ST MARGARET'S CHURCH BUILDING FUNDRAISING APPEAL

UPDATE!

We had a celebration of the completion of Phase 2 of the building project in October at St. Margaret's, to which we invited our congregation and all the many people who have contributed in some way to achieve this stage. 

The photos below show (clockwise):

• Nick Gerard-Pearce and Steve Jones, Building Fund Committee members, cutting the tape to the new kitchen and loo area;
• Church Warden Roger Marsh speaking at our celebration;
• The completed Phase 2 from the outside;
• Revd Andrew Axon the Area Dean speaking at the celebration, and also with Nick and Steve cutting the tape.

We are still fundraising for the next phases of work.  If you would like to donate specifically to the appeal, please click here for a donation form.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

We are very excited by the plans that have been developed over the last 3 years with our Architects Thomas Ford and Partners.  St Margaret’s is a beautiful 700 year old Grade 1 listed building in a stunning location. The aim is for it to become a building that can be used by the whole community, providing facilities and flexibility fit for the next 100 years or more.

To achieve this the overall project has been divided into phases, as follows:

• PHASE 1 – essential tower repairs, including, replacement of roof, various timber repairs and treatment, and external masonry repairs, total cost £90,000. 

• PHASE 2 – adding a kitchen and toilet extension at the northern base of the tower, including removal of tower pew platforms, storage cupboards and a glazed weatherproof entrance for the West door in the tower, total cost £340,000.

• PHASE 3 – internal reordering of the nave, including removal of pews to create a flexible internal space, reinstatement of flooring under pew platforms, and underfloor heating, comfortable seating, relocation of font, new lighting, and glazed weatherproof entrance to the north door.  Total cost £350,000.  Repairs to the nave and chancel roof timbers will need to be undertaken at the same time, at a cost of £260,000

See the plans by clicking here: Phase 2, Phase 3

Funding

The above costs include VAT and under a Government scheme we should be able to reclaim the majority of VAT paid.  This still requires a considerable amount of fundraising to be carried out by a dedicated team.  There are numerous funds that will provide grants for such work once we have raised at least half the funds locally from individuals, we therefore need your help.  

Donations

If you would like to be part of these exciting plans and can make a donation there is a donor form here. If you are a UK taxpayer we are able to claim gift aid on your donation boosting your donation by 25%.

Progress

We will be providing regular updates on how progress is being made towards the funding targets.  You can see that funding status will be shown by the  “scaling the tower” board at the church and in the village, so you can see where we are to date.