Community room taking shape

Work is progressing well and as planned. The partition for the new room is now in place, and has been plastered, giving a better sense of what the completed project will look like.

Partition wall in place with large aperture to display the stained glass window and let light in.

The new wall has a large aperture which will let in light, and also allow the newly restored stained glass window to to be admired from within the the nave.

Restoration of the stone tracery on the East window is also nearing completion, in readiness for the stained glass to be returned soon.

Restored stone tracery in the east window

The lift platform has also now been installed, which will provide level access for visitors.

Heaton Norris Park Fun Day

Volunteers with the stall in Heaton Norris Park

A great day was enjoyed at the well organised event in August, giving us the chance to tell local people about the ongoing work, proposed opening events in November (dates to be confirmed), and raise some much needed funds. Volunteers dressed in 1850 style costume represented the founder and his wife, Rev John and Catherine Thornton, and were able to talk about the history of the building to those interested.

Research

With trips to archives now complete, there are some last bits of information gathering before work starts on the booklet. Visitors to the Heritage Open Days tour will also get a preview of the latest information and discoveries.

An intersting find this month – whilst checking on the church’s plans for V.E. Day in 1945, it was discovered that celebrations were dampened by a communication from Stockport Borough Council, which informed the deacons that the Church site would be needed for their redevelopment plans. This included demolishing the building to make way for a new roundabout or road. After having survived a nearby bomb explosion in 1940, it must have particularly upsetting to think that their own council may now ‘finish the job’! Needless to say, the plans thankfully remained in the planning phase only.

Heritage Open Days

There are just a few places left now on the 11am tour on Wednesday 18th September. Tickets are free from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wycliffe-church-heritage-open-days-tour-tickets-64604344333

View from one of Wycliffe’s windows – a Virgin train is about to cross the viaduct

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