Appeal to modernise church

ONE of Ipswich's most prominent churches is launching an appeal for funds to modernise its facilities to make it more accessible for the community.

The appeal, which will be launched on July 20, aims to raise £100,000 to provide a new extension to the north side of St Margaret's Church, situated next to Christchurch Park.

The building will reflect the style of the rest of the church. It will house two toilets, one suitable for disabled visitors, and a small kitchen with storage cupboards. In addition ramps will be put in for wheelchair users.

St Margaret's has never had any toilets. The congregation has to use the facilities in the Church Centre across the road.

Appeal organiser Jennifer Hartley, of Bransby Gardens, said: This is far from ideal. By the time you get across the road it is some considerable way, especially for older people."

So far the project has been given £75,000 as a bequest and volunteers who took part in the Orwell Walk last month have added to the fund.

Mrs Hartley, of Bransby Gardens, added: "We, the church family, want to see the church building used by the whole community, not just for services but for concerts, lectures and social gatherings."

"We are very positive that we will raise the balance and hope to get the project started as soon as we can next year."

An archaeological dig will have to be carried out before any building work can take place as the church used to be a priory dating back to 1300.

As well as hosting a number of events, including a choral concert in October, fundraisers are asking individual people, clubs, societies and businesses, people to make donations. They have produced a replica of a Leonard Squirrel picture of the church printed on a tea towel, which is on sale for £4.

For further information or to make a donation contact Jennifer Hartley, 29 Bransby Gardens, Ipswich IP4 2HQ.