Not just a place of worship

We love St Helens. It has been the centre of our beautiful village since the 14 th Century. Whilst some minor improvements were made recently to the entrance porch and heating, there hasn’t been a significant modernisation program since the 1860’s. Those that know this stunning Church will recognise that its facilities are desperately out of date, and restrict the building from being a much more accessible and vibrant hub, serving the whole community.

The Need

In Phases 1&2 of the masterplan we are seeing to address the following inadequate facilities:

• The single lavatory in a most inconvenient place at the end of the Chancel access through the kitchen
• Restricted access from the South entrance. Anyone requiring a step-free entrance must make their way around to the draughty north door.
• The existing cramped kitchen which is inadequate and inconveniently placed

Delivery

Now that we have obtained the necessary permissions from the DAC and the Local Authority, we are in position to progress to the detailed design and building stages of the first phases, subject to funding. Those phases comprise:

Phase One

• To build a new toilet block, suitable for all to use, through the current north door. This will include two WC’s, one of which is accessible and has baby changing facilities.The exterior will be a sympathetic design in flint and stone, in keeping with the south lobby entrance.
• At the same time, clever ground works outside will provide a gentle slope to the new west door giving the much needed and more effective access on one level.

Phase Two

• Removing the toilet allows us to install a much needed and enlarged kitchen area plus a servery by the Chancel, providing proper catering facilities for various events, religious ceremonies, regular welcome coffee mornings etc.

We need your help!

To deliver the toilets of Phase One as quickly as possible, we need funding for ‘the bricks and mortar’ building work. This is your opportunity to help deliver the essential facilities we need for our vision.  We’re asking you to consider prayerfully what you can give to make this vision a reality.  Your generosity will make a lasting difference for the whole community now and for future generations. 

Please consider giving a:

• One off donation of a lump sum
• Regular monthly (or quarterly) contributions, (in addition to your current regular giving!)
• Or arrange to leave a legacy – ideally let the Finance Team know your intention.

Online donations are capped at £100. If you wish to give more, please contact our Finance Team, Stephen Rider (whtpcctreasurer@gmail.com) or Madeleine Bigmore (mbigmore@yahoo.co.uk), to discuss details and consider gift aid or other tax-efficient options.