New home for our old pews

Members may recollect that the PCC sold the old church pews to St John the Baptist Church in Ulgham (pronounced Uffham) in Northumberland for a nominal sum. The introduction having been made by Chris Downes architect for both church projects. St Johns is a small village church of Saxon origins.

It was seriously in need of renovation with the pine wood floor and pews in a rotten and dangerous state. Purchase of our oak pews kick started their efforts to find the funding and commence the renovation work. St Johns is a Grade 2 listed building and was able to obtain a grant of £70,000 from the Millennium Commission. The work was completed by early December 2009 and the dedication formed part of the communion service at Candlemas.

Joyce and I were invited to the service and a parish lunch. We were absolutely thrilled to see the magnificence of the internal building with its oak beamed ceiling, stone walls and stained glass windows enhanced by our lovely oak pews. They fitted so perfectly without any alteration that they appeared to have always been in situ. It's great to know that the pews which served St Cuthbert's so well for nearly 100 years and ourselves for nearly 40 years have found a final resting place in another beautiful church.

-- Alan Moore

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