There were joyful celebrations at Christ Church, Bradford on Avon, as Bishop Andrew joined the congregation, members and representatives of the community, contractors and conservators to mark and give thanksgiving for the completion of new facilities and restoration works, all of which were intertwined with extensive community engagement.
The celebrations were the culmination of many years of planning, grant applications and community fundraising that have seen the church’s landmark spire clock restored to its former golden gleaming glory, new energy efficient and adjustable lighting both brightening the space and highlighting heritage features, magnificent wall paintings and stained glass windows cleaned and conserved, and – finally – after 185 years, Christ Church finally has on-site toilets and a kitchen!
Newly created flexible use spaces within the nave are transforming how the building is used both for worship and by the community. The church has already hosted a Remembrance Concert by Bradford Choral Society – with a 70+ strong choir and a packed audience – as well as seating over 50 for our informal Conversation and Craft cafés held jointly with Christ Church Primary School, Dementia Action Alliance and Bluebird Care.
Bishop Andrew said: “The projects to discover and renew Christ Church are outstanding examples of what can be done when community service and involvement, generous charity and great local leadership combine. I was thrilled to dedicate the newly restored Christ Church and see additional facilities provided of such quality and sympathy with the historic fabric. A beacon project that will inspire many others: congratulations, team!”
Grateful thanks were given for Christ Church’s amazing community…so many people, volunteers, organisations, craftspeople, contractors and others came together to help make the future for the church so bright.
The work would not have been possible without the generous support of many funders, organisations and individuals: The National Lottery Heritage Fund, community donations, Garfield Weston Foundation, Medlock Charitable Trust, Congregational & General Charitable Trust, Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust, National Lottery Community Fund, Bernard Sunley Foundation, Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, Benefact Trust, Laing Family Trusts, Bradford on Avon Town Council, The Pilgrim Trust, ChurchCare, Apetito and Wiltshire Farm Foods.
