Makeover


As we look towards the future of the Church we are now progressing a makeover of the building to allow us to move fully into the 21st Century.  This comprises of three main elements -

  • Heating system throughout the building replaced and new windows installed where able
  • The development of the sanctuary, replacing ground floor pews and extending the chancel as well as addressing heating; lighting; audio/visual equipment plus decoration
  • Restoration/Replacement of the Organ


For information on how this project is going see the latest update below.


Makeover Project – Forward for Jesus – End of January 2012 Update

Halls:

Additional work in the halls area is included within the overall contract for the sanctuary. This relates to fire doors, ramps, electrical upgrade, emergency lighting etc. With tenders returned and funding checked we are able to carry out this work. There will also be electrical upgrade work to Artie & Mabel’s flat.

Sanctuary:

Seats: Thank you to all for the most helpful feedback as regards our seat selection process. Clearly we cannot please everyone but we will strive to buy a chair that is acceptable. Our Congregational Board will decide. The biggest majority of responses favoured a red rather than a blue carpet/seat but there was strong feeling against the colour being too bright. We will liaise with carpet and seat suppliers to see if we can secure a richer, more burgundy, shade.

Mr George Waterston, our Consultant Architect, and his team secured tenders from 5 of the 6 contractors invited to bid for the overall work. The three lowest tenders were checked in detail and a recommendation made that we accept the tender submitted by Braidwood and Company of Blantyre who will be the main contractor. Specialist sub-contractors will be employed for areas such as Audio/Visual installation.

The contract envisages a 12 week duration for works during which time the large hall will be used for Sunday worship.

The checking of the tenders confirms that the overall estimates prepared for the work were reasonably accurate and, with the various funding sources, will allow the job as envisaged to proceed. The Joint Meeting of the Kirk Session and Congregational Board on 15 December unanimously approved the way forward.

A Building Warrant for the works has been secured from North Lanarkshire Council. Application, with tender details, has been made to the major funders and permission has now been given to proceed.

Arrangements are being made for a start on site in the week beginning 13 February. This gives us a week to clear out the sanctuary following the Communion Service on 5 February.

While work progresses the sanctuary will, of course, be out of bounds but all other areas will remain accessible. When work is to be carried out in the halls area Janette Black will liaise with organisations regarding any concerns. We are assured there will be minimal disruption.

It would be most helpful if, during the contract, all took great care around the building as vans will be coming and going. It would be particularly helpful, during the contract, if car users would avoid bringing vehicles into the church grounds if possible. Thank you.

Organ:

Gerhard Walcker and his team have removed the console plus the internal workings from one half of the organ. These are in the workshop for overhaul. Herr Walcker confirms that all is progressing well with the restoration work and anticipates returning from Germany in June to commence the reinstallation and tuning work which will take until September/October.

Thanks

A huge word of thanks must go to all who are working so hard and supporting the Makeover Project in any way including all who are donating and purchasing at the weekly Makeover Table. Since the launch of the project in the spring/early summer last year a wonderful total of over £280,000 has either been collected of pledged towards the various appeals.

More events are planned including a Fashion Show and a visit from Shine Youth Theatre Group next year and a Table Top Sale (10 March). The Ceilidh on 7th January was again a huge success with £472 raised for the organ restoration fund. Well done and thanks.

Continuity

Derek and Crawford are overseeing plans to ensure that our worship of the Lord can continue without interruption during this time.

Mission Hall

To help us close the funding gap it would be particularly helpful if the sale of the Mission Hall went ahead. An offer for the sale of the hall has been accepted by the General Trustees. We await details as to whether this offer reaches a satisfactory conclusion. Things are now progressing and a survey of the hall has now been carried out. We hope that the Legal Section at Edinburgh will be able to conclude the sale soon.

Recommendation

The Kirk Session and Congregational Board are asked to note progress being made in the various phases of the Makeover Project – Forward for Jesus.

Douglas Graham  and  Alex Baird  ( End January 2012)