The final phase of the Restoration Appeal, to install a modern efficient heating system, flexible seating, improved accessibility, a toilet, kitchen servery and a gallery is now well under way.
The Restoration Committee has decided to break this final phase down into 2 smaller projects. The more urgent needs of heating, flooring and a toilet will be addressed first followed closely by the kitchen and gallery.
Over the past year the Committee has been busy approaching and applying to numerous Charitable Trusts and Foundations seeking funding for the heating and flooring.
We have successfully been awarded a grant of £30,000 from the Oxford Dioceses Development Fund. The Development Fund is a Church of England Fund providing vital support to churches and their communities in activities to support their local mission.
The National Lottery Commission also awarded a grant of £10,000 towards our community appeal.
The success of the Circus held in the village in May also added a further £7,000 to the Project funds.
In total we have now raised £115,000, from numerous Charitable Trusts including the above grants and those from the Bernard Sunley Foundation and The Gladiator Trust, in additional to fundraising and donations. This represents about 70% of the funds needed for the urgent works.
It is hoped the final funds for the project will be received over the next 6 months so that the building works on the heating and toilet can commence in early 2023. The work should take approximately 5 months to complete. We will be warm again in church before we know it!
If you would like to make a donation to our appeal, please do so using the link below:
St James Church Leckhampstead 