Our church is the only public building in our village. It is Listed Grade 1, and as such is in the top 3% of important historical buildings in England. One of its attractions is an important series of 13th Century murals around the walls of the nave. It is clear that it should be more than an historical gem. It should be the community space that serves the needs of both parishioners and residents for generations to come.
To date it has been used for a variety of activities. There is a regular and successful programme of Live@BB concerts. It’s been used for BBVA, Parish Council and PCC meetings. It hosts flower festivals and bazaars. It is also our polling station. However, it could be used for so much more. All that’s holding it back are the basic necessities – 21st-century heating, sanitation and catering facilities.
A village survey (via this website and door-to-door) was conducted in 2021 to solicit views about how the improved facilities might be put to good use beyond ‘coffee mornings’ and ‘soup clubs’. The response was overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic. A total of 72 respondents representing 63% of all households in the village responded. Of these, 72% are prepared to volunteer.
The projects
When the 50-year-old oiled-fired boiler eventually gave up, it presented a great opportunity. Richard Betteridge and Dave Nixon between them removed not only all the ancient radiators and pipework but also the boiler and the boiler room wall. What it revealed was a large room that could easily double as a vestry and kitchen/servery area.
The heating project
First things first, we had to sort the heating out – preferably before winter! We engaged a heating consultant, courtesy of the Diocese, and his report, Black Bourton Energy Audit Dioc Oxford, provided the solution – increase the single supply to a three-phase supply, install under-pew heaters and in the open areas install wall panel heaters.
We succeeded with some effort working with four separate contractors and with what turned out to be essential support from Frank Stewart-Wood, with his machinery and skill!
The acclaim from participants in 2022’s Santa’s Grotto, carol service, Christmas Eve wedding and midnight mass was testimony to everyone’s efforts. Many thanks to those who supported the first round of funding for the heating!
The toilet and kitchen project
Clearly this was a major project. The pre-construction work included the background document, Black Bourton Proposed Statements Of Significance And Needs 030223 and the architect Matthew Hollingsworth’s St Mary’s Black Bourton Plans And Drawings. The architect’s St Mary’s Black Bourton Schedule Of Works was used by our local builder Jason Strong and the Heritage Roofing Company to provide an overall estimate, which amounts to £98,330, not including VAT. It is this estimate that was used, along with the planning permission, to secure grants for the project. The Diocesan Development Fund granted £50,000 and the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust £20,000.
Work started at the end of October 2023 and was completed in time for an ‘official’ opening at the BBVA AGM on 22nd January 2024. We also took advantage of the digging to lay Gigaclear cabling for reliable Wi-Fi.
Do take a look at the slideshow of the before-and-after shots, under 2023.
Impact
Within a year of completion we are now having monthly coffee mornings, a Gardening Club with monthly speakers and a Film Club attracting residents from other villages. There is also a Christmas Bazaar, a Christmas choral concert and a concert sponsored by the Village Association.
In short, we now have a genuine village community centre, which, for a village of only 260 residents, is well used and loved. It’s not just church goers who now have a vested interest in the church’s upkeep.
Funding
The projects have pretty much cleared out our coffers so we are always in need of further funding for necessities such as professional cleaning of the church and other accessories such as tables and a communication system. Many have contributed to the ‘Fabric Fund’ via the Oil Club or 100 Club and various fund raising activities, such as the flower festival, and we are particularly grateful for the significant donations from certain individuals. We are now actively seeking grants from Carterton Town Council, in the context of the Carterton Cemetery, whose visitors will be making use of the WC facilities. The support from the BBVA is also critical as we look forward to a successful year of events.
Also very much appreciated are individual donations, however small.
If you can donate, however little, do use the contact form to receive the Fabric Fund’s bank details or use the JustGiving button below.