What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 10:30pm Tuesday 8am - 10:30pm Wednesday 8am - 10:30pm Thursday 8am - 10:30pm Friday 8am - 11:30pm Saturday 8am - 11:30pm Sunday 8am - 10:30pm

Villageheartdonisthorpe

Name: Villageheartdonisthorpe
Address: Church Street, Donisthorpe, DE127PX, GB
Telephone: 07759 404226
Price range: £
Rating: 5

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Villageheartdonisthorpe

Welcome to the Village Heart, a vibrant community space nestled within St John's Church in Donisthorpe- available for hire for private parties, open classes and events, following a transformation into a modern space designed to serve the whole community

Welcome to the Village Heart, a vibrant community space nestled within St John's Church in Donisthorpe!

This fantastic facility is open to residents of Oakthorpe, Donisthorpe, Acresford, Moira, as well as people from further afield. While the church remains an active place of worship with services held throughout the year, our versatile space is available for hire. Please check our booking ca

lendar for availability on Sunday mornings due to our regular worship schedule.

On 31st August 2024, after just over a year of work, St John's Church reopened as The Village Heart John's, having been respectfully and sensitively transformed into a modern, flexible multi-purpose facility designed to serve the whole community.

Key Features:

- Community Hub: The Village Heart is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of the community, providing a venue for meetings, family celebrations, children's parties, classes, workshops, and more…
- Active Place of Worship: While the facility is available for hire, St John's Church continues to function as an active place of Christian worship, with regular services throughout the year.
- Versatile Space: The Village Heart offers a range of amenities to accommodate different types of events, ensuring that the needs of the community are met.
- Dog-Friendly: Situated within the National Forest, we are happy to say that pets are welcome, making it a convenient location for pet owners who want to include their furry friends in their activities.

Please join us at the Village Heart for a warm and welcoming community experience. Click here to make a booking

What does this mean for the church?
- Preserving History: Project Village Heart honours the historical and architectural beauty of this 180-year-old building by taking a piece of the past and transforming it into a vibrant and inclusive present that will continue to inspire generations to come. We plan to celebrate our heritage whilst creating a multi-functional space for the future.

- Fostering Community Spirit, Creativity and Lifelong Learning: Whilst still providing a quiet space for contemplation and prayer, the building will also become a versatile space to support all manner of activities catering for family celebrations, clubs, classes, and village community events (regardless of weather conditions).

So, there you have it!

Project Village Heart will halt the decline of available community space within the Parish whilst unlocking a world of possibilities. It will bring people together and enhance our community whilst preserving our heritage. A real win-win!

How has this been made possible?
The transformation of the building happened following 15+ years of planning by members of the local church community in collaboration with other local residents within the Parish.

Thanks to the donations of a least a dozen generous benefactors including The National Lottery Community Fund who helped us to raise £730k+, we are now delighted to announce that the long-awaited Village Heart community project has finally become a reality... with a start date in August 2024!

What can I do to help?
We will need all of you to adopt, use and support this initiative to ensure its future success and longevity. Let’s ALL make it happen!

19/01/2025

15/12/2024

14/12/2024

The last few tickets for tomorrow's event are available- first come, first served!! Only £5 per child to visit Santa's Workshop, take part in some fantastic activities, meet Santa and receive a gift!

Discount available for siblings. Book now before we sell out!!

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE, GO TO: trybooking.com/uk/EEDI
OR SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW

10/12/2024

Have you booked your ticket to visit Santa's Workshop this coming Sunday, 15th December?

Santa himself, along with his elves will be working in Santas' Workshop at Villageheartdonisthorpe for one day only, on Sunday 15th December.

Donisthorpe Community Group are hosting this event, and for just £5, your child can take part in several activities with the elves and meet Santa in his grotto!

Please scan the QR code below or go to https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EEDI to book your place before we sell out!

28/11/2024

Have you seen who is coming to Donisthorpe?

Santa himself, along with his elves will be working in Santas' Workshop at Villageheartdonisthorpe for one day only, on Sunday 15th December.

Donisthorpe Community Group are hosting this event, and for just £5, your child can take part in several activities with the elves and meet Santa in his grotto!

