Children at the Abbey
You and your children (Being comfortable in Church)

Children in Church

We want to make you very welcome when you come to church. We want it to be a joyful experience rather than a trial! Here are a few things that may help you to do this.

Babies
Yes they always cry and yours will always sound the loudest and be the most embarrassing!! Don't worry! This is how they are made and we all know that if it's not one end then it's the other!! Be prepared to feed your baby. Feel free to remain seated during the service if this is what your baby needs. We now have toilet facilities and a changing mat in both the Abbey and St Peters

Toddlers
At St Peters church we have a crèche area at the back of the Church.

In the Abbey we have an area at the side of the Church. In the interests of safety, you must accompany your child to these areas and stay with them while they play. If you find it easier, then you may borrow some toys and take them to use in your place.
We all understand that sometimes children can be very restless or they just need to be gently rocked in their buggy and they will fall asleep! If you need to, then feel free to walk around at the back of the building with your child where you won't disturb others. If they do want to try and make a game of running around please don't encourage them-the stone floor in the Abbey is extremely hard! Sometimes it's better to completely ignore them rather than running after them.
Try and encourage your child to take part in the service with you-they learn best by imitating you. If it is a service of Holy Communion then take your baby or toddler up to the communion rail to receive a blessing.