A FORMER nightclub in the shadow of a church has a new occupant - another church.

Taunton Vineyard has moved into premises in Church Square.

The premises, at the back of Bailhache solicitors, is part of the former Sloane's nightclub.

It also housed the Conservative club for a number of years.

The Vineyard will be converting the property, next door to St Mary Magdalene Church, into its Compassion Centre.

The congregation will continue to use The Castle School as its worship centre.

A statement on Taunton Vineyard's website says: "We believe Taunton Vineyard exists to make a difference in our local area by serving generously and abundantly, and connecting with people to see lives transformed not only spiritually, but physically, emotionally, socially and psychologically.

"We want to make a difference by practically demonstrating God’s love and acceptance to everyone, no strings attached, whatever their background, circumstances or religion because we believe that God is compassionate and cares deeply about our communities and our town.

"One of the particular ways we express this is through our service to the poor and the stranger.

"We have a range of compassion ministries which do one-off serving events, provide regular spaces to meet, and a range of ongoing support."

  • Nearby Chamberlains, attached to North Street Church, is Vineyard's ministry to the homeless in Taunton, with regular food runs throughout the week, offering people a chance to talk and pray, as well as a meal.
  • Its CAP debt centre, through partnership with Christians Against Poverty nationally, offers ongoing support in releasing local people from the bondage of debt.
  • As part of CAP and in conjunction with North Street Church, it runs a Lighthouse Cafe one morning a week.
  • The RAISE compassion ministry works in partnership with Taunton Deane Borough Council to support tenants at risk of eviction.
  • CHARIS is a charitable partnership between Taunton Vineyard and two other churches in the Deane, which, through the community sponsorship model, seeks to resettle Syrian refugees in the area.
  • MakeLunch is a partnership between Taunton Vineyard and another church in the town which, under the umbrella of the national charity, provides hot meals for children in the North Taunton area during the school holidays.