Over the past six months the team at St. John’s Church in Hatherleigh have been implementing a series of thoughtful upgrades designed to make the building more accessible to everyone in the community.
These enhancements are aimed at helping to make sure that the church remains a welcoming space for all, regardless of mobility.
Among the improvements are the installation of new railings along the path leading to the church and into the porch, providing safer and easier access. Additionally, a new access ramp has been built at the rear entrance to offer all-ability access into the church itself.
Looking ahead, ongoing fundraising efforts are focused on raising the necessary funds to install an all-ability toilet on the ground floor of the tower. To make room for these new toilet facilities, the Hatherleigh Bellringers have kindly agreed to relocate from ringing the bells from the ground floor of the tower to a newly refurbished ringing chamber in the middle of the tower, as part of the recent restoration and reordering work.
Our Thanks
A special thank you is extended to several organisations and individuals who have supported these initiatives:
The Heritage Lottery Fund for providing significant funds for the all access adaptations enabling the installation of the ramp.
Our thanks are also extended to the Bernard Sunley foundation, Foyles Foundation and The Laing Family Trust for their grants towards this project.
Pat Bottoms, for her contribution of funds towards the cost of the handrails in memory of her late husband Brian Bottoms.
Local contractor Graham Pridham Welding and Fabrication is also thanked for his expert fabrication and installation of the railings, while David Meardon, another local contractor, is acknowledged for fitting the new access ramp.
These enhancements are part of ongoing efforts to make St. John’s Church accessible and welcoming to all members of the community.