£611,000 upgrade begins

BUILDERS have begun work on a 611,000 scheme to redevelop Christ Church in Prince Edwards Road, Lewes.

The impresive project will provide a permanent replacement for the rear timber hall, built in 1958, as well as modern kitchen and wc facilities.

In addition a striking new entrance and meeting concourse will be built with two church offices and a fully ramped access for those with impaired mobility.

The 40-week contract has been awarded to Walter Llewellyn & Sons Ltd following a tender process involving local firms.

So far church members have raised more than 180,000 towards the cost of the scheme in less than three years and received substantial grants from the United Reformed and Methodist Church parent bodies.

Fund raising chairman Alan Pett said: 'The church has still some way to go to pay off the 145,000 in outstanding commitments and to pay back loans, but we are working towards clearing the balance within the next five years.

'There will be further appeals for help from the 85 strong membership and for grants, and there will be fund-raising in the form of sales of produce and greeting cards, concerts and sponsored events.'

'The redevelopment will enable us to to extend our outreach and provide better facilities for the community and the church.'

In the meantime, church services are being held at St Mary's Church Hall, Highdown Road, on the Nevill Estate (11am each Sunday and 6.30pm on the first and third Sundays in the month).

Other events are to be held at venues to be advertised. For more information on the scheme and fundraising, contact Alan Pett on 01273-813048.

l Christ Church minister the Rev Geoffrey Dunstan has now retired. The new minister is the Rev Martin Batstone.