BRIDGNORTH residents are being urged to get involved with moves to give a building a facelift and make it the ‘heart of the community’. Plans for St James’ Hall Church on The Grove Estate, drawn up by local architect Vic Johnson, will be on show at an open day there next Saturday, May 14 (10am-1pm).
St Mary’s Parochial Church Council is behind the scheme for improvements to the 50-year-old building which is owned by the church. PCC secretary Sue Thomas said an application was being made to Shropshire Council’s market towns initiative for £100,000.
“We want St James’ to be a centre that offers local people a variety of activities and services and most importantly things that people want to use or take part in,” she said.
“We want it to be at the heart of our local community for those who are or are not members of the congregation.
“We are also applying to Shropshire Council and exploring as many avenues for funding as possible. The church will also be providing funding. The framework of the building is solid, but a refit is needed.”
The hall is currently used by the Forget-Me-Not Club, St James’ Old Tyme Dance Club and by a club for lonely people run by mayor Councillor Val Gill, as well as by three evening exercise clubs, the ‘Messy Church’ gatherings for children and for occasional church services.
The PCC want to open its doors more often and offer more activities for local people. Events being suggested include craft activities, fun days, a ‘swap shop’, baby and child groups, music workshops, cookery classes, flower arranging and a tea bar or small cafe.
“We will be consulting widely over the next few weeks in a variety of ways,” added Mrs Thomas.
The PCC also needs more help to manage the hall and organise activities. Anyone who can help or wants more details can contact Sue Thomas on (01746) 714643 or team
rector Rev Simon Cawdell on (01746) 761573.