3R's

Not just restoration

Being the Church means knowing how we can best use our buildings - that will mean REORDERING. To help the Church to be of even greater use to the community we are planning to improve disabled access, provide toilets, a welcoming reception and an area to prepare and serve refreshments.

How can it be done?

We have some money in the former Restoration Fund but English Heritage cannot give grants because demands from other churches around the country are so great.

There are local groups and trusts who may help and we are grateful for having already received a generous donation for the stained glass windows. Thanks also to The Suffolk Environmental Trust & Mid-Suffolk District Council for grants of £10,000 for work on St Peter's Hall.

The 3R's Project was launched at our Flower Festival and Gift Day in August 2004. Since then we have had Indoor Boot Sales, Coffee Mornings, Cheese and Wine evenings, Christmas Tree Festival and a Talent Contest to add to the funds.

St. Peter and St. Mary's Church

Please follow the link below to read about the design and production of the first four windows already fitted in our church.

Barley Studio designs for Stowmarket Parish Church

A great deal of restoration work was done to the Church between 1973 & 1996 which included the rebuilding of the distinctive church spire, however there is still some more outstanding work that needs to be completed.

Windows

The Victorian glass windows on the south side of the Church have recently been replaced by clear windows with four stained glass designs depicting seasonal, local & spiritual ideas and concepts.

Designed by Helen Whittaker from Barley Studio in York , Spring and Summer were fitted in December 2005 and Autumn and Winter in March 2006. They also let much more light into the church.

www.helenwhittakerart.com

The windows running along the central aisle of the church, high above the arches are known as "clerestory windows".

Repairs need to be made to all of these at an estimated cost of £8,000 each. As there are 12 clerestory windows the total cost will be £96,000.

St. Peters Hall

What have we completed so far?

External decoration to the door and windows at the front.
A door has been inserted into the side wall for off-the-road access.
Re-ordering & provision of disabled toilets.
A new boiler has been fitted for the heating system.
The 5 windows at the back of the Hall have been replaced with double glazed units.
Decorating the walls and ceiling.
External wall capping.
Drainpipe and guttering repairs.

What is still to be done?

Improve the floor in the entrance and Main Hall.

The total cost, when completed is expected to be in the region of £45,000.

St. Mary's Hall

Our Hall in Silverdale Road is used by the St Peter & St Mary's Pre-school group for 2-5 year olds, 5 days a week and a Toddler Group on Mondays.

We also get bookings for private parties and other small groups.

Contact the Church office (on the selection bar at the top of the page) for booking details.

New UPVC doors and double glazed windows have now been fitted around most of the building. In the last year the pre-school staff have painted the main hall and ASDA have decorated and brightened the entrance.

All their hard work and effort has made this a much more friendly and welcoming building to come into.