Please scan the QR code below or go to https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EEDI to book your place before we sell out!

For updates about Santa's Workshop, please follow our event page here: https://fb.me/e/5GZhGSzhJ

14/10/2024

Fancy trying out a new class? Would you like to know what's going on at The Village Heart? Looking for a new exercise class? How do you feel about coming along to a new workshop with friends? Then check out our Events calendar for November. Would love to see you there!

10/10/2024

Have you been to visit your new community space in the heart of Donisthorpe?

Did you attend the Grand Opening and Family Fun Day or the Service of Rededication?

Perhaps you have been along to one of the fantastic classes in yoga, exercise or pottery?

Or was it a private party that you have attended as a guest?

If you have been into The Village Heart John's since it opened on 31st August we would love to hear from you!

Please click this link and leave a review: https://g.page/r/CYTNph98xwmgEBM/review

Google reviews enable us to spread the word about this fantastic space to make sure that everyone knows about it and uses it!
Thank you in advance for your support

08/10/2024

🎄✨ DATE ADDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND! ✨🎄

Get ready to unleash your festive creativity at our Christmas Wreath Making Workshop! 🛠️🎀

🗓️ Wednesday 27th November ⏰ 6 PM - 8:30 PM 📍 The Village Heart @ St John’s, Donisthorpe

ALL materials are provided, plus... 🥂 Drinks & a mince pie are included for some extra holiday cheer! 🎅🍷

Spaces are going FAST, so secure your spot now! 🎟️ £15 deposit with a total of £40 per person for an unforgettable evening.

Email: [email protected] Or call: 07702291117

Grab your friends and let's get festive together! 🎄👯‍♀️ Don’t miss out! 🌟

06/10/2024

What a wonderful session this was! We can’t wait to host the next one 🎄 🪽 ✨

24/09/2024

We can’t wait to host your class 🙌❤️

18/09/2024

https://www.leicester.anglican.org/news/the-village-heart-at-st-johns-a-new-chapter-for-donisthorpe.php

The historic church was recently rededicated by Bishop Saju during a service of thanksgiving, marking the completion of a significant reordering project. The ambitious plan, aptly named ‘The Village Heart at St John’s’ has transformed the church into a welcoming and versatile space for the ent...

17/09/2024

Thank you so much YogalaZouch for your yoga session last night. It was great to host you and your lovely group. We’ve had some fabulous feedback.

For anyone who is keen to try this Beginner’s Yoga Class but missed the first session, there are a few places left and you are welcome to join from session 2 next week. Please book here: www.bookwhen.com/yogalazouch

15/09/2024

***EDIT- Very sorry- tonight's class is CANCELLED due to a personal emergency***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
A brand new exercise class coming this Thursday to Donisthorpe!

To book: If you are new to Rockfit then your 1st class is free!
Alternatively, email [email protected], or turn up on the day and pay cash or call Becky on 07841 486178

Looking forward to seeing you there!!! 🙂

12/09/2024

Fantastic article about the story of our transformation in The Ashby Times! ⛪️ ❤️

10/09/2024

Looking forward to hosting this new 6-week beginner’s yoga course coming to Donisthorpe from this Monday- click this link to book your place for the first session next week: https://www.facebook.com/Yogalazouchsarah 🧘‍♂️ 🧘 🧘‍♀️

Good morning

It was so lovely to be part of the family open day last week at The Village Heart @ St John’s in Donisthorpe. It’s a great and welcoming space to host yoga and chair yoga classes 🙂

So, I am exciting to be branching out to Donisthorpe ..

Thinking of trying yoga? I share Strala yoga a unique type of yoga.

What is Strala yoga?

Strala Yoga is designed to help you move better, feel better, and live better. If you’re struggling with:
- Tightness and tension in your back, shoulders, or hips
- Stress or anxiety, that leaves you feeling stuck or restless
- Lack of flexibility, or feeling stiff and uncomfortable in your body
- Low energy or difficulty focusing

These could be the classes for you to try 🙂

We have 2 types of yoga sessions - a 6 week beginners starting on Monday 16th September at 6.30pm.

