LEATHERHEADPARISH CHURCH

MAKINGHISTORYFOR THE NEXT 1000 YEARS

Making Historyfor the next 1000 yearsFor 1,000 years there has been a church standing at the southern gateway of Leatherhead. Generations of Christians haveworshipped here, faithfully serving the local community.

Over the centuries the fabric of our building and patterns of worship have adapted to reflect cultural changes. Today is no different and the 21st century presents new challenges for our generation. Therefore while undertaking essential repair work, we are planning to remodel some areas within the Parish church and invest in new facilities, which can be enjoyed by current users, as well as providing fresh opportunities to make new community connections and attract additional visitors.

Honouring those who have gone before us and establishing a legacy for those who come after, we have been considering how we transform our buildings, while retaining the unique and highly valued heritage of our medieval church.

Our aim is to grow a healthy, vibrant church in which lives are transformed and our community is enriched.

I hope you will be inspired to journey with us.

Rev’d Graham OsborneRector, St Mary and St Nicholas Parish Church

Project Objectives

Tell our heritage story better Create buildings fit for 21st CenturyPromoting imaginative use of technology and collaborative projects with schools, local arts and cultural groups and other nearby attractions.

Inspiring the daily use of the church and facilitating projects that make a positive difference to our community.

Restoring the beautiful architecture, open space and atmosphere of the church’s 12th-16th Century origins.

Reclaim our medieval church

Step through the doors of St Mary and St Nicholas Church and you’re immediately aware of its rich history. Recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the Parish church is the oldest building in Leatherhead. This grade II* listed building is full of historical interest.

Notable Architectural Features

• Medieval mensa surviving the Reformation behind the High Altar;

• An unusual double squint from north transept to chancel;

• 1800s Chancel renovation (Blomfield) featuring reredos, mosaic paving and marble steps;

• The piscina and 3-seat sedilia with polished shafts;

• A 15th century font.

Astounding Artefacts

• The Gardiner Helmet - a genuine late 16th century funeral helmet, used in 1571 at the funeral of Robert Gardiner, Serjeant of the Wine Cellar to Queen Elizabeth I;

• A collection of Grade II listed Portland chest tombs and brick barrel graves;

• Obelisk and sarcophagus to Richard Dalton (d.1681), Serjeant of the Wine Cellar to King Charles II;

• Restored Georgian Thomas Parker organ (1843).

Leatherhead Parish Church1000 years of History

Serving the Community

Throughout history our church family has had a long-standing tradition of providing welfare to those in need, and seeking to bring about social justice.

Today in addition to Sunday worship services Leatherhead Parish Church runs many activities and groups that are helping to build community, with a particular focus on supporting families and people who are socially isolated. Perhaps you or your family currently benefit from these activities or have done so in the past.

Families: Term-time baby & toddler group.

Children: School assemblies and mentoring team in Leatherhead Trinity School, and annual Holiday Club.

Youth: All Saints in Kingston Road has been dedicated to our work with the young people of Leatherhead undertaken by the award-winning Leatherhead Youth Project.

Older People: Services in local residential homes and lunches for over 65s who would otherwise eat alone.

Community: Market for local micro businesses and charities, providing a weekly meeting place for membersof the community and a free monthly Hearing Aid Clinic.

Our buildings are now placing serious restrictions on our ability to serve this community as fully as we would like.

“We shape our buildings,and afterwards ourbuildings shape us.”

Sir Winston Churchill

History in the MakingThe Making History project will create a more flexible space to facilitate a wider range of community and worship activities in a beautiful historic setting.

Just as medieval churches were the focus for community life – church services, festivals, plays, and markets – we seek to restore St Mary and St Nicholas at the heart of our contemporary community.

Vital amenities, including kitchen, toilets, disabled access, heating and lighting necessary to support significantly greater availability and dynamic usage of the church building seven days a week are planned.

“It’s unreasonable for a church

not to have toilets in the 21st Century” 

The Rt Rev’d Dr Jo Bailey WellsBishop of Dorking

“Finding a compromise between

protecting, celebrating, enjoying and

enhancing our heritage, whilst still using it

in a respectful but relevant way,

can be difficult but is by no means impossible.”

National Churches Trust

The Proposed Scheme Renovation works1. A new level stone floor in the nave and aisles to replace wood block flooring that has rot and infestation.

2. Eco-friendly under floor heating to replace uneconomical Victorian heating system.

3. Installation of kitchen to improve catering & hospitality.

4. Construction of toilet annexe including baby changing facilities and an accessible toilet.

5. Creation of meeting spaces for children’s work and other community activities in the Tower.

6. New lighting, sound and projection facilities.

7. Introduction of flexible seating.

8. Development of heritage media presentation/mobile app.

9. Remembrance Chapel for private prayer and reflection, including the British Legion WW1 war memorial.

10. Relocate the font to aid visibility and emphasise its symbolic importance.11. Glazed doors to the North Porch to make the entrance more welcoming.

