Abbey United Reformed Church is a familiar feature of Romsey with its flint walls, 'moat' and arch, a place where people have met Sunday by Sunday for worship, have shared joys and tears, have enjoyed fine music, discovered new friendships and sensed God's grace. Its hall is well used by church and community groups, serving the local town in many different ways.
In the twenty-first century, the congregation is determined to protect the best in its inherited buildings, while at the same time developing them in a way that can better serve the growing community of Romsey, witness to a life giving gospel and glorify God.
The objectives of the ALL WELCOME Church development Project are to make the church premises more attractive and inviting, and more 'user friendly' for both congregation and community. There is major emphasis placed on improving facilities in both the church and the hall, for children, the elderly and disabled people.
ALL WELCOME in the church
A new welcome area ~
The present cramped vestibule at the entrance of the church will be replaced
by a much larger and lighter entrance foyer. With the main oak doors folded
back, glazed doors will enable passers-by to look into the church. There will
also be more space in the entrance foyer and at the back of the church for
displays and for people to meet and chat.
Improved facilities for the church ~
Ground floor toilet facilities with disabled access and baby changing facilities,
and a specific crèche area will be added to the side of the building.
A small kitchen will be provided so that refreshments can be served in church
after worship, at midweek events and concerts.
Improved worship area ~
Moving the organ console to behind the font area will restore the symmetry
of the seating and open up what is at present a dark and unused corner. Space
will be provided for musicians opposite the organ.
An office for the church ~
The choir vestry will be improved to provide facilities for church office
work, as well as a place for the choir and other groups to meet.
ALL WELCOME in the hall
Access to the hall and toilet facilities for disabled people ~
The main entrance area will be redeveloped to include disabled access and
toilet facilities.
A new hall kitchen ~
A new kitchen is to be built, with the appropriate facilities for catering
by church and community users. This will meet the required hygiene, fire and
safety regulations. As well as serving the hall, the kitchen will also be
linked to the lounge, enabling it to be used by groups meeting there.
General improvements to the hall ~
Among the general improvements, the gallery will be made safe, the damp back
passage will be removed and the high stage will be replaced by lower stage
blocks, making the hall a much better facility for all.
Inevitably the cost of improving and developing all these different areas of the church is large. Based on the initial feasibility study, the cost is estimated to be:
Where will the money come from?
The church can expect to receive some grants towards the work from the Wessex
Synod and there are some bequests for work in the church:
Grant for work for facilities for disabled = £18,000
General grant @20% on remainder = £61,000
Bequests = £61,000
Total money available = £140,000
There are possibilities of receiving more funding from other bodies, of about £30,000.