The first phase of the Methodist Chapel’s ambitious plan to upgrade its facilities has now been scheduled to start on Monday 11th November.

The Schoolroom will get a new, fully-insulated, floor which will be raised up to the same level as the rest of the Church building. The walls are having damp proof treatment and 50mm of insulation added to them. All windows are getting secondary glazing. The kitchen area is to be removed, giving more space to the main area of the schoolroom. This work is planned to be completed by mid-December.

During this work, the Worship area will be used for the weekly Tuesday coffee morning and a temporary kitchen is to be available in the crèche room. 'Singing for Fun', and other bookings, will continue in the Worship area during the schoolroom work.

The start date is dependent on the builders finishing their previous job. The Chapel say that the work will not require any road closures.

Subsequent work in the New Year in the Chapel will include the removal of all pews, a new fully-insulated floor plus insulation and secondary glazing added to all external windows. A new central doorway will be created from the porch into the Worship area and the fitting of a new kitchen, new heating system and a second toilet is also planned.

Senior church steward Tim Abel said:- “The main aim of all this work is to bring our building fully up to date so it can be a fully insulated, energy efficient building. It is our aim to be as close to net-zero as possible. The fully-insulated building will reduce our heating costs drastically and will mean the building will be a warmer and more adaptable place, especially the Worship area.”

The whole first phase of the work is expected to be completed before the temporary closure of the Village Hall for two months starting in March

Further phases of the project, for which funds have still to be secured, could include the creation of a shop and café space in an extension of the chapel to the right of the main building.

To see our original story on the Chapel's plans click here