St Michaels, Mansel Lacy, Grade 2*, Medieval Church Building
Type of Project:
Community Centre
Community Population:
125
Size of Congregation:
In 1984, an average, maximum 5 on
a Sunday.
In 2006, average of 18.
Cost of Project:
£85,500
Funding Sources:
National Lottery: £4,914
Local Authority: £ 52,568
Rural Development Commission:
£14,255
Trust Funds: £500
Local Fundraising: £750
Reclaimed VAT: £8,147
In Kind Contributions: £4,320
The idea of reordering the church into a
Community Centre was the result of many
years of discussions about the need for
community meeting place. The previous village hall had been located in the old village
school, which had closed in 1961, and was subsequently sold.
The ‘Friends of St. Michael’s’ had been formed in the early 1990’s and had set about
raising money to keep the church alive, as at this time there was a very small
congregation. Whilst the building was in a reasonably good state of repair, there were
some things that did need attention and it became clear that the church congregation
would not be able to manage to cost of the repairs on their own. The question was how to
go about raising funds for repairs, but also make the building sustainable in the long term.
A member of the local community, who was in fact a local councillor, became aware that
the local district council was distributing £6 million to community buildings across the area.
Mansel Lacy was desperate to apply for some of this funding, but knew that the population
of the village did not justify the building of a new village hall. However, refurbishment of
the oldest, existing community building suddenly seemed to be a workable feasible idea.
The plan was not without its difficulties. At
that time, this project was new and
extremely innovative. The ‘Friends’ had to
convert into a new organisation with
charitable status, titled “Mansel Lacy
Community Association”. This meant it had
a legally set up constitution and was able to
apply for grant money, not only from the
District Council, but also from other funders,
including the National Lottery.
The funding organisations, particularly the local authority, insisted on any grants being subject
to a lease, however, it was not possible at that time to ‘lease’ a consecrated building. So
instead, a ’Licence to Occupy’ for 21 years was developed and legally agreed. This was to
ensure that the church, as owners of the building, did not receive public funding and then at
some point, refuse the Community Association permission to use the building. It almost made
it a legal responsibility for both sides, the PCC and the Community Association, to maintain
good relationships and to work together. The penalty for failure – or the break down in
relationships - was the funding organisations being able to request their funding back!!
However, as the subsequent years have shown, none of that concern was necessary.
At PCC and open meetings there were a small number of people who either did not want the
church to be changed in any way or who were worried that it would be such a radical change
that the spirituality of the church would be damaged and at this point, some persuasion was
necessary. At the conclusion of the project and since, all except one original dissenter has
been forthcoming with their approval with the end result.
The development stage of the project took over a year, including development of plans,
faculty process and funding applications, but finally the building work commenced. Any grant
money given was on the basis of community benefit, but the work included all the inside of the
church because so much was to be shared. For example, it would not have been possible to
heat just the community section, so radiators were fitted throughout the building. The whole
of the floor area, apart from the chancel, was fitted with carpet. The pews that were retained
were then fitted over the carpet and 100 moveable and comfortable chairs, plus folding tables,
enable both the Church and the Association to make maximum use of the building. With loose
chairs there is now a larger seating capacity than there was with the original pews in place.
The refurbishment included a kitchen, which was fitted out with a cooker, water urns, crockery
and cutlery. The addition of two toilets has also made the building open and accessible to all.
Since the project was completed, 10 years ago, both the PCC and the Association have been
able to fund raise to the extent of both now having funds in reserve. The two organisations
have worked together on other pieces of work around the church building, for example, the
outer porch door has been fitted to reduce draughts, the doors have been draught proofed
and curtain heaters fitted over the doors, a music and amplifier loop system has been
installed, a Ride on Mower has been purchased to help keep the churchyard tidy. Very
recently, the drive and pathway to the church has been tarmaced.
All the above improvements have attracted financial grants from various sources,
including the National Lottery. The use by the community has meant that the building is
well looked after. The church is well used by local organisations and is well used for both
church and community activities and during January and February 2005 the building was
in almost constant daily use. The conversion has been a huge success and has helped
to develop a wonderful community spirit in the village and surrounding area. More
importantly, the project has helped secure the future of the church – not just as a
building but as a worshipping congregation, which has trebled in number since