Potential Options for St Botolph’s
We have kept an open mind on exactly what new community activities can be accommodated in the building alongside church services. But we believe any of the following may be suitable and are aware of examples of these working elsewhere:
Objectives underpinning the future developments at St Botolph’s
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To secure the future of St Botolph’s as a place of Christian worship. This includes regular church services and celebrations of festivals in the church calendar as well as marking key life events for local families such as christenings, confirmations, weddings and funerals. We aim to attract new members of the congregation across all age groups.
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To preserve the historic building whilst at the same time enhancing the amenities on the site for its future use as both a church and community hub. We have been inspired by the examples introduced to us by Jeremy Chadburn and described in the ‘Crossing the Threshold’ toolkit.
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To consult the local community to reflect the wishes of the residents of Aspley Guise parish and surrounding district. Our aim is to introduce complementary activities at St Botolph’s which bring real benefit and social impact.
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To introduce and recruit new volunteers to help set up and run the chosen community activities. We are looking for committed new volunteers who are not necessarily seeking to join our Christian congregation.
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To develop a sustainable funding plan to attract the necessary capital investment and cover the future operating costs of the church and community hub activities. We are looking to secure the long-term viability of St Botolph’s for the benefit of future generations.
The St Botolph’s PCC has agreed the critical objectives for the Review Team to frame our research into broadening the use of the church building for the benefit of the local community.
These are: