A CHURCH is toasting a host of new and improved facilities, including a modern kitchen, thanks to a £40,000 investment from fund-raising events, grant-aid and private donations.

Kick-started in 2017 with a successful music festival, fund-raising efforts at Lydbrook Church have included coffee mornings, raffles and events like the annual flower and Christmas tree festivals.

“The old kitchen was basically just a sink and some wall sockets, and the toilet facilities were dire,” said church warden and fundraiser Val Pittaway.

“Now we have a fantastic, fully-equipped modern kitchen – with three sinks (including a Belfast sink for flowers), a new oven, fridge and microwave – and the diocese lent us the money for a new boiler too.”

The existing toilet facilities have also been upgraded, with a new toilet added, while disabled access to the church has been improved with ramps.

“These improvements are the culmination of a lot of hard work and we’re so very grateful to all who have helped in any way to achieve our aim,” added Val.

“It’s going to make a huge difference.

“Lydbrook has just a small congregation of 30 to 40 people but we like to welcome visitors.

“The improvements will enable us to cater for more events like afternoon teas and a ‘cafe church’ where families can come and have breakfast on Sunday followed by an informal, non-denominational service,” she said.

The success of the project was marked on Sunday, October 27, with a celebratory Harvest Festival ‘Songs of Praise’ followed by a dedication ceremony.

The next target is to provide a servery inside the church and an accessible outside courtyard.