12. Rotate the Parker Organ to enable access to the Chancel by people with restricted mobility and create a unique heritage space for liturgical worship.

13. Ramps to Lower Chancel step and Upper Chancel step enabling access for all.

14. The Chancel will be preserved as the focal point of our Medieval and Victorian heritage.

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MAKINGHISTORYFOR THE NEXT 1000 YEARS

2017 2018

Investing in the next 1000 years

The journey so farThe journey toward a church fit for the 21st century began in 2010. During the last 7 years the congregation has considered its vision and values and assessed what changes are required to address the needs of a modern-day worshipping congregation and the community it serves here in Leatherhead.

Following extensive consultation with Mole Valley District Council (MVDC), the Diocesan Advisory Council (DAC) and the Parochial Church Council (PCC), we have developed an ambitious plan to reorder the church in a way that retains our Medieval heritage, yet updates our facilities, so that it becomes a warm, welcoming, flexible environment that enables the building to be used 7 days a week.

To date we have spent £50,000 to develop architectural plans and undertake professional investigations, including a desk-based archaeological report, tree report and measured survey.

Funds raised to dateWe have already secured £700,000 of the 1.4m required to complete the proposed architectural solution. The Friends of Leatherhead Parish Church have pledged significant funds.

Fundraising InitiativeIt is right and proper for those who worship at the Parish Church to give sacrificially. The congregation and electoral roll have given generously to the project over and above their regular financial commitment to the church. However, given the historical and cultural significance of this church we also intend to launch a wider appeal to local residents and businesses.

Many people join us during Christmas and Easter festivals and the civic service of remembrance. In addition the church is frequently used by local families for baptisms, weddings and funerals, and walkers and other visitors out sightseeing. We believe that the role the church and its congregation play in serving the whole community is valued.

We are applying for funding from trusts & grant making organisations, that support heritage projects, or the installation of modern amenities to buildings for community use. In order to be eligible, we need to ensure at least 60% of the required funds are in place.

The Church of England has no central funds for parish building projects. In fact, as well as meeting our own running costs, our church is required to contribute to Diocesan funds through its Parish Share for clergy salaries and ministry costs of parishes that experience social exclusion and deprivation. Therefore this building and renovation project is to be separately funded through The Making History campaign.

Initial fundraising & awareness campaign

PCC approvesarchitects plans

Seek planningpermissions

Congregationgift day

Launchpublic campaign Invite tenders Place contracts Break ground

New stone floor & under floor heatingRepresentation only

Accessed through South Wall : Toilet Annexe

Modern Lighting & Electrics

Relocated Font

High Quality Audio Visual Facilities

New chairs offer Flexible Layout

North Porch : Glazed Doors

Roof Space cleaned and waxed

Relocated War Memorial & enhanced Remembrance Chapel

Ramps for Accessibility

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Realising the PotentialChanges to our building will create new opportunities to reach out and engage with an even wider cross-section of the local community.

WorshipAn attractive open space that can be adapted for a variety of church services and events.

Pastoral CareA refurbished church will provide a vibrant and inviting hub to extend our home visiting and practical support and care for local residents.

Culture, Heritage & EducationImproved lighting and audio-visual will better showcase our cultural heritage and facilitate participation by all. The use of new digital technologies will encourage more families to explore and enjoy the rich heritage of our church history and learn about the captivating stories connected with it. Delivering curriculum-based learning will complement local school children’s education.

CommunityUnique meeting spaces will create an environment that inspires innovative thinking for local businesses, social enterprise and charities.

The provision of outstanding facilities for the community will secure the long-term future of the building.

How to DonateOur church relies almost entirely on the generosity of our congregation, the Friends of Leatherhead Parish Church and local volunteers. This project will be funded entirely separately to ongoing running costs.

Regular GivingPledge to give a regular sum weekly, monthly or quarterly over the next 2-3 years. You can do this through the Church of England Parish Giving Scheme or your Employer’s Payroll Giving Scheme.

What are you prepared to give up?

Sacrificing the occasional treat soon adds up to a sizeable annual total! 100 people committing £30 per month equates to £36,000 p.a. When gift-aided that’s £45,000.

One off giftMaking a one off gift will go a long way to helping us get match funding from grant making trusts.

Legacy CommitmentsNo matter how large or small every legacy gift makes a significant impact in the maintenance of our spiritual and cultural heritage. Ask about the Church Legacy Service to simplify this process.

Online Giving Give simply and safely online.https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/makinghistory-leatherheadparishchurch

Give as you ShopShop through EasyFundraising. Generate a free donation to support our initiative at no cost to you. https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/leatherheadparish

Flagstone DedicationCelebrate an important family event: a birthday, anniversary, or remember a loved one by placing a lasting dedication beneath a flagstone in the church. (minimum donation £250)

Tax-efficient GivingUK taxpayers can increase their giving (at no additional cost) by using the Gift Aid Scheme. For every £1 given, 25p can be claimed back from the Inland Revenue. If appropriate, please fill in the Gift Form.

