You approach the church up steps and through the Churchyard. The path is lined with snowdrops in spring, and the wall by the road alive with poppies in summer. Whatever the weather, it's a warm and welcoming place, with a solid porch and then a cheerful narthex. This space is used regularly for painting classes during the week, and also has low tables and chairs, as well as toys and games, for the children. Stairs lead up to the balcony from here, only occasionally full when it's a Church festival. Apprentice bell-ringers go up with the old hands to mark the five minutes leading up to service time.

The Church is newly carpeted in a rich orangey-red. The body of the Church has wooden pews and pannelling front and back in dark gold pine. The central pulpit above the dais where the Table and lectern stand is seldom used except by curious children! At the 10.30 Sunday service we will have probably 16 to 20 in the regular congregation, and others visit when holidaying nearby. A monthly Communion service is held.

Our new Minister, the Reverend Julie Martin, arrived in September 2005. Since she is shared with the United Reformed Churches in Keld and Barnard Castle Julie is only able to lead about half the services. Edward Brown, the Church secretary, continues to find us a variety of visiting ordained and lay people to lead worship, which remains friendly and fairly informal. There is an organ above the pulpit and a piano downstairs. Jennie Sunter is our regular organist but we are joined by other musicians from time to time. The Swale Singers rehearse on most Sunday afternoons in the Church and other local groups occasionally meet here.

There is more about the history of Smarber here.

The principal Church festival, the Smarber Weekend in May, commemorates the earlier (1690) Chapel higher up the hillside, of which only parts still stand. On the Friday evening the congregation walks up to the site to hold an open-air service, often with the help of the Swaledale Parish Choir and its Director George Lundberg, returning for a supper at the Church. On the Saturday there is an evening concert featuring local talent - and there's a lot - followed by another supper. The service of Commemoration on Sunday morning completes the festival.

There are more harvest pictures here

The other occasion when 'all the stops are pulled out' is Harvest Festival. Over the years ingenious themes have produced delightful and imaginative displays in all parts of the Church, enjoyed by all who created them and by visitors. Of course the Church is full for the great Christian Festivals of Christmas and Easter. Come to join us sometime; you will be made very welcome!

text by Helen Bond