In these 6 weeks you’ll:
- Learn to move with ease and feel more comfortable in your body.
- Reduce stress and build mindfulness through simple breath-based practices.
- Gain strength, flexibility, and balance – at a pace that works for you.
- Be part of a supportive, welcoming community where you can relax and unwind.

No prior yoga experience is needed – just come as you are, ready to explore how effortless movement can help you feel more vibrant and energised.

Our second type of class is a popular chair yoga class.

Starting next Friday 13th @2.15 initially running for 4 weeks.

This Chair Yoga class, is designed to help you move with ease and comfort, no matter your age or ability. Using a chair and simple props for support, you’ll explore gentle movements that release tension, improve flexibility, and build strength, all while seated or using the chair for balance. Perfect for anyone looking for a more accessible way to experience the benefits of yoga. Come as you are and feel better with each session!

This session is 2.15 on a Friday afternoon and includes a hot drink and biscuit and a chance to connect with your fellow yogis

To find out more and book click www.bookwhen.com/yogalazouch

Or email [email protected]

Please do share this post if you know anyone that would benefit from either of these sessions 🙂

Look forward to using this lovely community space on Donisthorpe 🙂

Sarah

Address

Church Street
Donisthorpe
DE127PX

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 10:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 10:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 10:30pm
Thursday	8am - 10:30pm
Friday	8am - 11:30pm
Saturday	8am - 11:30pm
Sunday	8am - 10:30pm

Telephone

07759 404226

Website

https://hallbookingonline.com/villageheart/

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Videos

Have you booked your ticket to visit Santa's Workshop this coming Sunday, 15th December? Santa himself, along with his elves will be working in Santas' Workshop at Villageheartdonisthorpe for one day only, on Sunday 15th December. Donisthorpe Community Group are hosting this event, and for just £5, your child can take part in several activities with the elves and meet Santa in his grotto! Please scan the QR code below or go to https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EEDI to book your place before we sell out!

PROJECT UPDATE: Work has commenced! This weekend our Village Heart working group has done a fantastic job of emptying the church before the contractors move in. Many items have gone into storage so they can be kept safe until the building reopens in Summer 2024, and a few items have been removed with the intention to find new homes for them. Further updates to follow!

Donisthorpe Festive Film Night

We are very excited to share the news that the Donisthorpe Community Group are organising a Festive Film Night in the church on Friday 2nd December. Tickets are now on sale from The Village Store (fo only £5 for adults, £2.40 for children) Everyone welcome! Watch the video to find out more...

HEART Project Update and a Date for Your Diary!

St John's Church Donisthorpe Tour

Why are we creating this HEART? The church was built in 1836 by a Midlands architect Henry Isaac Stevens. It was built to serve the people of those times, when mining was in its heyday. The exterior of the building remains nearly as originally built. To preserve the exterior look of the building, there have been extensive repairs in the last 10 years. The building is structurally sound, and many have worked hard to achieve this. This will remain so. Alas, the community needs an Open Space where it can meet, play and socialise since the demise of the Church Hall and closure of the Ramscliff Avenue centre. The interior of the building as is, is very restrictive in its every day use. Life Events Having no central aisle in the nave, and a restricted reception area with low arched entrance door, means ‘Life Events’ like funerals are greatly hampered, making bearing the coffin difficult – which leads to the coffin going up one side and down the other on a wheeled catafalque. Whilst at weddings, bride and groom struggle to leave as a couple. Likewise that same difficulty arises as the bride arrives with her father. The HEART transformation will open up the reception area and allow us to have a wide central nave aisle thus removing these restrictions. Currently there are no toilet facilities on site and no real catering capabilities, meaning the building is not disability friendly. As we step forward into a more positive post-pandemic world, the HEART will be a centre to bring people together and to care for one another in an Open Space with Open Minds. Although we have had to focus on the building, this project has always been about people and making a difference in the lives of the people in our community and surrounding areas Help us to open up St John’s for All Help us transform this building into a thriving community space where everyone is welcome. We need your time and energy to work with us to create a flexible and dynamic building. Please emai

St Johns' Church- HEART Project

What are the proposed plans this year for St John's Church in Donisthorpe? Find out here by watching our brand new video! We would love your feedback- please complete our short survey here: https://su.vc/stjohns