Forward Momentum Newsletter Issue 9

We are thrilled to welcome Sandi Merifield to The Way Forward project team! Sandi is a well known figure in Stebbing village and will be taking on the role of the Volunteer & Training Co-Ordinator. Our volunteers are essential and valued individuals, and the Activity Programme aspect of the project will be carried out by these amazing people. We are still on the look out for someone to fill the role of Heritage Engagement Officer so please do get in touch if you know anyone who may be interested.

This month has been quite eventful. We dedicated a day to pack up the church, and we’re so thankful for our wonderful volunteers! The bangers on the barbecue were a welcome lunch halfway through and added to the fun and camaraderie. We were astonished at how much was accomplished in one go and are very grateful to all those who lent a hand.

A bright sunny day a week or so later, the helpful chaps from Bakers of Danbury came and loaded all the boxes and furniture onto a truck to take to our storage facility. There was one nervous moment when it looked like the extra long pew from the chancel was not going to fit and the sound desk wobbled a little whilst it was lifting but all went well. All items are now safely stowed away. On the same day, scaffolding was put up ready for Cliveden Conservation to inspect the walls. Some interesting wall art was discovered, evidence of a more decorated church in previous centuries. We will have to make a decision about whether to uncover these paintings further (more money!) or leave a glimpse into the past.

With pews and other furniture left to clear out, September has also seen people visiting to have a look and to make offers. The pews have now gone to new homes and their owners are very happy to have a little piece of history. The blue covered wooden chairs have also found a new home at a church in Fyfield, a wonderful coincidence after a couple from Dunmow visited to look at a pew. They saw the chairs and put us in touch with the church warden at St Nicholas who was delighted to have them to replace their old worn out chairs!

At the time of writing, there are still several items looking for new homes. The brown sofas at the back of church (3 two seaters, 2 three seaters), 15 cast iron radiators and the wooden parquet flooring plus some long and short pieces of pine wood! Again, all offers gratefully received; we do need these gone.

The interior of the church building is looking rather empty now. Monday 7th October is the day that the Heras fencing will go up and Bakers of Danbury will move their equipment on site. On Sunday 6th in the afternoon, 12:30-15:00, we’re inviting folk to visit the church one final time before the capital work begins. It’s been a very long time coming, with several set backs on the journey. But we are filled with excitement as the first stage gets underway for The Way Forward project. Finally this much loved building will be getting the significant care and attention it deserves, to prepare it for the future and many generations to come.