Renovations

A quick look around our beautiful church will reveal the need for painting and decoration, the treatment of dampness in the walls and the improvement of lighting.

What is not immediately apparent is the need to have the church rewired and the need to replace the heating system, now nearing the end of its projected lifespan, and a new sound system.

The objective of the Parish Team is to make the church a safe and comfortable place with an environment that encourages prayer and reverence.

PHASE I: COLONNADE RENOVATION

Cost of work: £150,000

A good beginning has been made. The first phase of the church renovation programme was completed in summer 2007 with the repair and development of the Colonnade.

This involved the provision of a completely new roof over the lobby inside the front doors. This roof has six skylights which have dramatically brightened this previously poorly-lit area.

The colonnade was rewired and all-new lighing installed.

The repository was moved from the top of the colonnade where it was restricting exits from the church, and a new repository and tea serving facility were constructed in a more suitable area.

The provision of chairs and tables have made the colonnade a very comfortable and welcoming area where parishioners can meet and greet and get to know each other.

All the windows were removed, repaired and reinstated.

The colonnade improvements have been very well received by parishioners and visitors alike.

PHASE II: NEW TOILET FACILITIES

Projected cost of work: £60,000

The second phase of the renovation programme is now underway and will take until the end of September 2008. This involves the provision of new toilets in the east corridor.

The new facility will have a toilet suitable for disabled persons, two separate toilets and a baby-changing unit.

There will also be new storage space and a unit for the cleaning materials.

A door will be installed half way along the east corridor to eliminate draughts.

This is a major piece of work involving the demolition of the old toilet and the exterior wall and the installation of new water supplies and drainage.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

As a parish community we are deeply grateful to everyone who contributes to the renovation fund, whether in the regular church collections or by donation. We wish to remind all taxpayers of the importance of Gift Aid which increases your contribution by 25% at no cost to your self.