St Leonards Church

The extension was officially opened by the Bishop of Winchester on 27th July 2014

 

The extension project at St Leonard's Church was to support the community by providing basic facilities for all who use the church.  These facilities are toilets suitable for the disabled, a small kitchen and a small hall.

 

The project was first planned by the PCC in 2000 but had to be delayed because urgent restoration to the church spire and chancel roof was required.  Fund raising was launched at Easter 2009 for what was estimated to be a 5 year programme.  Church attendances at St Leonard's have risen over the years and both worshippers and the wider community use it for regular worship as well as for concerts, displays, regular visits (the church is open to the public on 26 Saturdays a year) flower festivals and Christmas Tree festivals.  Many visitors travel long distances to attend the church for weddings, funerals and baptisms and expect on arrival that these essential facilities will be in place.

 

The building project had the approval of the parish council and the community at large (following a meeting held in the Village Hall) and received planning approval from the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council as well as a Faculty from the Diocesan Advisory Committee.

 

The PCC and the community worked tirelessly over four years to raise funds for this project.