Heritage Building Project

For many years, St John’s has wrestled with the challenge of balancing the beauty of a listed building against the need for modern facilities - an access ramp, indoor toilets, and a kitchen. We now have a clear vision and plan for our church building that adds the facilities whilst preserving the heritage, so that we can truly welcome all and better serve the community.

 

Phase 1

• Adding pew cushions to make the pews more comfortable to use

• Restoring the baptistry to its original purpose

• Removing the front 2 rows of pews at the front of the nave to create space for wheelchairs, and enhance the space available for concerts, weddings and funerals

• Installing hand rails on the chancel steps

• Installing a ramp at the main door to facilitate access with glass doors in the porch to improve visibility

 

The pew cushions are already in place, and the baptistry has been restored – see before and after photos below, or drop in for coffee 10am-12noon on a Saturday to see for yourself!
The money for the ramp has been raised following an amazing response to an online appeal, and we are hoping to start the work soon.

 

Phase 2

• Building a new annexe on the south side of the church that will include a kitchen and servery, a toilet with baby changing facilities, and a meeting space

• Glass doors from the annexe that will open out to the church garden 

• Internal access via a new door at the back of the nave along with permanent disabled access ramp into the annexe

 

If you have any questions about the building project, please feel free to get in touch with John Goulden, leader of the Heritage Building Project Team: see Contact details.

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The next few years will be a busy and exciting time for St John’s, as we draw up plans, consult with all stakeholders, apply for grants and take the work forward. Fundraising has already begun, and there will be a lot more events and appeals to come. If you are able to help in any way, or if you are connected with a local business that might be able to support us, please contact Ali: see Contact details. To donate to the Heritage Building Project, please go to Heritage Building Appeal.

 

Sale of Vicarage Field

 

In 2022, St John's began an ambitious project of renovation and restoration to the church building, with the aim of safeguarding and sharing our heritage, while making our building suitable for all to use. We have almost completed Phase 1, including the addition of a permanent ramp, a glass front door, and the restoration of original floor tiles in several areas. We will shortly also be undertaking work to improve the lighting.

 

We intend to launch Phase 2 in 2025, which will involve building an annexe on the back of the church building, containing a kitchen and indoor toilets. Before we are eligible to apply for grant funding to support this project, we are required to raise a certain amount of money. We have therefore taken the difficult decision to sell the field behind the vicarage; this only brings in a very small income in rent, but the proceeds from its sale represent a significant contribution to the fundraising required and will help us invest in our church in years to come.