“Each of you should give what you have

decided in your heart to give,

not reluctantly or under compulsion,

for God loves a cheerful giver.”2 Corinthians 9:7

3 café drinks per week

1 bottle of winea week

1 or 2 take-away meals per month

To reach the targetTotal Required £1,415,000 Raised or promised to date £700,000Estimated from Trust & Grants £100,000Additional church fundraising £50,000 Remaining target £565,000

Gift & Pledge FormSingle Donation * delete as appropriate

I would like to pledge a single gift of £ ______________ now* or on ____/____ (date).

Regular Donation I would like to pledge a regular gift of £ ______________ each week*/month*/quarter* for a period of 2*/3*/4*yrs. commencing on ____/____ (date). Total sum £ _________________

Gift Aid I have already made a Gift Aid declaration in favour of Leatherhead Parish Church PCC. q Yes q No

I wish to make a Gift Aid declaration in respect of my gift mentioned above. q Yes q No

I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my

donations in that tax year, it is my responsibility to pay the difference.

Interest Free Loan I would like to loan the sum of £ _____________ for a period of ______________ years.

Your Details

Name _______________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________

____________________________ Post Code _______________________

email _______________________________________________________

Signature ____________________________________________________

Please make all donations payable to: Leatherhead Parish Church PCCand clearly marked ‘Making History’.

For credit transfers contact the Parish Office for details. Alternatively post this form in a sealed envelope to the Parish Office for the attention of: Treasurer, Parish Church Office, Church Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8BD

Value of Gift Number of Gifts Total + Gift Aid£50,000 1 £50,000 £62,500

£25,000 3 £75,000 £93,750

£10,000 8 £80,000 £100,000

£5,000 12 £60,000 £75,000

£2,500 12 £30,000 £37,500

£500 32 £16,000 £20,000

£250 500 £125,000 £156,250

£100 50 £5,000 £6,250

£50 20 £1,000 £1,250

£10 1000 £10,000 £12,500

£452,000 £565,000

Look how quickly donations add up with tax relief

Significant MilestonesChurch works: floor/heating/electrics/lighting/audio visualToilet AnnexeCatering KitchenTower Rooms including gallery and staircase

Leatherhead Parish ChurchGrowing Disciples of Jesus Christ

Unless otherwise stated, all photographs are © Leatherhead Parish Church.Thanks to Jonty Margetts for the front and back cover images.

“Church is not an organisation you join;

it is a family where you belong,

a home where you are loved...”  Connect with Us

makinghistory@leatherheadparish.com

/leatherheadparish

@lheadparish or #MakingHistory1000

01372 362544

Nicky Gumbel, Anglican Priest & Author

Frequently asked questionsIs the design final? Having consulted extensively we expect the current plans to be final. Aspects of the interior finishes will continue to be refined.

How much will the project cost?The total build cost for church re-ordering and the toilet annexe (including contingencies and measured risks) is £1.4m.

How long will the project last?Total construction time is estimated between 9 and 12 months. The extension can be completed while the church is in use.

How realistic is the timetable for development?We are committed to making these plans a reality. However, we have thought about contingency plans if all the funds are not in place by the required deadlines.

Where will the church meet while the church is closedfor renovation?Services will be held in the Parish Church Hall.

Where can I see detailed drawings?The architectural plans are displayed in the church and on the parish web site.

Why are toilets so important?We want the church to be accessible to everyone. At the moment the elderly and people with disabilities and health issues attend services and events hoping they will not urgently require these facilities. This is unacceptable and a factor in limiting the potential additional usages for the church building.

Leatherhead Parish ChurchGrowing Disciples of Jesus Christ How will the money be raised? Are grants available?

We are initiating a programme of fundraising and seeking funding from several grant-making trusts. However the majority of the funding is expected to come via gifts, pledges and legacies from the congregation and other interested parties within the local community.

Why should individuals and businesses give to this project?4 out of 5 British adults think that churches play an important role for society and are a significant part of the UK’s heritage and history. To ensure that Leatherhead Parish Church is a fit building to offer local people, visitors and tourists comfort, assistance and culturelong into the future it is vital that we invest in modern amenities. We cannot raise sufficient finances without help from all those who recognise the benefits this church brings to our local community.

Can donors make non cash gifts?Yes. The campaign accepts gifts in kind where appropriate andactively encourages offers to fundraise.

How do I know that my gift will only go to the Making Historycampaign?A separate account has been set up to manage the building project funds. All expenditure is subject to a rigorous sign off process to maintain the highest standards of governance. If you prefer you may donate to the Friends of Leatherhead Parish Church. Its constitution restricts it to expenditure on the church fabric.

If you have a question that has not been covered within this brochure please contact a member of the project team listed on our web site www.leatherheadparish.com

LEATHERHEADPARISH CHURCH

MAKINGHISTORYFOR THE NEXT 1000 YEARS

Church Road, Leatherhead, Surrey. KT22 8BDTel: 01372 362544

www.leatherheadparish.com