In any rural community the churches provide one of the main focal points, not just for religous worship, but also for community activities in the broader social sense.

In the days when churches were most popular, travel was on foot or by horse, whether ridden or as motive force for a conveyance. Thus the distance which it was practical to travel, whether to worship or for any other reason was strictly limited by the time available. Since most people were allowed only one day a week of free time this was very limited, having in mind the other activities which people had to persue on a Sunday.

It was, as a consequence of this, desireable to have a church within easy travelling distance of any small community. This is why there were so many churches at as time when there was, ostensibly, very little money to build and maintain them.

Since they were, usually, the only building of any size in a community, it was quite logical that they should also become the centre for community activities.

Although travel today is very different from those days the churches in rural communities have continued to fulfill their social role, just as they did in days gone by.

With the greater wealth of the people additional premises were thought adviable for social occasions, particularly since there were some people who thought the holding of social activities in church was blasphemous. Hence the village halls started to be built.

The availability of such suitable premises and the need for social interaction led to the formation of many clubs, of all kinds. Many were related to household or family activities such as Young Wives groups, Mother and toddler groups and so on. These days, however, there are many other kinds of clubs including such things as Bingo Clubs and even stock exchange Investment Clubs.

The role of village shops and pubs has changed dramatically in recent years but they also have a strong role to play as social centres. In fact, in some village shops, you might be surprised there is any possibility for commercial activity due to the number of people simply standing there and having a chat.