Fundraising for church’s building projects gets underway

The local St. Michael’s Church has so far raised around £180,000 for a building project that will see the church expand for community use as well as the renovation of the neighbouring property at 11 Canon Square.

The project, called Building to Serve, will involve a two-phase process, with the team needing to raise around £200,000 to refurbish the building.

The first phase is to renovate number 11 Canon Square to include converting the top rooms into accommodation for church staff, space for a parish office, community rooms and more space for youth groups.

The second phase of the project will involve renovations to the church building, including the installation of a kitchen and toilet, as well as the removal of the pews to make it more accessible for community events such as concerts and toddler groups.

The church’s rector, Charlie Thomson, says that so far, the funds have been raised through a plant and craft fair, various grants and donations and he is also cycling around 40 miles from the church to Salisbury Cathedral in September.

“This is part of the national Ride and Stride event on Saturday 14th September,’ says Charlie. “I am going to try and avoid the main roads and go a slightly windy route and join up with some of the other churches. I have been doing a bit of training for it. I’ve never done anything quite as big as this before.”

Charlie also said there might be an auction coming up but the details of this are to be confirmed.

“Another great thing is that we have now got planning permission to begin building works at 11 Canon Square, which are due to begin in the autumn.”

Above: Rector Charlie Thomson and Hannah Thomson with Peter Maslen, the churchwarden, and Keith Kirk from the facilities team