Facelift for church is all finished (From Swindon Advertiser)

Facelift for church is all finished

7:30pm Thursday 14th June 2012 in News By Katie Bond

A church has undergone a radical facelift.

This week the Immanuel United Reformed Church in Upham Road saw its newly extended church buildings blessed.

Building work on the project started in November last year and within hours, the old disabled ramp and steps leading to the back premises were no more.

By the end of the first week, the footings were dug and the builders were ready to start the external blockwork.

The Rev Robert Jordan said: “Thanks are due to the great team who sorted out alternate access arrangements and moved furniture ready for the internal reconfiguration to start.

“Thanks too to everyone who kept a smile on their faces during the first few days of what could have been chaos.

“The improved premises were officially handed over a few weeks ago and we have gone from an entrance which was austere and unwelcoming and an uninviting, institutional corridor, to a welcoming entrance, an inviting and comfortable foyer area with wheelchair access to the church and our large garden facing meeting room off the main hall. We’d like to thank all involved in this project – the builders, the building project team, and all those who have raised finance.”

Although most of the work is now complete, the church is still welcoming donations for the building project. Donations can be sent to church treasurer Andrew Hancox c/o Immanuel Church, Upham Road, Swindon, SN3 1DH.