St Peter’s Barrowden – Re-ordering 2019 – We did it!

On 29th June the villagers of Barrowden and Wakerley welcomed the Bishop of Peterborough to re-open St Peter’s Church following its Re-ordering.

A special service, in the packed church, marked its complete refurbishment over the past 8 months and a journey which began 10 years ago.

A new stone floor with underfloor heating system has been installed; a kitchen and WC added and the old vestry converted into modern meeting room. In addition the church has a new lighting, Wi-Fi, digital organ and sound system so that it can meet the needs of services and events such as lectures and concerts.

Martin Beattie Chair of the Re-ordering Project Group said “We are delighted to re-open the church which is now fit for the 21st century. We truly have an ancient building which has been made more beautiful and meets the needs of both parishioners and the local community”.

The builders were W.W. Brown of Market Harborough who delivered the project on budget and to time, to the plans drawn up by the Architect John Eaton.

Martin concluded “Our objectives have been to make the church more sustainable, more user-friendly and to create a new community space whilst enhancing the beauty and sanctity of this ancient building.

 

We think we have delivered these aims! “

            

History and Funding

After plans for the Re-ordering were finally approved in late 2016 the Project group set about the task of raising near £400,000 to finance the works.

The budget was £374,000 :

The cost of the building work and fees        £305k

New organ                                                     £29k

New Oak Seating                                          £31k

Sundry costs                                                   £9k

Money Raised :

Barrowden and Wakerley PCC                     £85k

Local Giving                                                  £88k

Events fundraising                                        £18k

External Grants                                           £133k

Diocesan Loan                                              £50k

The church made available its own reserves and first began with a local appeal to villagers in 2017.  Immense support from the local community was given and fund raising was achieved in a little over two years.

The success of the appeal allowed for grants to be sought and £133,000 was raised through the generous support of:

Awards for All

All Churches Trust

Augean – Kings Cliffe – Community Fund

Beatrice Laing Trust

The J Reginald Corah Foundation Fund

Maud Elkington Trust

The Jill Franklin Trust

Garfield Weston Foundation

Hickinbotham Trust

The Hobson Charity Ltd

Jack Patston Charitable Trust

Mick George Landfill Community Fund

Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust

Burghley Preservation Trust

We had a success rate of 14% (6 rejections to one positive).