The last service takes place on Sunday 31st and the church will then be deconsecrated and boarded up.

Formerly Carr Vale Congregational Church, the URC was formed from the Congregational and Presbyterian churches in 1972.

Pictured are Jean Groome and the Minister, the Rev Nicholas Mark, who with supernumerary ministers, church members and helpers attempted to attract worshippers to the services.

Despite this towards the end there was only one member who regularly attended the Sunday services.

Leaflets were posted through doors asking residents what they wanted from the church, ministers visited homes, and children's activities and monthly coffee mornings were run. These all failed to encourage people in to the church.

The building, originally a school, was changed more than 100 years ago into a Mission Hall made of corrugated iron. During wartime it was used as a place of recreation and received a visit from the late Duke of Kent.

It was 34 years ago that church members set about getting funds for a new church. This, with a kitchen, is now used as a hall for various activities.

Ten years ago the church membership of 15 worked hard alongside local societies and churches to build a new church next to the hall. The church is full of artefacts and furniture, much of which has been given in memory of loved ones.

Those wishing to use church facilities will now have to travel to Bolsover and for those wanting to attend a United Reformed service, the nearest URC church is at Calow or Rose Hill Church, Chesterfield.