Since Christmas work's included fitting the new windows, restoring the sandstone floor and adding the new toilet extension. We're awaiting the roof timbers for the new build and starting to think about fitting the building out.This is where you might be able to help. We were really lucky to find a local source for sandstone slabs to complete the floor in the old building. This has started us thinking about fixtures and fittings for the original building. We plan to explain its history over at least 100 years - as a laundry, a bakehouse, a storeroom for the funeral director and a building used for social events. We're keeping as many original features as we can but would love to find an old fashioned fireguard, a Belfast sink and an old wooden chest which we could adapt to house the sink. We want something which is in keeping with the age of the building - we don't want it shiny and new, in fact old and battered is preferred. Have you got something tucked away in an outhouse or barn? If so please let us know.
Work is going well on the repair and renovation of the Old Laundry funded by some generous grants and donations. In the existing building we are preserving as many original features as we can and replacing those which are past saving - the wooden vent in the roof has been replaced with an exact copy but the old bread oven, the water pump and much of the lime plaster and sandstone floor have been saved. We have had some surprises, including signatures on the old lead flashing written by workmen on the roof in past centuries. These include Norman Southward in 1971 the days when he and his father (along with other relatives) were often "volunteered" by Miss Mary for work on the church. John Tyson from Eskdale signed in 2003 and a painter from Whitehaven, made two entries - the first with his name, Pearson, and the date 4 May 1889 and a second inscription "Queen's birthday 1889". In one of life's happenchances, this inscription written on Queen Victoria's 70th birthday was found on the day of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.
We were happy to welcome so many to our Christmas services at St John's. All were well-attended and enjoyed; offering time to celebrate, reflect, and, especially important this year, an opportunity to be together again. Thanks to those who read at our Carol Service, making us laugh as well as giving us new ways to think about the familiar Christmas story. We also sang (in a muffled way), accompanied by different musicians on guitar as well as to our new piano. We are grateful to members of the community who donated to help us buy this for the church. <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Our Crib Service was smaller than usual, but a joyful occasion - if you missed it, come next year where we hope there will be a knitted innkeeper to join the throng!</span> A different event this year was a concert by the Millom Phoenix Choir to bring in the New Year. The audience outnumbered the choir (always a good sign) and we enjoyed mulled wine and a festive supper. Thanks to generous bakers we were able to raffle two Christmas hampers full of homemade produce. These raised money for the repair and restoration work needed on the church.
