St Mary's - Plans and Appeal 2024

St Mary’s is a beautiful Grade 1 listed church which dates from 1260. In the following seven centuries there have been many additions and alterations, some beautiful and some practical. The church building has constantly changed to reflect the needs of the congregation at the time. 

The interior remains much the same as in Victorian times, so now is the time to consider the next phase in the life of the building.

We continue to look at ways to improve the church facilities. Having completed our Toilet extension in 2020, the automation and restoration of the Clock and clock faces in 2021, upgraded the Kitchenette in 2022 and redecorated of the South Transept in 2023, we turn our attention to the repair and restoration of our 1874 Norman & Beard Organ. 

The long-term aim is for further modernisation, with improved lighting and updated flexible seating options. This will provide a more adaptable and friendly space with better access, for all the usual activities of a parish church (worship services, prayer meetings, youth events, baptism, weddings, funerals, etc.) and a wide range of community activities, school visits, concerts, exhibitions, performances, and meetings. 

The modernisation will be done in several phases as time and money allow. Firstly, however, we need to start with to repair and restore parts of the organ, many of which are showing their age. The result will be an instrument in tune and available for all those who wish to use it.

After that we hope to refurbish the Nave. The current space is inflexible with the late Victorian pews anchored to the floor. We would like to replace those in need of repair with chairs, the rest we would make free standing so we can re-configure the space to suit the occasion. 

Our church conservator has recommended the Victorian wainscoting is removed to allow the plasterwork behind to be inspected and repaired as necessary as it is suffering from damp. We will also take the opportunity to repair some loose and damaged parts of the parquet flooring.

We anticipate the cost of the first phase of this project will be in the region of £13,000. We have applied for several grants, but additional funds may be required once the equipment has been dismantled. We will still need to raise a substantial amount from donations should that be required. 

Under the current circumstances, raising funds is even harder than before and fundraising events are difficult to organise with a small team of volunteers. 
Please will you help us to fund some of these costs?

View leaflet including Donation form