Recent Changes at All Saints' Church - Reordering of Nave

For well over a decade the Church of All saints has been looking to do a major makeover of the interior so that we can use this magnificent ancient building more effectively and more often.  We have finally been given permission by the relevant authorities to do so.

We have

                ►            installed comfortable wooden chairs with padded seats and backs.

Soon we shall

                ►            be installing a heating system similar to a domestic hot water system.

and before long we hope to

                ►            Have staging at the front of the Church for the music group, drama group and preachers so that

all involved in leading the service, particularly children, will be more readily visible. 

                ►            Carpet the central area of the Church

What about the Pews?

This was the most controversial aspect of our proposals and for many of us an ancient church should have pews.  However, fixed pews limit the use of the Church significantly and that mainly to Sunday services.  Our vision is to use this wonderful resource for the whole Village throughout the week.  We appreciate that the loss of a significant number of pews caused distress for some, including members of the Church family.  We are took this step because we feel that the loss in their removal is significantly out weighed by the benefits of increasing the times and types of use of the building. 

We have retained the 26 medieval poppy heads and have ended up with fourteen moveable Pews.  Twelve will be double ended and two will be single ended so that their positioning will be symmetrical when placed down the centre of the Church.  When not in use they will be placed alongside the outer walls

Increased use by Church groups

With chairs, carpet and heating the Church will be much more welcoming on a Sunday particularly for the young and the elderly.  It will also facilitate, week in and week out, and year round;

1. Youth activities – teaching groups; creative activities; holiday clubs, praise parties and worship events.  About 30% of our budget has been given over to youth work and as we have limited facilities away from the Church we want to use the building far more frequently.
13. 1. Church events which require the flexible use of space – including conferences in midweek and at weekends;  Youth services and celebration events, including those connected with Easter and Christmas, and Alpha course events.

 

Increased Use by the Rest of the Community

We have already started to do this by:

Exhibitions such as Art exhibitions, artistic and craft work and other static displays Concerts particularly those which are given by larger groups.  In the future these may  include Orchestra, Jazz, Gospel and Choral concerts and hopefully increasing use by our local school.

Art Alive 2009	Blaze Party 2009	Art Alive 2009	Blaze Party 2009