Progress report – 5th April 2023
We had a visit from the Chair, Alison Sears (centre), and Concert Manager, Jeremy Farrow (left) of Wokingham Choral Society to talk over the details of their concert on June 17th. They were overwhelmed by the space in the building and really looking forward to their first concert in the refurbished building. It will be good to start trying out new layouts for seating and to welcome them back to the church.
Jeremy, who is in charge of getting the platform and raked seating into the church, was particularly interested in the prospect of level access to the church and being able to get trolley loads in without having to cross the cobbles. John Boylan was pointing out to everyone’s amusement that bit really will be level, despite looking like a route for very short people at the moment. The path outside the door will be reduced considerably in height and there will be a new drain outside the door.
Other work that is going on at the moment includes equipping the toilets, putting in the oak partitioning between the utility area and the chancel and repairing the bases of the chancel pillars. The very small limestone tiles for the sanctuary step (matching Victorian ones) have just arrived, so the floor is nearly finished.
We still need more funds for completion. There is still the option to donate a chair with a dedication or to contribute to the organ or main appeal. You will find all the details on the website.
Although the building itself is closed, worship, including all the Easter services continues in The Cornerstone on Sundays (8, 9.30 and 11.15am) and on weekdays (Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 am and Thursday at 9 am) and the bell ringers have access to the tower. There is still access to almost all the churchyard either through the lychgate in London Road or the double gate in Norreys Avenue. The memorials by The Cornerstone and by the vestry door can be accessed by arrangement with the Parish office.
