Then... and now

Model families past and present add to Wiltshire church's 200 year celebrations

People passing by the Trowbridge church marking its 200th anniversary this year have been surprised to see two new families who have appeared there.

The families have been created as part of Zion Baptist Church’s celebrations for this year and can be seen in its courtyard in Union Street, Trowbridge.

It was an idea that came about as the church looked to mark its anniversary in lots of different ways across 2013.

The fellowship at Zion began in 1813 when a group of 41 people felt called to start a new church – they had no building, no pastor and no financial backing but took the step of faith anyway. This year has seen a number of events being held to mark that historic moment including a Big Sing, a book launch, a flower festival and a coffee morning.

The two sets of carefully created lifesize figures gracing the front of the church are part of the celebration year. The idea was handed on to church member Veronica Vine (pictured) who has more than met the challenge - as you can see from the two families who have ‘appeared’ in the courtyard.

The families - one as it might have appeared in the year the church fellowship began in 1813, the other a family from 2013 are already causing quite a stir with those who pass by and see them. One young man even asked if he could have his picture taken with them.

It’s taken a lot of work on the part of Veronica and her helpers. There’s also a rota of people to take the family in and out in the morning and the afternoon has been set up to save the figures getting damaged too much by the elements.

Picture: Trevor Porter