Refurbishment of Access Facilities, Methodist Church, Chinnor
OHCT have provided the Project with a grant of £12,000
A transformation of this historic chapel has recently been completed with the help of a grant from the OHCT. The intention was to create a clean, light-filled space retaining the essentials of the original building. The first step was to replace, weatherproof and re-slate the entire roof. Both the main worship area and the rear halls were stripped to the brickwork and wholly re-plastered. Internal walls were reconfigured to make more effective use of space. Much other major work has been achieved: new windows and a new ceiling to the main worship space enhance the feeling of lightness, reinforced by flexible LED lighting, controllable to suit a variety of events. Reclaimed vintage floorboarding adds style to the main area. New heating, wiring and plumbing has been installed. Provision of a new ramp at the front and level flooring throughout means that disabled access is now straightforward within the whole building. Toilet and kitchen facilities have been upgraded to provide a modern, spacious and integrated appearance. Insulation to and beyond current requirements ensures a minimised carbon footprint. Original foundation stones have been re-sited to the body of the church. Six of them bear the Croxford name, and it is a crowning touch that the latest generation of the family laid the screed in the porch. This project has resulted in a versatile structure which stimulates a variety of forms of worship and community use.
The first service in the refurbished building was held on Sunday 15 January 2017 and the wow factor was evident. Formal rededication took place in April 2017.
