A little village chapel outside Selby, which gave comfort to British and Canadian airmen as they flew off to war, is asking for help to refurbish the building for modern day use.
Burn Methodist Church is hosting an Open Gifting Day on Saturday June 13th 2026 between 10am and 3pm.
But it is also asking for donations from businesses connected to Burn and from individuals who may have been married there or held a funeral service for loved ones.
The chapel and The Wheatsheaf pub are the only two buildings in Burn where community events are held and both play a vital role in this small parish.
Replacing the windows will incur considerable cost after other remedial work was covered by insurance.
Burn Methodist Church’s current congregation is only small, but, as the chapel’s treasurer Tony Gamble explains, the building has seen many worshippers over the years and has links not only to families still living locally but to many who have moved much further afield.
Tony and his wife Christine, who voluntarily look after the chapel on a day-to-day basis, are keen to reach out beyond the immediate vicinity to ask for support from individuals – and also businesses – who may have ties to Burn.
Tony says: “Attendance has grown and waned since it opened for worship on February 8th 1895, but for many, the chapel has been a focal point not just for religious services but also for village events.
“In the past it hosted concerts, May Queen parades, sports days, Whit Walks, Christmas parties and more.
“Now it is home to a weekly toddler group, a bi-monthly ‘pop-in’ session, Bank Holiday butties, coffee mornings and seasonal craft fairs.
“There was a renewal of links with RAF 578 Squadron when a memorial was unveiled in Burn in 1991. Then in 2012, Royal Canadian Air Force 431 Squadron’s 70th anniversary was similarly celebrated, first in the chapel then with the addition of a second memorial stone next to the original RAF one.
“Both squadrons were based at and flew missions out of Burn Airfield during WW2 and no doubt Burn Methodist Church was a place of peace and reflection for many in those difficult times.”
If you are unable to attend the Open Gifting Day at Burn Methodist Church, on Saturday June 13th, but would like to help or for more information, please contact Tony Gamble, Burn Methodist Church treasurer on 01757 270308 or email [email protected]
