Archive - Monday, 10 June 2002


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Church completes revamp landmark

A PROJECT to bring a historic Ryedale church into the 21st century has reached a landmark stage.

The first stage of the £250,000 scheme to upgrade St Michael's Church, in Malton, has been completed.

Rev Nick Jones, who with the help of church volunteers has helped steer the plan, said the successful conclusion will act as a springboard for the next stage of the project.

"This is an exciting new development in our church life and everyone in Malton is welcome to call in for a chat and a look around," he said.

"Now we have these new amenities we are looking ahead five years by which time we hope to have completed the project."

The completed stage has mainly involved restoration work and the creation of a new vestry and a new chapel for families.

"The restoration work has been carried out on the stonework and the stained glass and the renewal of the heating boiler," said Mr Jones.

"Most important is the brand new vestry which will now double up as a parish office.

"We have also transformed the Lady Chapel so that mums and dads can take their children in there during services.

"They will be able to hear the service but sound-proofing will mean crying babies will not disturb the other worshippers.

"The chapel will also be used for quiet worship."

Work on the latest stage has been carried out with more than £100,000, mainly raised through donations.

"One special feature is that this work has been possible through the hard work of our congregation and the generosity of local people in their support.

"We are also grateful to the Earl Fitzwilliam Trust which has provided a lot of support.

"With all the support we have had so far we have the confidence we need to finish the job and give Malton's centre a church of the new century."

The next stage of the project will involve developing the church's parish rooms to encourage more community use, added Mr Jones.

"We will be building some much needed toilets and we need to spend substantial amounts on restoring the church tower and overhauling the church organ," he said.

Updated: 08:47 Monday, June 10, 2002