Westbourne Methodist Church, Poole Road
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.
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.
Interior, from an early postcard.
Another early postcard.
Organ Console. © Alwyn Ladell
Organ Pipes. © Alwyn Ladell
Main nave prior to handover to Tesco. © Alwyn Ladell
Main aisle as it is today. © expat
Interior, east aisle just prior to transfer to Tesco. © Alwyn Ladell
Eat aisle at it is today. … expat
Bournemouth Tram Car 126 passing Westbourne Methodist Church in Poole Road. Period Post Card.
View of the former Methodist Church from Poole Road. Similar view to the shot with the tramcar above. © expat
Former Methodist Church Manse, now home of NFU Mutual. © expat
Children’s Play Area and café in the old Methodist Church Hall, Landseer Road. © expat
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