THE church team at St Michael and All Angels, Melksham, held a community meeting recently for residents to share fundraising ideas for the church’s building and renovation project.
The project, called Building to Serve, will involve a two-phase process. 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 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.
Around 30 people attended the meeting, which was held earlier this month, to share their ideas.
“It was a really positive and exciting atmosphere and loads of great ideas were suggested. We have organised a fundraising committee to make them happen,” explained the church’s rector, Charlie Thomson.
“Ideas included a black-tie charity auction dinner in St Michael’s; an offer of cake-making and decorating classes from a local celebration cake-making business; and bellringers offered to ring for special occasions for a fee.
“Other ideas included different group-sponsored activities for those of different ages and abilities to get involved with, such as a sponsored three-peaks challenge (for the particularly energetic!), a sponsored cycle for Wiltshire Ride & Stride on Saturday 14th September; and a sponsored walk finishing up with a curry and a pint.
“There was also a suggestion of asking local businesses to donate services and materials to the building refurbishment.”
One event has already been planned, a plant and craft fair on Saturday 15th June in the St. Michael’s Church Room from 10am to 2.30pm.
For further information about the Building to Serve project, visit www.melksham.church/build and for further information about the church, visit www.melksham.church
