As a church fellowship we respond to what the community requires. We have carried out a community audit and the results of that have fed into our thinking about altering the church and hall buildings. One building, the hall, is used almost to capacity while the other building, the church, is used rarely during the week. This is not good use of our resources. In addition, changes to our worship patterns requires more flexibility in the worship area.
The scheme is currently being thought of in 3 stages which are independent of each other but which, taken together, will result in two buildings well-equipped for serving the community.
WHAT CHANGES WILL BE MADE TO THE HALL?
The church hall is used almost to capacity by church and community groups but there is a lack of flexibility which we hope to correct. It is a dated 1950s building with metal, poorly-fitting windows, little insulation and old fashioned interior. It can be awkward to get into for those with pushchairs and for disabled people
STAGE 1: The ‘West Wing’ of the hall
We are already feeling the benefit of the work that has been done here! It is very warm in the hall now - and no draughts!
There are new toilets with better disabled access and baby-changing facilities
New PVCu double glazed windows have been installed
2 of the entrance doors have been replaced with PVCu units
Room 2 has a sliding partition to make it a more flexible space
Room 3 has been enlarged and is a youth base as well as a meeting room
A larger office with extra storage space has been formed
What used to be the ladies toilets has been altered to be an office area for the minister and the support workers
Insulation has been improved
The outside of the building has been painted where required
Back doors have been altered for greater security
It looks so much better!
STAGE 2: GRANT FOR PORCH AND RAMP
The Veolia Environmental Trust has awarded us a grant towards a new ramp and porch entrance into the hall. This will provide greater security, safety and ease of entering the building. It will further enhance the look of the building and will be another step on the way for our redevelopment plans for the hall.
Thanks to the Trust for its help!
STAGE 3: The rest of the hall
The new entrance will lead to a comfortably furnished reception/meeting area with coffee tables and a serving hatch to a new kitchen; there will be a sliding wall onto the corridor. This area will provide a meeting space for people waiting to use the building, collect children, etc, where books and information can be out and it will be used as a general coffee bar
Alterations to the heating system will improve energy efficiency
STAGE 4: The Church
A new main entrance on the Walton Road/Heath Street corner with extensive glass doors and windows
A lobby leading to a reception area/meeting room with a kitchen attached
A glazed screen with sliding doors separating the reception area from the worship area; the screen can be opened as necessary for worship
The worship area carried through at one level into the existing choir area eliminating the steps
The worship area is able to be used in a variety of layouts with chairs replacing the pews
Raised areas for leading worship, etc provided by moveable staging
A crèche in the vestry next to the existing pulpit with a window looking into the worship area
Toilets will be improved and include baby changing facilities
The building access/exits and toilet facilities will be to Disability Discrimination Act standards
The redevelopment will provide attractive and flexible meeting areas to allow both buildings to be used for a wide variety of uses for all ages.
These plans obviously require a lot of money and that has set us on the fundraising programme. However, we have found that as well as making some money, many of the fundraising events also give us great opportunities for fellowship together, to get to know each other better and we have also found that many people who do not come to church have been coming to the special events.
We have also become a church where we spend much time eating together! We have some great cooks in our numbers and there is never too little food!
Do come along to some of our events. They are listed on the diary page with ongoing events and the walking group having their own pages. You will be very welcome!
