Westbourne Methodist Church, Poole Road

Posted on 05/08/2016 By

Westbourne Methodist Church

Former Westbourne Methodist Church, Poole Road.

The Methodist Church in Westbourne was formally constituted from 1887. The church building on the corner of Poole Road and Landseer Road  was opened in 1899.

Westbourne Methodist Church

The former Methodist Church as it is today. © expat

Like the also now closed Congregational Church, there appears to be little published about the Westbourne Methodist Church. It was a Wesleyan Chapel, and was fairly active in its heyday, with mid-week services and youth work.

It succumbed to closure in the early 2000s, and in November 2009 was sold. The main church body became a Tesco Express. A floor was put in the main part of the former nave to create a restaurant area – Originally “The Rock”, and latterly “Plates Restaurant”.

The former hall became a children’s play facility, and the former Manse is now the home of NFU Mutual.

I am indebted to Alwyn Ladell for the use of some of the photographs from his Flick account for this blog.

Further Reference:
Alwyn Ladell’s Flick Album on Westbourne Methodist Church.
Bournemouth Echo report on the Tesco opening.

Westbourne Methodist Church

Interior, from an early postcard.

Another early postcard.

Another early postcard.

Westbourne Methodist Church

Organ Console. © Alwyn Ladell

Organ Pipes. © Alwyn Ladell

Organ Pipes. © Alwyn Ladell

Westbourne Methodist Church

Main nave prior to handover to Tesco. © Alwyn Ladell

Westbourne Methodist Church

Main aisle as it is today. © expat

Westbourne Methodist Church

Interior, east aisle just prior to transfer to Tesco. © Alwyn Ladell

Westbourne Methodist Church

Eat aisle at it is today. … expat

Westbourne Methodist Church

Bournemouth Tram Car 126 passing Westbourne Methodist Church in Poole Road. Period Post Card.

Westbourne Methodist Church

View of the former Methodist Church from Poole Road. Similar view to the shot with the tramcar above. © expat

Westbourne Methodist Church

Former Methodist Church Manse, now home of NFU Mutual. © expat

Landseer Road, between Poole Road & Millburn Road, Westbourne.

Children’s Play Area and café in the old Methodist Church Hall, Landseer Road. © expat

ChurchesPoole Road    


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