£86,000 improvement for church hall

AN £86,000 improvements project for a church hall in Appleton is now underway.
Money will allow the existing St Mary Magdalene’s church hall on Dingleway to be converted into a community venue for use by local groups.
It is being funded by grants from environmental charity WREN (£50,000), the Veolia Environmental Trust (£9,712) and church fundraising. It is expected to be completed by the end of September in time for an official opening on October 17.
Work involves improving the standard of the building and creating a new community centre better suited for use by a range of groups from the local area.
It will mean improved facilities for existing hall users and also create new space to accommodate other groups and organisations.
Rev Michael Ridley, vicar of St Mary Magdalene’s, said: “We have a vision of St Mary Magdalene’s being a real centre of community, providing a modern, accessible, safe place for young and old alike.”
He said the church is forging links with local groups and organisations and hopes to expand the number of centre users.
The vicar added: “In future years we hope to improve car parking for the area and provide a play area for the estate. Local people are invited to come to our Grand Open Day on Saturday October 17 when the Mayor and local dignitaries will be present.”
Richard Smith, of WREN, said: “This project is a superb example of a committed church making best use of their building to maximise opportunities to engage community groups and provide a true community facility.”