After years of planning and fund raising, St Margaret's is in the process of adding facilities that will enable the centuries old building to realise its full potential.The building is the biggest in the village with so many possibilities to really enhance its role in the community but it has lacked the facilities that any public amenity needs in the 21st century. Of course, when the church was originally built in the 12th century, things such as running water and toilets were not considered as requirements. In fact they did not exist in homes so why would they have put them in a church? However, today, users of any venue will not entertain the idea of such omissions! in 2016 the Parochial Church Council (PCC) resolved to establish the church as a true community asset; to help bring it back towards the centre of community life where it traditionally resided by making it a place that can be used for more than just worship. To this end, the idea was conceived to create an open space, uncluttered by fixed pews facing in just one direction, that could be used for so many activities and to install a fully accessible WC inside the church. Whilst these assets would offer a more attractive venue it was also recognised that the ability to provide simple refreshments would add another dimension to the building, again recognising the needs of modern living.Armed with these ideas, plans were drawn up to satisfy these requirements. First, the pews to the rear of the Nave were removed and the font was relocated to near the entrance, which was in fact its original location before Victorian "improvements". Also in the plans was the construction of an accessible WC in the base of the tower, along with a servery for the provision of refreshments. Such plans obviously require a considerable amount of money to bring them to fruition. Fund raising has been ongoing for a number of years, with the community being especially supportive. In fact such activities and generous donations locally have contributed almost half of the funds required. Applications to grant giving bodies have successfully raised the remainder which enabled construction work to commence in November. It is now full steam ahead with a target completion date of Easter.
The Annual Parish meeting is the occasion where the events of the last year are reviewed, along with the overall life and workings or our parish church. The Church Wardens were selected. Mr Peter Manson agreed to continue in this role but whilst there is a requirement for 2 sadly, no other volunteers came forward. The PCC were re-elected en bloc as there were no other volunteers. There remains a vacancy for a secretary for the PCC. This is an important role in the management of the church. Maybe others might consider becoming involved in the running of our church.
