Restore & Renew

Work continues to move apace with our project to restore Shirley Parish Hall. Having received planning permission from the council, Snug, our architects, have sent the tender package out to five different building contractors. They have until the end of November to present their quotes. Our prayers are that the ‘right’ contractor will present the ‘right’ price so that we may proceed with confidence. We are hoping that work on the building will begin some time in the New Year.

In the meantime, we are beginning to look at some more details such as fixtures and fittings and what kitchen and AV equipment would work best for us. We are very mindful of the need to spend sensibly so prayer for wisdom in decision making would be appreciated. The Building Vision group are Dave Arbery, Nicky Caveney, Claire Cockburn, Pete Evans, Susie Hoare, Tracy King, Chris Lockwood, Rob Reay, Esther Ridsdale, Theresa Bowen

We have had some good news that we are through to the next stage for a large funding application we have submitted. This does however mean a lot more work for the small team involved in collating information. It has also meant more formally asking our community want they would like from the hall (in the form of an online survey). This information will help to inform a business plan being drawn up.

As well as applying for grants, the congregation has been fundraising in some amazing ways. It has been wonderful seeing the gifts and talents of those amongst us being used to make their £10s multiply. There have been some wonderful events over the last few months with more coming up. What a blessing to see people so invested in making our buildings improved - for us and our community.