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Despite the setback Sunnybank Methodist Church in Downley remained alive and well. We had offers from all the major denominations in Downley to use their church premises, plus the offer of the Guide and Scout hut. However, we chose to continue to meet in the War Memorial Hall in the centre of the village, and our thanks go to the Hall Committee for their support in letting us use it.

We continued as normally as possible with the all age worship service on the last Sunday in the month, and the regular Sunday School.

We naturally had to revise our refurbishment plans in the light of events. The architect who had been commissioned to design the refurbishment was contacted. He liaised on our behalf with the Insurance company who agreed that it would be sensible to use the insurance money not only to make good the damage but also to put towards the development of the scheme. However, this still led to a cash flow issue. You see, we had not planned to commence the alterations for some time but were forced into a situation of finding about

In a short while temporary roof protection was put in place, internal debris cleared, and the heating system back up and running to help dry the place out.

"We have had passed on to us the building as it stands to-day. This we realise is a sacred trust, and we desire to hand on to the next generation such a building as shall be equal to their needs, and in which they, in their turn, may efficiently carry on God's work in this village, maintaining the high tradition which has been our heritage."