St Mary the Virgin, Send
Millennium Project:-
Making the church accessible to all
Before the Millennium, the following statement was issued.
Following consultation with the congregation, the PCC intends to pursue a project which will refurbish and enhance the porch and the approach path, open up the area near the rear pews, and install a toilet - subject to there being sufficient support to make it possible.
Progress so far:-
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The porch We have removed the render from the south face, treated the timbers, and re-faced the wall. The floor, ceiling and roof have been repaired, and flashings added to the sills, and there is now a level entrance from the paved path. We now plan to glaze the arcaded sides, on the inner face of the existing wood, and to fit a glazed door - all of this will be done in oak, in keeping with the existing structure. |
The path
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The old gravel path has been levelled and paved with York stone. The step down at the porch entrance has been removed and this has made access to the church much more easier for anyone in wheelchairs or with walking difficulties. The path was paid for by a bequest from former churchwarden Andrew Harrison and the path has been dedicated to his memory. The dedication took place on 30th January 2005. Click the picture to read the dedication prayer... |
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The rear pews
The rear pews will be changed to allow easier access into the church, and direct access to the children's area. In conjunction with this, a new bookcase will be installed, along with display areas for leaflets etc.
The toilet
We have built a new block on the north side of the tower, which houses a toilet, wash-basin, and baby-changing unit.
Hearing Loop and amplification system
Although not envisaged as a Millennium project, a Hearing loop and amplification system with radio microphones has been installed. This is in keeping with our wish to make the church "accessible for all" and as far as possible to help all people who visit our church to participate fully in the services.
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How will we pay for it? We are applying to charities which support the preservation of historic Church buildings, and those which support work to improve access to buildings - one or more of those may make a grant. Bearing in mind the community aspects of the project, we applied to Send Parish Council, and in December they voted in favour of a grant. Apart from all that, though, we will need to raise quite a bit of money ourselves - and, of course, we expect the Inland Revenue to chip in if we get suitable gifts. |
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More information
will be provided when we have it, but if anyone has any questions at all, please let us know - we will try and deal with them.Bells | Church Room | Churchyard | Drawing | Flowers | History | Interior | Round About
