Facilities and features
Accessibility
We have two toilets which are on the ground floor. The larger room has a baby changing table in it as well as a hand rail by the toilet.
They are both twinned with toilets abroad.
These are situated in the larger of out two toilets.
There is a public car park, The Maltings, across Church Street and accessed via a path between the Bank House and McCracken's opticians. Parking is currently free on a Sunday. There are four 20 minute spaces available by the gate in the Market Place. Blue Badge holders can use these and there are no roads to cross to reach the church.
This was installed a number of years ago. It has a hand rail, but is not fully compliant with current regulations. It is fully accessible with both a wheelchair and a rollator.
The entrance from the Market Place does not have any steps to it and is accessible by prams, wheelchairs, mobility boot scooters and rollators. There is a slight ridge which is easy to use with a rollator (I have no problems with it!).
An induction loop is installed around the pews in the central aisle.
There are three large print copies of the Holy communion and morning Prayer Service. There are also large print versions of the hymn books.
Assistance dogs are welcome in the church.
Our 9.30 communion and Morning Prayer services contain icons to aid people with dementia.
With prior request, the CofE CafE is able to provide gluten free refreshments.
Access is from the Market Place. It is flat access to the communion rail. If the High altar is used, there is a ramped access. The Elkes Room and Lady Chapel have flat access.
Our Building
Our East window, and 2 on the north side of the chancel are signed by William Wailes using his monogram.
The other windows are also signed by the makers.
We are open for individual payer whilst the Wednesday cafe is in operation.
The building is grade II* listed.
Whilst the cafe is open, we are using the main part of the church as a Warm Space during November, December, January, February and March.
We are also finding that a few people are purchasing items in the cafe to use that as a warm space.
We have been awarded Silver level ECO church.
Music and Worship
We have 8 bells dating from the 1700's (we know because the date is caste into them along with a short phrase) and a team of bell ringers.
A carillon is connected to the bells, playing at 9am, noon, 3pm and 6pm. A different tune is played each day.
A number of groups hire the church buildings to hold concerts.
These happen twice a month on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 8.00am.
The choir sings at the 9.30am service. It is also available to hire for wedding services or renewal of vows.
Groups, Courses and Activities
There are a number of Fellowship groups in the church.
We have members of the congregation who are trained to deliver CAP to children and adults.
Every wednesday between 10am and 1 pm there is CodE CafE serving hot light lunches and snacks as well as sweets!
We hold a Toddler group on a Tuesday morning between 9.30 am and 11.00am. Drinks and toast are available.
Help for Visitors
We have an A4 history and guide to the church £6.50
A booklet about the stained glass £1.50
A folded A4 guide - free
A5 booklet - free
All are available on the table to your right as you enter church from the Market Place.
CofE CafE is open on a Wednesday morning from 10.00am until 1.00pm serving light lunches and snacks. The proceeds are 75% for the church and 25% for the Children's Society.
The church is open on a Wednesday morning whilst the CofE CafE is open.
Other Features
We are a Fairtrade church.
We collect food to be given to one of the food banks in town.
We have a new sound system. A lap top can be used to show videos and stills on a hanging screen.
The Elkes Room is available for hire, as is the main body of the church.