The services of a conservation accredited professional adviser are needed at Church of Christ, Church Road, Christchurch PE14 9PQ, for a major programme of repairs and reordering. This project will lead to the church building being removed from the Heritage at Risk Register, and safe to re-open for wider community use. The PCC will need to apply for support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (a grant under £1 million), with a view to the project being completed by 2031. For further details and the pre-qualification questionnaire, please contact: Danielle Carver - churchofchristrenovations@gmail.com / 07599456983 Suitably qualified practitioners will then be invited to tender. The closing date for the pre-qualification questionnaire is 28th October 2025. It is anticipated that tenders will be required by a closing date of 25th November 2025. If you have any queries, please contact Danielle Carver on the details above.
On Wednesday 18th June 2025, a group of villagers met - along with our new rector Canon Mark Collinson, Helen our fantastic church warden, and Holly from Ely Diocese/Heritage Fund.We have formed a committee of 8 members, to spearhead the renovations required, to make our beautiful Church useable once again. Situated in the heart of the village, the church has sadly been closed since 2022.The Committee have created a Facebook page, to keep the community and congregation informed on the renovation works which need to be completed, along side access to this website to post updates as and when progress is made.We value the impact our local church has on villagers - which was widely expressed when a survey was sent out, with 51 responses.Most respondents see the church as a historical and emotional centerpiece of the village. Most respondents said that the church was either the ‘hub’ or ‘heart’ of the village, and that it holds significant value for life events (weddings, funerals, christenings) and community gatherings. Over ½ of the respondents discussed the importance of the churchyard.We aim to keep everyone informed on our progress, as well as involve villagers by engaging with our local school and community groups.At present, the four main areas which need to be addressed are:a. Renew the drainageb. Address rainwater goodsc. Replace ceilingd. Re-order internally, including organ dismantle and removal during works, redecoration, appropriate kitchen, toilet, lighting and heating for wider community use.Our church has been identified and listed on the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register. This means we are able to apply (eventually) for funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund.The committees next steps are to compose a mission statement, and begin the process of appointing an architect, to define the scope of the works required.
Millions of people have tried Alpha and found it a life-changing experience. We are starting an Alpha course in September 2025 for anyone who is curious about life, who wants to ask questions. Are you curious? Why not give it go? You can come to the taster session on Sunday 21st September at 5pm to 6:30pm at the Church Rooms, next to the One Stop shop, Park Road in Manea. Refreshments will be provided. Contact someone you know in one the of Six Fen Churches or email Canon Mark on mark.6fenchurches@gmail.com for more info.
Thanks to everyone from across the benefice who joined St Nicolas Manea for a service for our pets. It was great to sing some old favourites like All Things Bright and Beautiful. Pets included a hamster (called Sirius Black), two rats, a cuddly cat and plenty of dogs. All the animals were well behaved...Many thanks to Oakley, who is a Pets As Therapy dog, who brought his owner, Ajay, who told how Pets As Therapy connect with people in Askham House, Doddington.
