Month: May 2016

Goodbye to the old hall

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It has been a weekend of celebrations at St Thomas’ Church.
Firstly, we had a party to celebrate the old church hall ahead of it’s closure for redevelopment. This involved an (indoor) barbecue by “the men” (it was raining heavily), a beetle drive lead by Eileen, and a quiz lead by Brian, and suitable “goodbye” songs chosen by David Price. The food was plentiful (as ever), and the atmosphere joyful.

The various groups who regularly use the hall have painted messages on the old walls- “Messy Church” started the process, but the Mothers’ Union were quick to follow!

We are grateful for the wonderful resource that the old hall has been for some time over a hundred years. We are also thankful for the money that’s been raised for our new hall, and we will go forward in faith and trust for the future.

The next day in church, Tudor Lewis, who was one of the initiators in the new hall project, was presented with a special award in recognition and gratitude for his service to St Thomas’ in various rôles over several decades.

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Contracts signed for new hall!

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Rev David McGladdery signs the contract for the new hall
Rev David McGladdery signs the contract with Mike Gwilliam, accompanied by church wardens Jane Stone and Sue White.
Steve Martin and Bill Leddington with contractor Mike Gwilliam
Steve Martin and Bill Leddington view the plans with contractor Mike Gwilliam

The contracts for a new hall in Overmonnow have now been signed with MG Contractors Ltd of Coleford.

Many years since planning first started to redevelop St Thomas’ Church Hall, work is now expected to start in July, following the award of a grant of £340,000 from the Welsh Government, further fundraising, grants from several trusts and many donations.

The building work will take until April or May 2017 and once completed we will then need to make sure the hall is fully equipped and ready and we will continue fundraising towards all the fixture, fittings and finishing work.

To prepare for the work the hall will close on Sunday 29th May and there will be no further activities in the hall until it is re-opened next year (we hope it will be about Easter-time). All groups have been asked to remove everything they store at the hall. We will sell some items that are no longer needed and dispose of everything else. We have furniture, fridge, dishwasher, microwaves, chairs etc. to go.

  • Sat 21 May: Goodbye Hall – Bring & Share Supper with games, beetle drive etc. Come and enjoy food, fellowship and fun in the hall.

Once closed we will complete the removal of all items and we are looking for storage space for some items including a electric piano, office equipment and kitchen items.

What’s it all for?

The redevelopment of the hall will include giving a new entrance courtyard and a new side entrance. The main hall will be extended and a new first floor prayer/quiet room added. There will be new toilets and the changes will enable three or four activities to go on at the same time.

However, the purpose is not primarily to improve the facilities for our ‘after church coffee’ but to enable us to help tackle poverty, to provide support for those who are isolated, and to serve the local community.

Plant Sale Great Success

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The plant sale on Monnow Bridge has so far raised over £350 towards St Thomas’ Hall redevelopment. Many thanks to all who bought plants, and to Steve and all the growers!

The next fundraising event will be coffee morning at Monmouth Priory on 11 June. Join us for tea, coffee, home made cakes and stalls.st-thomas-plant-sale-1
Plant sale on Monnow Bridge