Our three phased vision and five year plan
The Friends of St Mary’s, in partnership with the Parochial Church Council, is committed to bringing new life and purpose to Ross-on-Wye’s oldest and most important building.
St Mary’s Church, often described as the jewel in the Ross crown is already a lively centre for Christian worship. The three phases of the vision outlined here will build on the building’s seven centuries of service by making it an important centre for music, drama and the arts for the whole community.
For our vision to become a reality we will need the support of individuals and organisations both locally and nationally.
Phase 1: RESTORE
Restoration work on the Tower and Spire and some of the roofs
WHY?
A recent investigation of the fabric has highlighted the need for substantial remedial work here.
WHEN?
Begin the work by Spring 2009. Complete by end of 2009.
HOW MUCH?
£200,000
WHERE FROM?
£150,000 from grants, £50,000 from fundraising and private donations.
A detailed inspection of the tower and spire by a steeplejack in April 2007 revealed the need for considerable refacing of perished stone and repointing to defective mortar joints. Work is also needed on the roof.
The last major work on the spire took place in 1952 when the top 25 feet of it was dismantled and rebuilt. The remainder of it is now in need of attention.
Phase 2: REBUILD
Build a new hall attached to the church to replace St Mary’s Hall
WHY?
The present building is unfit for purpose and expensive to maintain. An attached building will provided the church with disabled access, toilet, kitchen and social facilities and pave the way for phase 3 ...
WHEN?
Planning and consultation is well underway. Begin the work by January 2010. Complete by December 2010
HOW MUCH?
£800,000
WHERE FROM?
£350,000 from sale of St Mary’s Hall
£250,000 from grants
£200,000 from fundraising and private donations
St Mary’s Hall is a valuable community resource used by a range of organisations every day. The building is over 200 years old, no longer fit for purpose and should be replaced.
There is an urgent need for numerous properly appointed and accessible facilities from the church building. These are essential if it is to be a viable community space. The construction of a new hall will provide all of these. New and exciting possibilities will then exist for the whole complex.
Phase 3: RENEW
Remodel the church interior to provide a flexible space
WHY?
So that the building can serve both congregation and community in the 21st Century.
WHEN?
Community consultation and planning - 2009. Begin work in 2011.
HOW MUCH?
£? considerable work is still to be done at the planning stage.
WHERE FROM?
Grants, fundraising and private donations
Only when the internal space of the church is reorganised will the building be able to serve as a useful community resource. The last major reordering of the church took place in 1862 and the current layout of the building is better suited to the 19th century than the 21st.
Important consultation will need to take place with all stakeholders but the first major task will be to replace the tatty, uncomfortable and inflexible pews with alternative seating. Further work will then need to be carried out on the heating and lighting systems as well as the flooring. The organ and vestries may need to be relocated.