Wilmington church re-opens following £450,000 revamp (From News Shopper)

Wilmington church re-opens following £450,000 revamp

7:10am Friday 27th July 2012 in News By Charlotte Marsh

A COMMUNITY is rejoicing after their church reopened following a massive makeover.

The St Michael and All Angels Church in High Road, Wilmington, has been revamped in a £450,000 project which started in January this year.

Now, the church can be used for concerts, lectures and exhibitions, as well as for community groups meetings.

Right Reverend James Langstaff, the Bishop of Rochester, formally opened the church on Wednesday (July 25).

The new-look church includes new seating, stone floors with under floor heating and lighting and audio-visual equipment, as well as platforms in the chapel and an activities room.

It is also now also accessible for people with disabilities and limited mobility.

Vicar Richard Arding said: “Wilmington now has a great multi-purpose venue that will serve the whole community.

“There isn’t a similar facility in the area and we’re grateful to all those who got involved and gave support for sharing our vision and helping us make it reality.”

The project was funded by legacies from two former parishioners, as well as donations from congregation members and fund-raising events.

Grants, to the value of £35,000, were also received from the Veolia Environmental Trust.