The objectiveTo raise a further £17,000 to provide community space in the village of Eaton.Why?There is no village hall, pub, shop or other community space in the village and like many rural areas, Eaton has poor access to public transport. Despite this there is an energetic community; organising annual village outdoor events like open gardens, village bonfire, barbecues etc., which also attract the people of the neighbouring market town of Retford and surrounding villages. Currently, village meetings and indoor events such as the annual Harvest Supper are held in private homes which isn’t ideal. The vision Is to provide this vibrant and active rural community with much needed community space by adapting the church, the only public building in the village. As a more usable community space, the church will become the hub for village events, meetings, clubs and social activities whilst still being used for worship. It will be used by people of all ages to promote community cohesion and address rural issues such as isolation, and will play a vital role in keeping the existing community alive. It will also do much in encouraging newcomers to the village to feel welcome and involved. The proposal will also make the church more usable by the parish’s CofE primary school.<span style="font-size: 1rem;">The Plan</span>Remove the pews at the rear of the nave leaving 11 rows at the front for regular services. The rear of the nave will become a flexible open space where chairs can be used to supplement the pews for larger services and tables can be arranged for other uses. There will be a kitchenette on the back wall to enable refreshments to be prepared and an adjoining accessible WC with a baby change unit will be built as an extension off the south wall. This will also necessitate water and sewage connections to be made, and the dated heating and lighting systems to be improved and made more efficient. The way forwardFully costed plans have been prepared, planning permission has been granted and a faculty obtained from the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham. The PCC and community are busy fundraising and the amount currently available is £10,500. The total cost of the project is £55,000. When our balance of funds reaches half the total cost we will be able to apply for ‘matched funding’. Therefore, the target we are aiming for is a further £17,000.
