A church which will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year has received a timely funding boost.
St James the Great in Darlington has received £96,364 from the National Lottery Community Fund, which will breathe new life into its church hall.
The hall is only a few years younger than the church itself, yet it remains a hive of activity. It regularly welcomes community groups, ranging from a youth group to an NHS healthcare programme. It also hosts tap dancing and children’s parties.
But the venue’s floors have suffered due to wear and tear, as well as age-related problems with the joists - and are now desperately in need of an overhaul.
The funding will enable floors to be replaced in hall’s lounge and kitchen, while the kitchen itself will be re-fitted. Another room, known as the Song Room, will also get a new floor, while long-standing issues which caused joists to deteriorate will be addressed.
The project will also see the hall’s stage, which is no longer used, removed to make way for the creation of a large storage area, for the benefit of user groups.
David Warren, churchwarden and treasurer at St James the Great, said: “The parish is deeply grateful for the support of the National Lottery Community Fund and all those who continue to work towards making St James’ a welcoming and well-equipped space for the whole community.
“This significant investment will allow for much needed improvements to the hall, ensuring it continues to serve the community for generations to come.
“Once the refurbishment is complete, the enhanced facilities will provide even greater opportunities for local residents to gather, support one another, and take part in events, groups, and services that enrich life in Albert Hill.”
The church has already replaced the main floor in the hall – thanks to a local campaign which saw £20,000 raised with generous support from the congregation.
Now the remainder of the hall can be brought up to the required standard, and David is looking forward to seeing the facility fulfil its vast potential once again.
“Pre-Covid the lounge was used for senior citizen lunches,” he added. “We’re keen to bring these back and also operate as a warm space, which we have done previously. This refurbishment will give us the confidence to advertise all that we offer and we look forward to welcoming more people to our hall.”