The church was built in 1926 in the Victorian chapel style, and has a chapel keeper's cottage attached to the end of it. In 1994 the interior of the church building was modernised to enhance its use as a day retreat centre. The building's porch was moved from the side to the end and a large picture window inserted giving superb views from the lounge area and easy access to the garden.

A proposal was submitted to the Small Projects Fund of Otley & Aireborough Circuit, who generously agreed to fund most of the setup costs. The Circuit has always treasured the retreat centre, and helps wherever possible with people, money and advice.

In terms of accountability, there already exist Norwood News quarterly from the retreat centre and a monthly valley churches' newsletter. An annual report is produced for the work of the centre including the garden, and both the Church Council and Circuit Meeting are kept fully informed. Publicity is in the shape of a leaflet for the garden, the newsletter and occasional press releases.

The two sheds were past repair. Being in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty brings its own planning rules and regulations which can be a pain. It took nearly eight months to get the necessary permission to replace them. There was great rejoicing when at the end of June the planning department finally said yes.

Dismantling took two days. It took four trips in a white van to dispose of all the bits of the old sheds and by the end of the day the council workers who helped unload were becoming friends.

The new sheds arrived at the end of July in manufacturers' bright orange stain, so needed painting green to make them disappear into the landscape (a condition of the planning consent). One of the new sheds is a cabin-style prayer and birdwatching place with views down the valley, seats and information on wildlife and the Christian faith inside. A competition was held to raise the profile of the project by naming the shed, with a small prize for the winning name (Cheri-shed).

A wild bird feeding area was constructed in the secluded corner. Gravel was put down and a birdbath installed. The cherry tree was pruned and bird feeders hung from it and from the trees up by the road. Overgrown shrubs were taken out or moved to open out the area under the tree, where wildflowers have been established. New shrubs were planted to the fence adjoining the neighbours' property, and further planting was done using plants with perfume (e.g. herbs and lavender) to provide further sensory experiences.

Garden birds soon found it, including the great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch and goldfinch. Under the tree is a woodpile to provide homes for the invertebrates which some birds eat. Nestboxes are sited around the garden.

This work should provide not just food for but also a good view of many common garden birds, and one or two less common : red kite, buzzard, sparrowhawk and jay appear in the observation notebook, and a pair of tawny owls has been heard. Swallows, swifts and bats are other attractions.

The bread-and-butter work of the Retreat/Conference Centre will continue to be the group bookings. Groups using the centre find the new facility an added resource for their activities. However, individuals will be able to use the time available when groups are not using the premises.

The Mission statement of Norwood Methodist Church says: "Our aim is to be a caring and supportive Church Fellowship which is open to all.

Our purpose is to glorify God and seek His will as we share the good news of Jesus and encourage one another to grow in faith and love.

We need you, God needs you; together with Him we can achieve all He wants for us."

The first sentence of the Priorities for the Methodist Church (Conference 2004) says:

"In partnership with others wherever possible, the Methodist Church will concentrate its prayers, resources, imagination and commitments on this priority: To proclaim and affirm its conviction of God's love in Christ, for us and for all the world; and renew confidence in God's presence and action in the world and in the church".

Norwood's quiet garden will confidently offer a loving environment in which people may explore their relationship with God, as expressed in love of creation and encounters with caring people. It will achieve this in partnership with: the Diocese (training in spiritual direction), the Quiet Garden Movement (networking and support), the Creative Arts movement (as expressed in Creative Arts in Methodism and its networks), the Retreat Movement (as expressed in the Methodist Retreat and Spirituality Movement and its networks) and any networking that exists between those running smaller retreat centres.

In addition, the success of the garden will renew the confidence of the small congregation that they can be associated with new initiatives of outreach.