Celebrating two major fundraising projects completed

Published on: 25 June 2017

Christ Church, Eaton is celebrating having just completed two major fundraising projects. But these achievements were only possible thanks to generous legacies.

In the summer of last year, Christ Church, Eaton celebrated the completion of its welcome area. This was the culmination of over eight years of planning, and then execution, under the supervision of church member, Mike Brookes. It involves a fully accessible WC, and new kitchen facilities. The Vicar, Patrick Richmond, explains, “ For ages, the church has struggled with limited kitchen facilities and only one toilet. It has taken more than eight years to get this far, and the need for a disabled WC was in fact recognised around 20 years ago”. The inclusion of an additional toilet is already proving helpful when hosting concerts, weddings and major services. Additionally, this space is now being regularly used for community events including exhibitions, lent lunches and school visits.

The new welcome area was not cheap, indeed the total cost exceeded £100,000. However, the unrestricted legacies of Jonathan Phillips (£121,000) and Daphne Bass (£22,000), both members of the congregation, enabled the PCC to give the green light to this project in the knowledge that the funding requirements could be met and to start the building work ahead of fundraising. To date, an additional £30,000 has been raised for the welcome area, generating reserves for future projects.

The other project which has benefited from these legacies is the renovation of Christ Church’s 100 yearold pipe organ, last given a  major overhaul over 50 years ago. The renovated organ was ready to go at the end of March of this year, just two days before a concert designed to show it off! The organ has been very popular with donors and now, almost all of the £75,000 total required has been raised. However, just as with the welcome area, the legacy money made it possible to proceed without having to wait for this substantial sum to be raised.


This article is from...

Articles in this issue...

What is a Neighbourhood Plan and why do one?

Have you ever felt that your parish is changing and you don’t have a say as to what is happening?

More

The Committee for Growth!

St Peter’s Church in Sheringham embraced ‘Committed to Growth’ from its inception.

More

Getting off the giving hamster wheel

Earlier this year we sent all PCCs in the Dioecse of Norwich a copy of the new Giving for Life: Continuing the Journey checklist.

More

Has your PCC got a legacy policy?

Legacies are a lifeline for many of our parishes.

More

Lessons from Southrepps

In 1993 St James’ Church, Southrepps received a legacy of £750,000.

More

What makes a good Dementia café?

When Robert asked me to write this article I thought that it would be a very easy job because I am so passionate about the café at Wymondham. But the more I thought about it the harder it has become.

More

Engaging community at Advent and Christmas

Advent and Christmas can be a prime time for engaging with the local community. A tangible excitement grows and amidst the busyness of preparing and shopping there is often the gathering together of families and openness to engage in festive activities.

More

Fakenham’s Christmas Tree Festival

Organised by a team of six, planning begins in January.

More

“Oh yes they did!” at Quidenham Church

We put on a pantomime in Quidenham Church - Ali Baba and the Raiders of the Lost Crypt!

More

Cawston Parish Church wins National Lottery support

Cawston Parish Church has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a major project which aims to weave together church and community. Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to bring about major repairs and improvements to this significant medieval church building.

More

Keep up to date

Subscribe to our eNews for a snapshot of news, events and resources, usually emailed once a fortnight

Signup to newsletter