Regeneration Project News....

With the completion of the exterior lighting and the restoration/reordering works having taken place in St Mary & St Giles questions are naturally arising as to when the next phase of our Regeneration Project will begin.

Last week I was informed that the sale exercise on the former Parish Hall had been held up by the delay in the Greek Orthodox Community exchanging contracts on the demised Church of St Mary the Virgin. The necessary Section 36 Report has to contain information about rights of access and neighbouring property’s and the lack of certainty over the demised church meant that there was little point in writing a report only to have to rewrite it. However, I am given to understand that the sale of the demised church should be completed by the 6th April. Which will mean the sale of the former Parish Hall will begin shortly afterwards. In the meantime we have been asked by our agents if we will organise a working party to clear the grounds and mow lawns etc around the hall during March to aid the sale process.

I also heard this week from Brother Leon Lidderment of the Community of St Seraphim at Walsingham that the Icon of St Giles should be completed within the next six weeks. A frame is to be made to go around it, but this should not take very long and then it can be installed. I am negotiating with Bishop Andrew as to when he can come and bless all the recent works and this will be a major celebration for our Parish with distinguished guests, and - I hope - a splendid spread afterwards.