Christ Church Sowerby Bridge is pleased to announce that it has completed two important maintenance projects. The north wind may blow this winter, but the roof repairs to the South porch of the Grade II listed church are now complete. This was 50% funded by a grant of £700 from the National Churches Trust matching the church’s contribution from the Fabric Fund.
Members of the church have also thanked the Rushbearing Committee, Community Giving Stream of Nestlé Halifax, and individual donors who have so far raised £1500 towards refurbishing the toilet area to make it warmer and more welcoming.
Main information
The work, which took place in October and November involved specialist repairs to ensure the wind and weather could not damage the stonework above the main entrance. In the toilet area damp penetration has been addressed, LED lighting responsive to a motion sensor has been installed and re-decoration is complete apart from the final floor covering due in the new year.
Peter Henry Church Warden said “We are conscious that Christ Church is a key Victorian building in the centre of the conservation area but it is a challenge to keep it comfortable for use today. These two projects are small but important to ensure the church is in good order as we head towards our 200th anniversary in 2021.”
In the four years since Sowerby Bridge was hit by floods the church has worked hard to ensure the building is better equipped and available for more community use. Today it is not only used for services but also as a space for community group meetings, seasonal events and exhibitions and, from 2020, as a concert venue.
Recent Community events
This Christmas the church has hosted visits from four local schools: Trinity Academy Sowerby Bridge, Tuel Lane Infant’s, Bolton Brow Primary, and its own Christ Church VA CE school for their end of term Christmas services in addition to its traditional parish carol service. At the annual Christingle service, (which raises funds for The Children’s Society) we gave out 150 Christingles and the church was filled with candlelight. This year the Community Development Board for Sowerby Bridge have installed a Christmas tree in the churchyard and several community groups including Sowerby Bridge Snails and the Fire and Water Community Choir met around it to sing carols. We have also collaborated with Happy Days and our local Tesco store to host an evening drop in for those needing food in our community.