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St.
Dunstan’s Ashurst Wood The The
alterations to the building were financed by grants, interest free loans and
much fundraising and the former chapel was transformed into a delightful
little country church. Various artefacts were brought from the old building
including the pews, a stained glass window and the stone font – now
situated in the garden because of lack of space! A modern portable font has
replaced it. Various
improvements have been undertaken over the past years including an extension
to the car park, and like Holy Trinity, the spire was floodlit to mark the
millennium. Over the next few years we will be developing the church
buildings to be better equipped for the Church’s mission in the
village. The church
is open daily during daylight hours and you are welcome to visit and look
round. We want to develop St. Dunstan’s and its Hall so that it
can better fulfil its call at the heart of the community in Ashurst Wood: Facilities for the disabled, multi activity
rooms, modern kitchen, adequate office and storage, better and
environmentally sensitive heating and insulation, more flexible worship area
and many other facilities. As you can see from the picture the church will have more
presence too with a new main entrance from the car park. The Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC)
visited us on 15 January, met members of the Project Team and Architect,
toured the buildings and examined the plans. They were impressed and very
encouraging and supportive. Next we will submit the plans to the Mid Sussex District Council
for planning approval. When that is gained we have to go back to the DAC for a
‘Faculty’. This gives us permission from the Church to complete
the Project and get detailed costings and put the
work out to tender. Only then can the building begin! In the meantime the fundraising continues. We have now secured
funding for up to 50% of the project’s estimated cost of £305,000 and
we have several other grant applications being considered. Private donations too are coming in - £11,000 so far! Please keep praying for the project and above all that it will
bless Ashurst Wood. Plans can be seen displayed in the church and please contact us
if you wish to donate to the Project. Rev. Nick Lamb, Vicar, and Mr Jeremy Kirk, Churchwarden
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