A SPECIAL service at Bridport's place of peace and refuge launched a fundraising appeal.

The Unitarian Chapel in the Garden in East Street welcomes people from all faiths or none to 'explore the common ground and create a new spirituality for Bridport'.

To ensure the chapel can continue its mission it is launching an anniversary appeal to raise £350,000 in its 350th year to help safeguard the site, a Grade 2* listed building. It is raising funds to address structural and building issues as well as substantial maintenance and decorative matters.

On Sunday May 1, the Chapel welcomed many visitors to a service to launch the 350 Anniversary Appeal. Exactly 50 years ago a service was held to commemorate 300 years and council officials attended. Both celebrations commemorated the first legal Dissenting religious service, held in Bridport in 1672, led by the preacher, Richard Downe.

Minister, Rev Elizabeth Harley led the service which was attended by the Mayor Ian Bark and his wife Ann, and Councillors Martin and Maggie Ray as well as by the regular congregation and visitors from other Unitarian Chapels. The service started with the lighting of the chalice and was followed by an affirmation of the wide welcome to all faiths that the Chapel in the Garden extends.

The music was played by Mitch Hiller, and he sang 'Let it Be' after the Candles of Joy and Concern which allowed the congregation to share their concerns and delights. Sir Philip Colfox, one of the trustees, shared his recent experiences at the General Assembly for the Unitarians and the service ended with everyone singing, 'You’ve got a Friend' followed by a traditional carefree dance to Walter Murphy’s Fifth of Beethoven.

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Chapel spokeswoman Margie Barbour said: "As always at events where people bring food to share there was more than enough for the 50 people who stayed for the shared lunch; delicious quiches, salads and a wonderful lemon drizzle cake. The exhibition and explanation of the history of the Chapel included some charming cups used by the children in the Sunday School, a book of early sermons and silver communion cups from the period when Unitarians took communion.

"Elizabeth Harley gave a fascinating talk after lunch about the origins of the faith in Bridport, explaining that at one time there had been more dissenters in Bridport than the whole of Dorset, and that the town has always had a tradition of protest and dissent."

There is an 11am service every Sunday at the Chapel and all are welcome.

To donate to the appeal visit https://thechapelinthegarden.com/ or email davidw.citg@btinternet.com