Building work @ St. Mary's

We are set to see quite a lot of building work taking place both inside and out of our church building, as we follow an exciting programme to realise the potential of the building.

With the help of a generous grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, we are focussing on two objectives: firstly, to bring some of our facilities up to modern standards; secondly, to utilise the space better for the many activities taking place within the building.

The first stage of the work involves repairing the roof in the SW corner of the church. The arrangements for the discharge of water off the roof in this area are inadequate and so water has been backing up and running down the inside of the walls during storms. Considerable rotting of the timbers has meant that replacements need to be installed. The downspouts are being adapted to solve the basic problem.  

Once that first stage is out of the way we can move on to the inside work. We are beginning in the south porch, where we want to take out the step and thereby improve access considerably.  At the same time, we will install glass doors so that the old oak doors can be kept open. The approach into the building will be greatly improved, to be more open and welcoming. We will also be making access improvements within the building. 

Our servery facilities will be upgraded and we will be installing a WC within the building, all making for a more comfortable experience for our visitors.

There was formerly a bell ringing platform in the tower. We wish to reinstall that, thereby creating a room at ground floor level which can be used as a creche during services or a meeting room. The bellringers will ring from a dedicated space at first floor level. 

Please bear with us as this work takes place. We believe that we will enhance the building both as a place of worship and a space for community events.