St. John's church in Stourbridge has recently been put up for sale. It has attracted many builders and property developers. Unlike other property devlopers that want to convert the church into flats, we want to purchase it in order to keep it as a community building.

I currently run a circus school called Danse Vivante. We teach over 400 people every week classes in aerial silks, aerial hoop, acrobats and more. We also run non profit youth education programs in dance and circus that are very popular. We would like to use the church to house classes that require bigger equipment such as flying trapeze. These would be the only flying trapeze classes this side of England!

In addition to using the open space for our own classes, we would like to open it up for other groups and hobbies to use as well. From acting classes to singing, bird watching groups to the Boy Scouts we believe it can be shared by all.

The church needs major repairs including a whole new roof which we are willing to take on. We would not be changing the church structure only repairing it like for like under the listed buildings consent and rules.

The Church of England are already aware of Danse vivante and what we do. They have been very supportive in helping us find a suitable church property to purchase for our educational programs. We would not require any council funding, we generate our own finances to fully fund this.

If you would like to see St. John's church remain as a community building for all types of activities and hobbies including our circus classes then please please please sign our petition and show your support. Too many churches are lost to property developers, let's not see St Johns go the same way!!