Newsletter: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time A
Our Parish (long-term) future
Over the last few months a firm of building consultants, Wilby & Burnett have been preparing plans for renewing the roof of the whole complex, 8400 square feet of roof. This is necessary because the roof panels are made of a form of lightweight concrete which now needs to be replaced. Such an undertaking is going to be expensive, possibly between £2 and £3 million pounds, but a much cheaper option than rebuilding the whole complex.
How is this project to be funded? This project will be funded partially by grants, diocesan contribution, loans and fundraising through the parish. Though a massive target it is achievable. St Margaret’s is a vibrant parish and the high level of engagement of parishioners with the life of the parish makes this community worth sustaining and nurturing for the years ahead.
There will be many difficulties to overcome should the project go ahead, the most daunting being the need to close the Church for a period of time yet to be determined; my hope is that the hall can open sooner for Sunday Mass and community activities before the main Church is ready.
The roof project has been presented to the Historic Churches Committee who will declare whether the project has secured Planning Approval and only then will the consultants seek tenders from contractors.
There is much to digest in this message and at the same time of writing much remains unknown especially with respect to the timing of the building work. I will keep the parish posted on all developments as they occur.
Fr Peter
