City Church’s Transformation
St Peter's Church, in the centre of Hereford, is undergoing its biggest transformation since its last makeover in the 1880s. It has been used as a place of worship since at least 1085, and has a long history of engaging with the people of the city. The work has uncovered a rare Norman stone carving and the late 12th century choir stalls will be fully displayed.
The church will have new facilities including, heating, kitchen and disabled access. There will also be a huge increase in space for community use such as two parent and toddler groups, youth work, discussion groups, concerts and other social events. The church attracts people looking for help or guidance in life and there will always be someone on hand. It will also have free access to Wi-Fi!
''Whenever the doors are open, people come in out of curiosity or for help or just for somewhere quiet,' said Reverend Jonathan Coore, the manager of the project. 'Hereford is a wonderful community with a rich diversity of people and we look forward to giving everyone a warm welcome. We want to be fully open and be a blessing to our community,'. The £450,000 project has already started and is due to be completed in April 2012.
There are special events planned to mark the re-opening in early summer 2012. It will also be a venue for the Three Choirs Festival, which will be hosted in Hereford this year. In addition, there will be the regular pattern of church services to which all are welcome. To find out more or even to donate to the project then visit the church website, www.spsj.org.uk or check out their Facebook page.