritage while making it more flexible for community use in the years ahead.