Open2All
The funding required for the ‘Open2All’ project has now been achieved. We are now in a position to start the work to provide a disabled access ramp up to the Church door. At the same time as this, a wheelchair lift into the Church, the provision of kitchen and toilet facilities in the South West corner of the Church.
For 5 years the Friends of St Cyrs Church and the Parochial Church Council have been working together on “Open2All”. The purpose is to make the Church available for many more groups to use as well as for religious services. The models of the plans have been available to see in the Church over this period.
Over the hurdles
There have been many hurdles to overcome during the planning of the Project. However, finally, we are in a position to commence the build by this coming spring. The facilities should then be fully open by mid to late Summer 2022.
The Friends and PCC now have obtained
- The Faculty from the Diocese
- Planning and Listed Building Permission for the work
- Permission from Stroud DC Building Control
- Agreement from a Church Conservation Architect.
(The Agreement from The Church Conservation Architect is to confirm that our plans are sufficiently robust so that the Grade 11* nature of the Building will not be compromised by the Project.)
The Costs
The Project is planned to cost £83,038. We reached our funding target for the at the end of November. This now means that we can now commence the build work.
The Friends are providing £18,408. These funds have been raised over the years by Villagers and other attendees to the many events organised by the Friends. In addition the Parochial Church Council have provided £5,535 in funds through giving and organised Church events. So nearly 30% of the cost has been raised through the Parishioners, Villagers and supporters of our Fund Raising activities. We are extremely grateful for the support that has been given.
Donations and Funding
The remainder of the funds of approximately £60,000 has been generously given by donations, grants and pledges of funds through various Charitable Trusts and organisations that support our type of Project.
The Charities supporting the project are:
Thank you to all in the village who have supported the Friends and the Parochial Church Council with Donations
So, most of the hard work is now done and we look forward to welcoming everybody to the launch of our finished Project in a few months time.
The Friends of St Cyrs Church Stinchcombe & The Parochial Church Council