News from St Mary’s

The Spire A recent survey of the spire has indicated that we will need to complete works, which will cost at least, £1.5 million to stop bits of it from falling off and secure it for the future. At present we are exploring engaging the services of a professional fundraiser to kick start this project. Reimagining and developing the back of the church to create a user-friendly space for the community could unlock additional grant funding sources.

The Side Pews: We have been really enriched by the formation of our choir. The PCC agreed that it would be best if they could be seated more in body of the church. The best position would be on the side aisle by the organ console. IT was also felt that removing all the side pews, next to wall, would allow a more flexible space for church and community events, such as parties, lunches, art exhibitions etc. At this stage we will need to have plans drawn up by our architect and then seek permission from the Diocese. Please speak to Fr Robert or the Churchwardens if you have any comments about this project.

News from St James’ and The Sherriff Centre

Improvements to the signage are needed and the Sherriff Centre have put forward the following ideas which will greatly improve the overall look of the building:

• A wooden hanging sign for both St James and the centre over the main double wooden doors, with a replica sign to hang over the litchgate entrance.

• Double sided weather proof banners, advertising the church and centre on scaffold poles behind the wall.

• Removal of the 2 blue noticeboards that are not in use and are damaged.

• Install 2 new noticeboards on the wall on the right of the main entrance, one for church, one for The Sherriff Centre (a faculty has been granted for these).

• Signage update at the side entrance that says 'Saint James Hall'

The parquet flooring is badly in need of repair, so arrangements have been made for this to take place in August.  This will however, mean that the building will not be open between 23rd and 31st August. There will be a joint service at St Marys on the 24th and 31st. We need to raise £50k for this and The Sherriff Centre are leading on fundraising.

The Lady Chapel, the dais and the statue of St Joseph: plans have been drawn up to glaze in the Lady Chapel. This will make it both acoustically and heating self-contained and a better space for use by church and community groups. An enlarged dais will allow better disabled access to the chapel and the dais itself for the first time. These plans will need to go for approval in the future and then some fundraising. The site of the free-standing statue of St Joseph has been discussed with the donors and will shortly be moved to a more secure site which will mean better safety for children, protect the statue and allow the pulpit to be seen.