11th November 2011 - Appeal featured in Dunmow Broadcast http://www.dunmowbroadcast.co.uk/news/village_church_to_be_turned_into_community_hub_after_essex_environment_trust_funding_1_1122503

 

 

Information about the Church and the appeal

 

St John’s Bush End was built in 1856 and has been serving the local community for the last 160 years.   Situated opposite Hatfield Forest the church nestles in its own woodland site.  There are well attended Sunday services each week, with a full congregation at Christmas, Easter and Harvest Festival.

 

The aim of the appeal is to ensure St John’s is a place which can be enjoyed both for church and community facilities by future generations.  Accessibility is currently a problem, but with the planned improvements the church will be open to all.  The additional space created by a gallery will provide for greater congregation numbers at major festivals.

 

The Plans

 

The architects’ plans show how the interior of the church will look once the work has been completed, with considerable work taking place in the tower.

 

What needs to be done?

 

- Essential structural stonework repairs

- Repairs to stained glass windows

- Provision of toilet facilities

- Installation of kitchenette

- Connection to mains water supply

- Levelling uneven floors

- Removal of steps to improve disabled access

- Add mezzanine gallery in tower at West end of church

- Repair cracks in plaster around ten commandments mural

 

How will we raise the money? 

 

The church receives no central funding and with modest reserves we only have a small proportion of what is needed.

 

It is hoped this appeal for your donation will raise thirty percent of the funds needed for the restoration costs. 

 

We have raised over £100,000 from grant making and church preservation trusts.