Restoration Update

We have now reached the fourth stage of our restoration programme which we launched in 2003. In that time we have been able to raise almost £600,000 for urgent spire repairs and repairs to the Sacristy and Vestry roofs. This has been an outstanding achievement given that St John’s is not a rich parish.  Everything about the Appeal has been urgent but the restoration of external fabric had to take precedence over internal priorities, some of which are in a dangerous state. 

We are truly grateful to everyone who has contributed in any way to this magnificent result.

Now it’s time to begin work on the interior of the church. This will include its rewiring (the current wiring is over 50 years old and dangerous), re-decoration, a new lighting system and new sound and loop systems. 

If you are relatively new to St John’s or were unable to help in the past, it is not too late to contribute – please make cheques payable to “St John’s PCC”. Further details are available from the Information point.  Or if you know of one or two millionaires who might be interested in helping, please do not be shy in contacting them! 

The work will begin on 6 July and hopefully will be finished in time for Christmas.

Copper Roof
In addition to all this, some repairs are being made to the copper roof which means that you will also see scaffolding on the outside of the church as well as the inside.

Worship
The church will continue to be open for worship every Sunday but the disruption to our normal pattern and usual appearance of the church will be immense. During this period the church, throughout the week, will be closed and in the hands of the Contractors.  There will be no access to the main building of the church except for authorised personnel. This means that any arrangements/preparations for Sunday worship will have to take place on Saturday. The church will not be cleaned during this six month period and accordingly when you are given your books on Sunday you will also be supplied with a duster!

Weekday masses and meetings usually held in the church will take place in the vestry where possible but may be subject to cancellation at short notice.

The Goose Green Centre
Between the end of July and the beginning of September, the Centre is to be closed and entirely redecorated.  On Sundays we will still have access to the toilets but at this stage it is not clear whether we will have access to the kitchen at that time. We will need to confirm each week whether the Crèche/Sunday School will be held in the Centre or Vestry.

The Parish Office
The Parish Office will naturally be included in the redecoration and it is not clear how disrupted our normal pattern will be. You will need to be aware that the forthcoming work will bring immense challenges and responses to requests, etc might take a little longer than usual so your patience will be appreciated.

Let us give thanks to God for:

  • The prayers that have supported this Restoration Programme.
  • The small dedicated teams who are bringing the vision to reality.
  • The generosity and commitment shown by those who share our vision and hopes.

With best wishes

Rev Charles Richardson – Vicar
Stephen Phillips and Robert Faulkner - Churchwardens