Planned renovations aim to breathe new life into ancient Swindon church

By Jessica Durston - 19 April 2022

CommunityHeritage
  • All Saints Church at Lydiard

    All Saints Church at Lydiard

The All Saints church in Lydiard Millicent is due to undergo some renovations to make the space fit for the 21st century.

  • Plans for the All Saints Church

    Plans for the All Saints Church

The All Saints church in Lydiard Millicent was built during the 11th century.

The parish says times have changed and over the centuries many structural, decorative and interior alterations were made and now a new makeover is in view.

All Saints vicar, Revd Tudor Roberts said: “The aim is to make the church a space that is truly fit for the 21st century, both for worship and as a resource for the community.”

A “reordering” committee has been consulting with Bristol Diocese and developing plans with architects. Mr Roberts said the plans will make the building more flexible.

Some of these plans include replacing Victorian pews with movable seating, installing a servery for refreshments, and making the building more accessible and comfortable with a single floor level, underfloor heating and an interior toilet.

Mr Roberts added: “We believe that these and other innovations will make the space a more attractive and welcoming space for all.

“We are already receiving a very enthusiastic response from some of the groups that already use the church and a positive interest from others who see the potential.”

In addition to the changes within the building, essential work is needed to replace the Nave roof, covering the central area of the church, to future-proof it for another 100 years.

The church parish not only serves the village but encompasses Peatmoor, Sparcells, Common Platt, Lydiard Green, Greenhill and Greatfield - a population of 4,700.

An open meeting on 26 March heard from a representative of architects Benjamin and Beauchamp, and from members of the reordering team which includes a civil engineer and a member experienced in the reordering project at St Mary’s Lydiard Tregoze.

Details of the project can be viewed on the church website at www.allsaints-online.org.uk

Architects’ plans and information are on display in the church building which is open daily from 9.00am - 4.30pm.

The All Saints congregation will look to contribute to the costs, will apply to funding bodies, local businesses and charities, and will welcome donations from the local community.

Your Comments

Be the first to comment on this article

Login or Register to post a comment on this article

Subscribe to The Link

Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027, Positive Media Group, Old Bank House, 5 Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4BJ