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Church re-ordering plans are revealed
ANGLICAN Church leaders in Thornbury have chosen a firm of architects to "re-order" the town's part 12th century parish church.
And as feared by some - worshippers and non churchgoers alike - the suggested designs involve scrapping the church's 168-year-old Victorian pews and replacing them with modern, more adaptable, seating.
The outline plans also include installing a 9ft tall curving glass screen and doors to divide the main area, creating spaces for both worship and fellowship.
The area for worship would be slightly smaller than at present, bringing the congregation closer together.
In their commentary, Glasgow-based architects CRGP say: "We believe that the Victorian pews are restricting both current and future worship.
"It also limits the opportunities for the building to be used for other purposes that, although not the priority, may become a much bigger issue in the future.
"Replacing the pews with high quality timber chairs allows for a much more flexible range of worship styles."
The firm also suggests a new timber floor to cover the building's massive flag stones, some bearing inscriptions.
Vicar, the Rev David Primrose, said: "Nothing has been decided - we cannot stress that too strongly. The architects we have chosen have submitted initial designs which we feel will serve well as a basis for consultation over the coming months.
"The designs are definitely not cast in stone and are highly likely to be subject to amendment and modification."
He admitted that having come this far the church would not be abandoning its plans for a re-ordering scheme.
"However, we are only too well aware of the importance of St Mary's not just to churchgoers but to the whole town, and we shall be consulting with interested groups and individuals wherever and whenever we can.
"This is the start of a six month period of consultation during which we are hoping for some very healthy debate. In September the firm will submit revised and detailed designs for the various applications we will need to make."
Last year specialist architectural firms were asked to submit outline designs showing how the church could be altered to meet current requirements for worship combined with modernised facilities and increased availability to the wider community.
Out of an original list of 14 recommended firms, church leaders have now selected designs by CRGP to go forward as a basis for consultation with interested parties.
Designs drawings are currently on display in the church. Anyone with immediate comments or wishing to be invited to occasions of public consultation should contact Mr Primrose at The Vicarage, Thornbury.
8:30am Thursday 6th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: T Ball on 7:21pm Thu 6 Mar 08
I am appalled at the scale of the change proposed - this is nothing but vandalism of a much loved church. I fear the views of ordinary people are NOT going to be listened to or acted on. What a horror.
I am appalled at the scale of the change proposed - this is nothing but vandalism of a much loved church. I fear the views of ordinary people are NOT going to be listened to or acted on. What a horror.
Posted by: C Smith, Thornbury on 3:28pm Fri 7 Mar 08
Wooden pews are uncomfortable, impracticable for modern worship and limit the church from being used for other events which can be crucial for raising much needed church funds.
As long as the parish church looks pretty for weddings I guarantee most of the Thornbury community probably wouldn't care less. This should be a church decision and not bassed on the whim of a few local residents who only bother with St Mary's when it suites them.
Wooden pews are uncomfortable, impracticable for modern worship and limit the church from being used for other events which can be crucial for raising much needed church funds.
As long as the parish church looks pretty for weddings I guarantee most of the Thornbury community probably wouldn't care less. This should be a church decision and not bassed on the whim of a few local residents who only bother with St Mary's when it suites them.
Posted by: r cornock, thornbury on 11:02am Sat 15 Mar 08
To sweep away the beautiful interior of this building in the name of progress is pure vandalism.having spent time in this church i have always felt that the current features only add to the experience of worship. if an area is needed for other activities then i believe that the St Marys church hall should be used for this rather than turning the parish church into an assembly room and cafe!
To sweep away the beautiful interior of this building in the name of progress is pure vandalism.having spent time in this church i have always felt that the current features only add to the experience of worship. if an area is needed for other activities then i believe that the St Marys church hall should be used for this rather than turning the parish church into an assembly room and cafe!
Posted by: Neil Marchant, Thornbury on 10:38pm Sat 22 Mar 08
The Methodist Church and the United Reformed Churches with historic buildings have done the same thing and no one kicked up a fuss. Both these buildings have been improved without the Victorian clutter. Why make a fuss about the parish church when other churches in Thornbury have done it with very positive effect!
The Methodist Church and the United Reformed Churches with historic buildings have done the same thing and no one kicked up a fuss. Both these buildings have been improved without the Victorian clutter. Why make a fuss about the parish church when other churches in Thornbury have done it with very positive effect!
Posted by: Neil Marchant, Thornbury on 10:44pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Just to add to the above. Perhaps people should remember the church isn't a preservation society for Victorian clutter although it is custodian of many historical buildings. The real mission of the church is to proclaim the gospel of Christ and for people to make a stand agianst the greed, Thatcherism and Consumerism that has made tainted our society. The church should be supporting Trade Unionism and flying the socialist flag!
Just to add to the above. Perhaps people should remember the church isn't a preservation society for Victorian clutter although it is custodian of many historical buildings. The real mission of the church is to proclaim the gospel of Christ and for people to make a stand agianst the greed, Thatcherism and Consumerism that has made tainted our society. The church should be supporting Trade Unionism and flying the socialist flag!
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