The Lighthouse Project

Ask and it will be given to you: seek and you will find: knock and the door will be opened to you

Matt 7:7

The Lighthouse Project

How did the Project Start?

In September 2007 the local authority issued an Appraisal report on the Weaverham Conservation. It was less than complimentary about Church House referring to decay, need of maintenance and opportunities for development.

In early 2008 the then Parochial Church Council [PCC] agreed to set aside some money to refurbish Church House and an Architect was appointed. A steering group was appointed by the PCC to oversee the project and its first job was to consult all users and give everyone a chance to comment on the project. In September 2009 St. Mary’s became a Local Ecumenical Partnership [ECC] with our Methodist friends. In October the church held a GAP Away Day where the congregation voiced their views on the future mission of St Mary’s.

Taking all this information and opinions of many people the Architect and the steering group produced its first design layout for the ECC in November. After approval by the ECC it was about a year, with much negotiation on conserving the character of the building, before Planning Permission was finally obtained in December 2009. When it is finished our old hall will be transformed into a modern welcoming building fit for the next 100 years.

Following the ECC’s adoption of the St Mary’s vision statement ‘sharing the light and hope of Jesus with our community’ the project was named as the Lighthouse. This is an Architects impression of the finished building.

Where now?

The budget cost of the building £472,210 is based on a competitive tender held using 6 contractors. The ECC have allocated £120,000 and we are expecting some £100,000 at least from Methodist sources. Taking all other funds into account we have raised so far ££257910, some 54.6% of the total needed so we are more than half way towards our target. We are in the process of making grant applications to many trusts and organisations. In the New Year we will be inviting members of the congregation and community to help us with the project.

If you have any questions or would like to donate to the project please call Mike Sanders on 01606882345 or email mike_rainbow@btinternet.com